Drilling templates: The clever mounting aid for lever handles and hinges
A drilling template guides the drill safely, saves time and prevents drilling errors. This allows you to achieve precise alignment and a visible increase in quality - with every installation.
Why drilling templates?
Templates specify drilling points and make the work repeatable. They drill precisely, set screws flat and avoid tear-outs. This saves time and material and visibly improves the result. Those who work with templates reliably deliver high quality. You will notice this immediately from the fit of the fittings.
Precision instead of reworking: clean axle and distance dimensions
The template fixes the axes and distances. You position the drill precisely and hit the hole pattern to the millimeter. As a result, rosettes and hinges sit straight and tension-free. This increases durability and haptics. Your door immediately feels more valuable.
Time savings on the construction site & in DIY
You measure less and repeat steps faster. Markings are right first time and you avoid duplicate paths. This reduces the error rate, even under time pressure. In the end, you save not just minutes, but entire appointments. Assembly can be planned.
Less risk: incorrect drilling, tears, crooked rosettes
The guide prevents the drill bit from moving. Adhesive tape and center punches supplement the protection, the template remains the clock generator. Edges fray less and surfaces remain intact. So your work looks clean, even up close.
Stencil types at a glance
For 3-part hinges (cup hinges/front door hinges)
These templates transfer the drilling pattern precisely to the door leaf. They position fasteners with millimeter precision and keep gap dimensions stable. The door later hangs straight and closes cleanly. Pay attention to the specified drilling diameter and depth. Precision pays off twice over here.
For lever handle sets/rosettes (hole patterns BB/PZ/WC, 72/92 mm)
These templates cover 72/92 mm and mark fixings for rosettes or plates. They support BB, PZ and WC, often with clear scales and stops. This allows you to securely fit common fittings. Check the screw spacing of your fitting in advance. This way it fits without reworking.
Material & design (robust plastic templates)
Robust plastics save weight and keep their dimensions. Clear scales, stop edges and non-slip supports make work easier. Choose models with replaceable drill bushes to maintain accuracy for longer. Clean markings regularly. Good care extends the service life.
Selecting the right surgical guide
Door type & leaf material (wood, tubular chipboard; note on glass)
You can easily drill wood and tubular chipboard with the appropriate tip. Never drill glass retrospectively; here you work with pre-drilled holes or clamping solutions. Also check the door thickness and the structure. Adjust the drill bit and stop accordingly. This ensures that the material remains intact.
Determine DIN direction & stop (mirror-inverted drilling patterns)
Pay attention to DIN left or DIN right so that you mirror the drilling pattern correctly. Many templates can be rotated or repositioned for this purpose. Also mark the hinge side with adhesive tape. This way, you won't get anything mixed up on site.
Check lock & hole pattern: 72 vs. 92 mm; BB vs. PZ vs. WC
Measure the distance and determine the type of lock before making the first cut. Apply the template and check the markings in the light. A quick check prevents incorrect hole patterns. Document the values on a photo. This creates clarity when ordering.
Clarify hinge type: 3-part hinge - Drill diameter, spacing
Read the hinge drawing and make a note of the diameter, depth and spacing. Adjust the template precisely and check the fit on the edge. Work in stages if the material requires it. This will prevent tears. The tape will then fit to tenths.
Step-by-step: handle installation with drilling template
Define position: Handle height, center distance, distance to rebate
Mark the handle height to fit ergonomically and determine the center distance. Place the template flush against the rebate and align it plumb. Fix the stop so that nothing slips. Check the marking a second time. This minute will save you an hour later.
Fix template (clamp/tap), center punch drilling points
Secure the template with clamps or high-quality tape. Center punch the points so that the drill does not move. Also use adhesive tape on sensitive surfaces. This produces clean edges. The most precise holes can be made with peace of mind.
Drilling with depth stop, deburring, mounting the fitting
Work with a depth stop and suitable drill bit. Deburr the holes from both sides and thoroughly remove any chips. Mount the rosettes or backplate flat and align the lever handle. Tighten the screws evenly. The handle will then feel snug.
Quality check: Alignment, restoring force, freedom from play
Test the barrel and check the recoil of the trigger. Ensure that the rosettes are aligned throughout. If there is any wobble, check the screws and square. Small corrections are usually sufficient. This keeps the system free of play.
Handle installation with the Griffwerk drilling template
Using the Griffwerk smart2lock drilling template - step by step:
The Griffwerk smart2lock drilling template ensures precise and safe preparation of all necessary drill holes when installing smart2lock door handles.
This is how you proceed:
- Preparation: Put the drilling carriage and template together. Push the drilling slide back as far as it will go in the direction of the narrow end of the template.
