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Installing door latches can be a pain, and truth be known, you likely aren’t replacing your door locks as often as you should. Luckily, Ryobi is trying to turn that into a much easier job with their door latch installation kit called the Latch Mortiser. This kit is a specialized tool designed to eliminate the hassle of traditional door latch chipping and provides an easy template to fit most modern doors. The hammer-driven device creates a precise impression in the wood that is then chipped away with its built-in chisel. The kit includes both rounded and square inserts, which are easily changed out based on what you prefer. It also has two magnetic screwdriver bits, flathead and Phillips, integrated into the handle, making it even more of an all-in-one kit; you’ll just need to add the hammer.

The tool works to first define the latch area by hammering in the guide’s imprint over the exact cutting area. There is an included fence to align the template straight against the door if needed. Then, you’ll flip the tool vertically and use the chisel feature to remove the top and bottom sections with a few more hammer strikes. Unlike freehand chiseling, there is much less risk of uneven depth or splintered edges. For DIYers tackling multiple doors during a home renovation, this $20 tool could save you some labor headaches.

The Ryobi door latch installation kit’s standout feature is its precision. The 90-degree fence guide eliminates the guesswork when trying to measure out a perfect latch hole on the edge of the door. Traditional methods often require exact measurements and test-fitting, but the tool’s guided system helps deliver consistent accuracy. It’s a great way to help prevent common installation flaws when replacing outdated doorknobs, like uneven depths or over-chiseling, which can weaken the door’s structure. The preset cutting depth is nice as well, and there is no more guesswork when it comes to getting the latch to sit flush with the wood.

The durability of the tool itself is another advantage. The hard plastic body is made to withstand repeated hammer strikes without cracking, and the steel cutting edges stay sharp through dozens of uses. One reviewer stated, “I was worried about hitting this plastic tool with a hammer but it showed no signs of distress after installing about [eight] knobs.” (via Amazon) The included screwdriver bits are a nice addition as well. They do clip into the handle, but as with many small bits, they could be easily misplaced.

While certainly helpful for standard installations, the Ryobi door latch kit has its limitations. Non-standard latch sizes may not fit the tool’s specific inserts, forcing you to go back to old-school hand tools. This can quickly come into play when you’re trying to improve your front door security with larger, more advanced latches. Also, the chisel function does need a pre-drilled latch hole to work, so you will have to do some prep before using it. Reviewers have also noted that the chisel bit is prone to breaking off, with one saying, “It’s great they have a tool like this, but with the chisel part being held on by only [two] small screws, it breaks so easily.” (via Ryobi) 

The 90-degree fence, while helpful, isn’t perfect. Doors with uneven edges or existing damage may not be able to utilize the guide effectively, requiring more time for measurements and alignment. The tool will also struggle with harder woods, like oak or hickory, requiring much more force with the hammer. For occasional DIY use, these negatives shouldn’t be an issue, but professionals working with diverse door types might find its versatility limited.