The Baldwin Ashton two-point locking system is a high-quality mechanical door security solution designed for residential and commercial entry doors in the United States. This system provides enhanced security through a dual-point locking mechanism that includes a lever-operated latch and a hardened steel deadbolt. The installation process involves precise door preparation, component alignment, and secure fastening to ensure smooth operation and long-term durability.
This article provides a detailed technical overview of the installation process, key hardware specifications, compatibility considerations, and manufacturer recommendations for the Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset. All information is derived from official installation guides, manufacturer FAQs, and technical documentation provided by Baldwin Hardware Corporation.
Understanding the Baldwin Ashton Two-Point Locking System
The Baldwin Ashton two-point locking system combines a lever-style latch with a separate deadbolt into a single, integrated door lockset. This system operates using two key mechanisms:
- Exterior Thumb Piece: A thumb lever on the exterior side of the door that retracts the latch assembly.
- Interior Lever: A handed lever on the interior side of the door that retracts the deadbolt when engaged.
The system is designed to accommodate standard door preparations, including a 2-1/8" cross bore for the latch and deadbolt mechanisms. It supports both 2-3/8" and 2-3/4" backset measurements, making it adaptable to a wide range of door configurations. The deadbolt incorporates a hardened steel roll pin, which resists cutting and sawing attacks, offering an added layer of security.
The system is available in multiple configurations, including 17 different finish options, and can be ordered with either knobs or levers to match existing interior hardware. It is manufactured from forged brass and features hand-finished components, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing installation.
Preparing the Door for Installation
Proper door preparation is critical for a successful installation of the Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset. The following steps are recommended:
Measure and Mark the Bore Holes: The door must be prepared with two cross bore holes—one for the latch and one for the deadbolt. The upper hole accommodates the latch bolt and exterior subassembly (including the lock cylinder), while the lower hole connects to the interior lever. The standard bore hole size is 2-1/8", and the center-to-center spacing between the handle grip and the deadbolt should be 5-1/2". If the existing door prep does not meet these specifications, a sectional handle set or deadbolt may be required.
Drill the Edge Bore and Face Bore: A 1" diameter edge bore and a 2-1/8" face bore must be drilled at the appropriate height (typically 40" from the floor). The edge bore allows the latch to extend through the door edge, while the face bore accommodates the handle and cylinder. Before drilling, ensure the template provided with the lockset is correctly aligned and folded along the designated line.
Chisel the Latch Slot: After the edge bore is drilled, the area should be chiseled out to a depth of 5/32" or until the faceplate is flush with the door edge. This creates a recess for the latch mechanism and ensures smooth operation.
Mark and Drill Pilot Holes: Once the latch is inserted into the edge of the door, the screw hole centers should be marked and 1/8" pilot holes drilled. This allows for the secure attachment of the latch to the door.
Verify Clearance for the Spindle and Mechanism: The spindle must be long enough to accommodate both the exterior and interior subassemblies. The wave washer and thimble are used to secure the spindle and escutcheon, ensuring proper alignment and plumb positioning.
Step-by-Step Installation of the Baldwin Ashton Two-Point Lockset
The installation process for the Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset involves assembling and securing the exterior and interior components in a specific sequence to ensure proper function and durability. The following steps are outlined in the official installation instructions:
Install the Exterior Subassembly:
- Begin by inserting the exterior subassembly into the door.
- Ensure the thumb piece retracts the latch assembly smoothly.
- Secure the exterior subassembly using a #10-32 x 2-1/2" screw from the interior side of the door.
Install the Interior Subassembly:
- Place the interior subassembly onto the door and secure it using three mounting screws.
- Test the operation of the handleset to confirm that the latch and deadbolt move freely without resistance.
Attach the Spindle and Escutcheon:
- Slide the wave washer onto the spindle.
- Position the escutcheon onto the interior subassembly and secure it using the thimble.
- The thimble screws onto the threaded sleeve over the interior spindle and should be aligned to ensure the escutcheon is plumb to the deadbolt.
