Black & Decker 79-362 HCS Door Lock Installation Kit

by Black & Decker

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Replace locks quickly and easily with this installation kit from Black & Decker. Featuring a rack and pinion system that you can operate with just one hand, the 79-362 is compatible with any door with a width that measures between 1-3/8 to 2-3/8 inches. It also can be used with all latch bore face plate styles and both standard backsets. Most importantly, this user-friendly kit allows for straightforward installation: just tighten the guide on the door with your hand, drill holes with the included hole saw (making holes in even heavy doors, like wood fire doors, is no problem), and put in the new lock. It's that simple! The included directions also make sure you stay on-track.

Product Description

Complete kit includes everything needed to install a door lock. Fast clean cuts through wood. One handed rack and pinion system. Works with all doors 1-3/8" to 2-3/8", and with both standard backsets.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 3.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002ZU7CO
• Item model number: 79-362
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,538 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For small DIY, this works great!, May 26, 2008

By 

JD "JD" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker 79-362 HCS Door Lock Installation Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

So, I read the existing reviews on the product and thought why not give it a shot. For a few dollars, it would be worth it if it worked, and not too big a loss if it didn't (my local hardware store would've taken the return).

First let's start with the premise that this tool will not appeal to someone who has a whole house of new doors that need new hardware, but to the person who has one or two locks they want to install themselves. Anyone starting a DIY project as a non-professional should not expect perfection in any of there projects, it just doesn't make sense to expect perfection if you don't do it for a living.

Second, any and every DIY project requires a bit of patience, and a lot of reading manuals and measuring twice (or thrice) to cut once.

That said, this tool does exactly what it advertises. Sure, it is a little flimsy, and I wouldn't drive my truck over it, but it isn't a bridge. It's a guide for a drill bit, pure and simple. It is essentially a glorified paper template. You still have to hold the drill at a 90-degree angle in two axes to make a square hole, but this helps you get started. You have to be gentle with it, but it does clamp in place and hold well if you are firm, but gentle.

Also, if you follow the instructions - which it doesn't seem like one of the other reviewers may have done - you are supposed to start the main hole on one side, and when the guide bit pops through the other side of the door, switch sides using the guide hole from the back. This helps reduce potential splintering on the door (as described in the manual) as well as complete your hole just fine.

This system is a guide/template, not a jig welded together meant to withstand brute physical force. Think finesse, not strength - a layup, not a dunk.

So, if you are expecting perfection, and are not patient, do not read manuals, and think inexpensive hardware products should provide high-end results -- you should consider hiring a locksmith.

If, like me, you are willing to come out with a 90-100% solution based on a little patience, and are only planning on using this product a few times during the length of your stay in your home, this is for you.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I thought it worked GREAT!, October 24, 2007

By 

Blondie59 (EGV IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker 79-362 HCS Door Lock Installation Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

Wow, after reading the previous two reviews, I certainly never would have bought this product. However, fortunately, I owned the item long before I saw those reviews. I got mine at Wally-World when I was desperately in need of something to help me replace the door locks at my cottage. This thing was AWESOME! I had NO problems with using it or the quality or the design. I used it to install four door locks in 100 year old wood. All of the holes were perfectly placed (that includes the large ones for the handle mechanisms and the small ones for the latches) and all the door hardware fit correctly on the first try. I used it again for four locks at home and had no problems there either. Drilled through wooden fire doors with no trouble. I HIGHLY recommend this product!

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Junk, April 5, 2010

By 

kznny (Long Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker 79-362 HCS Door Lock Installation Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

Look elsewhere. I don't want to waste my time writing an in depth negative review, because this ineffective device has wasted enough of my time. I am an average handyman and this is a vastly below average tool. There probably is something better out there.