Fitting a Adams rite to a metal door

[blade2174]

Hi all , i have just fitted some adams rite lock cases to a few metal doors for one of my clients , my question is do you use a jig when cutting the forend holes or measure, drill the corners and jigsaw it out , i did the latter and wondered if there are any tools that will make the job a little quicker?
i know souber do a Ali cutter for their lock jig and wondered how good they are ?
as always all answers gratefully recieved
and a merry Christmas to you all

[gotta]

I've always used the faceplate for a template, then cut out with a jigsaw and Dremel. Holesaw for the through bore. I've seen the jigs, wasn't really thrilled.

[Beyond]

Haha, installed two of these today. I use a combination of jigsaw and drill bits.

What I do to start is drill 3-4 holes about 1/18th an inch apart along my template line (although I don't use a template, I just couldn't think of a better term). Then I take my drill and place it back in each hole and rotate it left or right to clear the spacing between each hole.

From there, I will have about an inch or more of clear space, enough for my jigsaw to start the work. From there, I can usually finish it with the jigsaw.

Hopes that makes sense.

[maxxx]

If you install these locks for a living, do yourself a favor and get a jig and a router with the proper carbide bit. How many jig saw blades did you break? How often did the jig saw buck, hang up and just buzz like a big fat bumblebee? You will be done in ten minutes and you dont have to buy jig saw blades in the ten packs for one slot.

Bet those corners looked sweet.

[bril422]

I've always used the faceplate for a template, then cut out with a jigsaw and Dremel. Holesaw for the through bore. I've seen the jigs, wasn't really thrilled.

Thats what i do faceplate for the template then drill three holes just inside each corner.Jig saw it out just inside the line .Then power file it up to the line very carefuly but not right up to the corners .Do the corners with a small hand file.And keep trying the faceplate in to garrantee a nice job.A good tip is when you take the aliminium cut out away always stick a bit rolled up plastic down the door cavity so when trying the faceplate in you dont loss it down inside the door cavity it also will stop you losing the fixing clips and screws as i have been there.Then do the cylinder holes with a holesaw.Make sure that jigsaw blade is not to long as that may cause damage to the glass if it bangs up against the inside of the door while starting to do the cut out.To be honest not a lot of people would go anywhere near aliminium doors.Because once the holes are cut there is no turning back like wood doors filler ect.But then again have a glance at some shop doors when passing there are some poor ones believe me. You dont realise how poor some of them are.