Fitting a Watchman to an uneven door and frame

Updated on Oct 12, 2026

The two Watchman brackets need to align when the door is closed, with each bracket securely supported against sound timber.

Check the door before drilling

Close the door normally and hold the brackets in their intended positions. Check the difference in level between the door and frame, and whether raised trim prevents either bracket from sitting correctly. Also check that the intended padlock can be inserted and operated.

Can I pack one bracket forward?

For a small difference in surface level, suitable metal packing may provide a solution. The packing and fixings must still leave the bracket securely supported; do not leave it bridging an unsupported gap.

A large wooden spacer can create a weaker point in the installation and should not be assumed to provide equivalent security to fixing close to the sound timber surface.

What if raised trim is in the way?

A different mounting position or carefully prepared mounting area may be needed. Contact us before cutting timber: decorative trim and structural parts of the door or frame need different treatment. However many owners have successfully cut a small section of the trim around their shed frame in order to accommodate the Watchman.

Send us photos showing the closed door, frame and size of the offset. We can advise on the particular arrangement rather than suggest a universal spacer for every shed.

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