- Secure the escutcheon using #6-32 x 7/16" mounting screws.
Mount the Lever and Secure the Spindle:
- Slide the lever onto the spindle and secure it using a setscrew.
- Test the operation of the lever to ensure it engages the deadbolt correctly.
Attach the Screw Cover:
- Thread the screw cover onto the screw base to conceal the fastening hardware and complete the installation.
Test the Lockset:
- After all components are secured, test the operation of the handleset. The thumb piece should retract the latch, and the interior lever should engage the deadbolt. Ensure both mechanisms operate smoothly without binding or misalignment.
Compatibility and Configuration Options
The Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset is designed to be compatible with a variety of door types, including solid wood, metal-sheathed, and pre-routed entry doors. It can be installed on doors with a minimum center-to-center spacing of 5-1/2" between the handle grip and deadbolt. If the existing door prep does not meet this requirement, a sectional handle set or deadbolt may be necessary.
The lockset supports multiple hardware configurations, including:
- Handle Styles: Available in lever or knob styles.
- Finish Options: 17 different finish choices to match existing interior hardware.
- Keyway Options: The standard keyway for Estate and Reserve lines is the C-keyway, while the Prestige line is only available with the Smart KW1 keyway.
- Handing Options: Doors can be identified as left-hand or right-hand based on the location of the hinges when viewed from the exterior. A right-hand door has hinges on the right side, while a left-hand door has hinges on the left side.
For doors with non-standard configurations, Baldwin recommends consulting a certified locksmith or door company to ensure compatibility and proper installation.
Security Features and Design Considerations
The Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset includes several security-enhancing design features that make it a preferred choice for high-security entry doors:
- Hardened Steel Roll Pin in Deadbolt: The deadbolt contains a hardened steel roll pin that resists cutting and sawing attacks. A saw blade cannot grip the loose roll pin, preventing the bolt from being compromised through forced entry.
- Two-Point Locking Mechanism: The combination of a lever-operated latch and a separate deadbolt provides enhanced resistance to prying and forced entry.
- Forged Brass Construction: The lockset is manufactured from forged brass, offering superior durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Hand-Finished Components: The system is hand-finished to ensure a smooth, consistent appearance and feel, enhancing both security and aesthetics.
These features make the Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset suitable for applications where security and quality are paramount, such as residential entry doors, commercial office doors, and high-traffic entry points.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
While the Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset is designed for long-term durability, periodic maintenance and inspection can help ensure optimal performance. The following maintenance practices are recommended:
- Lubrication of Moving Parts: Apply a dry graphite lubricant to the latch and deadbolt mechanisms to reduce friction and prevent binding.
- Inspection of Screws and Fasteners: Check the mounting screws and spindle setscrews for tightness and replace any worn or damaged components.
- Testing of Operation: Regularly test the operation of the handleset to ensure smooth engagement and disengagement of the latch and deadbolt.
If the lockset experiences resistance or misalignment, the following troubleshooting steps may be helpful:
- Adjust the Backset Measurement: If the latch or deadbolt is not aligning properly with the strike plate, the backset measurement may need to be adjusted.
- Realign the Escutcheon and Spindle: If the escutcheon is not plumb or the lever is misaligned, the thimble and spindle may need to be repositioned.
- Replace Worn Components: If the thumb piece or lever is not functioning correctly, it may need to be replaced or repaired by a qualified locksmith.
For more detailed troubleshooting information, refer to the Baldwin Hardware Corporation FAQ section or contact a certified locksmith for assistance.
Conclusion
The Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset offers a robust, secure, and aesthetically pleasing solution for residential and commercial entry doors in the United States. Its dual-point locking mechanism, forged brass construction, and hardened steel roll pin provide enhanced security against forced entry and tampering. The installation process requires careful preparation, alignment, and fastening of components to ensure smooth operation and long-term durability.
For users considering this system, it is important to verify door compatibility, measure and prepare the door correctly, and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions closely. With proper installation and maintenance, the Baldwin Ashton two-point lockset can provide years of reliable service and added peace of mind for homeowners and business operators alike.