- Align: Position the template exactly at the height of the handle hole on the door. To do this, insert the square of the drilling carriage through the existing handle hole in the door.
- Drill: Use a 7 mm drill bit to drill the holes - only drill up to the middle of the door leaf, not all the way through.
- Change sides: Remove the template, reposition it on the opposite side of the door and repeat the process.
All holes are now perfectly prepared - the Griffwerk smart2lock door handle can be installed directly in the next step.
Step-by-step: 3-part hinge installation with drilling template
Transfer drilling pattern, pre-drill in steps, set fastening
Transfer the drilling pattern precisely and work in stages if necessary. Use drill bits with a center point and limit the depth. Use high-quality fasteners and check the fit.
Align belt, observe load capacity, readjust
Hang the door leaf and fine-tune the gap dimension and height. Check the load capacity specifications and check the closing behavior. Adjust the hinges with small turns. After two or three cycles, everything will be in alignment. The adjustment then lasts a long time.
Function test: gap dimension, closing behavior, readjustment
Close and open the door several times at normal speed. Observe the joint pattern, stop and feel. Make minimal adjustments until all transitions are correct. Listen for noises that indicate tension. A quiet door is the best confirmation.
Hinge installation with the Griffwerk drilling template
Preparation for hinge installation with Griffwerk drilling template
The Griffwerk drilling template facilitates precise preparation for the installation of the three-part Griffwerk AXUM door hinges and also serves as a practical screw-on aid.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Loosen the sash section: Unscrew the sash part of the hinge using the template. There is a recess on one side of the template for this purpose, which can be placed precisely over the hinge.
- Positioning: Do not unscrew the hinge completely, but only far enough so that the drilling template can be positioned on the sash section from below. Ensure that the template is aligned exactly vertically on the door.
- Drill the additional hole: Drill another hole in the door through the center hole left out of the template.
- Create depth: After removing the template, re-drill the hole without the guide until a depth of approx. 5 cm is reached.
After precise preparation with the drilling template, the door hinges can be fitted. Precise positioning ensures that the hinges sit securely and guarantee long-lasting and reliable door operation.
Security & special cases
Caution with glass doors: Never drill ESG/VSG
Never drill glass, otherwise you risk breakage. Only use approved clamping solutions or pre-drilled holes. Work with soft underlays and moderate torque. Check the fit again after a few days. Safety comes first.
Old stock: check concealed pipes (electrics, plumbing)
Search for cables with a locating device before you start. Switch off circuits if necessary. Mark no-go zones on the wall. Inform everyone involved so that no one drills there by mistake. This will prevent damage.
Low-dust drilling, safety goggles, torque - professional tips
Use suction and safety goggles and keep the speed suitable for the material. Work without rushing and with sharp tools. Test drill bits for chip formation, blunt tips tear out.
Drilling templates: Common errors & troubleshooting
Hole pattern mixed up (72/92) → Corrective measures
Stop immediately if the hole pattern is not correct. Check whether a long plate covers old holes. Document the error for future planning. Anything else will lead to more damage.
Drill lost/torn out → Step drill, center punch, adhesive tape
Increase the grit and tape the surface. Use step drills and reduce the feed rate. Keep the tool plumb. Small adjustments have a big effect. The edges then look clean.
Handle wobbles → Check clamping screw/square, spring cassette
Tighten the grub screw and check the square. Replace the spring cartridge if necessary. Test the barrel several times.
Care, storage & reuse
Clean stencil, maintain markings, calibration check
Remove chips and dust after each use. Check scales and stops for wear. Replace worn parts in good time. A quick visual check is sufficient. This keeps the template precise.
Marker pens, transport bag
Have spare pins ready. Store the stencil in a padded bag. Avoid heat and pressure so that nothing warps. Label the bag clearly. Then every part will find its place.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about surgical guides
Which drill bits are suitable?
Wood drill with center point, step drills help with thin top layers. Work with a depth stop and a steady hand. This keeps the edges clean.
Do templates for DIN left and DIN right work?
Yes, rotate or mirror the template and use stops for orientation. Also mark the hinge side with tape.
Can I drill holes in Glass doors?
No. Never drill into Glass doors. Use pre-drilled holes or approved clamping fittings. Anything else endangers the Glass.
Can I use a template for different rosette/shield sets?
Yes, if it allows variable spacing. Compare the screw spacing of your set in advance. Then everything will fit on the first try.
Which drilling jig do I need for 72 vs. 92 mm?
A template with adjustable distance. Set 72 mm or 92 mm exactly and check the display twice.
Boron templates from Griffwerk
