Lipstick For Locks

Over the years, I’ve swiped a few items from my wife’s makeup kit in the service of my craft. I’m particularly fond of lipstick, which I keep in my toolbox for marking lock mortise locations in door jambs. For example, after installing a deadbolt in a door and attaching the door stop, I wipe the lipstick (I prefer “Midnight Passion”) across the end of the bolt. I retract it, close the door, and then throw the bolt, letting it kiss the door jamb to indicate the best placement for the bolt mortise and striker plate.

 —Paul Anthony, senior editor
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