So I'm trying to replace the original entrance handleset door lock from my almost 100 year old house and after removing the old lock and patching up the holes. I looked inside the door jamb and realized the inside has nothing for the screw to catch, it's all hollow inside.
The original lock had some kind of metal block installed inside so the screws for the original faceplate had something to adhere to.
So now I have 3 inch screws for my faceplate that has nothing to catch. Is there something I can buy to install it inside the door frame?? Or do I need to somehow stuff wood blocks inside the door frame to install my faceplate?
Best Answer
I know of nothing short of installing something in the wall behind that frame - and oddly your door jamb does not have a stud there for the frame to mount to, as far as I know this has been common for a LONG LONG time.
From a security standpoint sounds like even the old system was there to keep honest weaklings from going rogue.
So you can remove that Jamb and install some framing stud in the back of it , use screws to attach it how you need to so you do not need to cut your wall, other wise you will need to cut that wall to fit and there are a couple options here - cut only at the top and bottom and remove the jamb or cut a piece all the way down and install the stud.