Measuring & Fitting ·

Fitting a Letterplate

by Laura Jones
Here is a step by step guide to fitting your letterplate.

Tools you may need: 

  • Drill
  • Correct drill bits
  • Jigsaw
  • Junior hacksaw
  • Tape measure/ruler
  • Pencil and paper

POSITION AND MEASURE OUT

Firstly work out where you would like the letterplate to be positioned on your door. Panelling and the letterplate size may determine where it can be positioned.
Once you have determined the correct position, mark the centre point of the panel you would like the letterplate to sit within. To find this centre point measure the height of the middle rail (the middle horizontal panel of your door) and mark the midpoint in two places, approximately 35mm apart. Draw a line between these two marks. Next measure the width, and at the centre of the width draw a short vertical line across the previous line. This cross marks the centre.
Now measure the width of the letterplate and on the back mark the centre with pencil. Line up the centre line on the door with the letterplate and draw around the letterplate. Place the flat side against the door to do so making sure the letterplate is level.
Next measure the size of the flap including the spring mechanism and transfer these measurements onto the door. Use a pencil and ruler to make a clear outline - this is the line you will use to cut the hole.
You now need to measure where the fixing holes are positioned on the letterplate and transfer this to the door. Measure from the centre of each fixing hole to get the correct measurement.

HOW TO CUT OUT THE OPENING

Use a 13mm drill bit (or the size of your Jigsaw blade) to drill 4 holes just inside the flap measurements in each corner. You may need to use a smaller drill bit to make a pilot hole first before using the drill bit the same diameter as your Jigsaw blade.

Stop when the drill bit just shows on the other side of the door. You can now use these small holes you can now see on the inside of the door and drill through.

TOP TIP - Drilling from the other side stops the wood from splitting.

Using a jigsaw, cut the hole out for the letterplate. Use the corner drill holes to slide the blade of the jigsaw in and follow the straight line you drew with the ruler. Keep a steady hand and the blade straight. After you have cut along each edge you should be able to push the piece of wood out.
TOP TIP - Lightly sand the edges after to avoid your post or the letterplate flap catching.

DRILL THE BOLT HOLES

Use a drill bit that is the same size as the bolt fixings to drill two holes all the way through the door.

You need to use a drill bit that is the same size as the lug (the bit of raised metal the fixing sits in) to drill halfway into the door insuring you do not go all the way through. This will allow the lug to sit in comfortably and let the letterplate sit flush with the door. If the letterplate does not sit flush you may need to drill the Lug hole a little deeper or wider for the lug to sit correctly.

TOP TIP - Ensure that you drill the hole straight and not at an angle as this will affect the letterplate sitting flat against the door face.

FIT THE LETTERPLATE

Screw the fixing bolts into the lugs as tight as they will go.

Place on the door pushing the bolts through the drilled holes. If the letterplate does not sit flush or you are unable to push the flap open you may need to slightly adjust the cut hole or the drill holes slightly to make the letterplate work as it should. Once it is sitting correctly and the flap opens freely you now need to see it the lengths of the bolts need to be cut to size.

Using the end cap that goes onto the bolt work out where you need to cut the bolt off. Hold it up against the door ensuring the letterplate is pushed tight to the door and mark on the bolt where it will need to be cut. This mark should be made from just below the top of the end cap for a secure fitting.

Use a junor hacksaw to cut the bolt and then attach the nut. Make sure it is screwed tight to keep the letterplate in place, and your letterplate should now fit flush to the door and without any gaps to the edges!

You might also like to read 'Choosing the Correct Size Letterplate and Letter Tidy'

Click here to view our range of letterplates

 

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