Drilling the lock question

[Jerry V Lape]

When drilling the lock bolt for the rear bolt on a German style lock with a separate bolster is it necessary to drill all the way through both the bolster and the lock plate?  Or, would it be enough to drill and tap the bolster only?  I realize it will take a little fitting to get the bolt cut back to just enough to stop close to flush in the bolster but that shouldn't be a real challenge.  I just thought it might be nicer to have one less bolt protruding through the face of a nicely engraved lock plate.   

[Acer Saccharum]

You don't need to go all the way thru the lockplate. I like to drill partially into the plate so I can get some clearance so the lockbolt can fully engage the bolster.

[Bob Roller]

I would go all the way thru the bolster and the plate with the threads
and that way it would give a tighter pull to the lock plate to seat it in
the mortise.

Bob Roller

[Jim Kibler]

I'm with Acer.  With care no need to go clear through.  Nothing wrong with it either, though.  I've seen original work with blind holes in this spot.  If doing this I would go deeper than just the bolster as Acer has suggested,

[flehto]

I drill and tap both the bolster and plate and don't find the bolt tip standing slightly proud of the plate as being an "eyesore" and besides,  it's so easy to shallow drill through both the tap drill  lockbolt holes, remove the lockplate and drill through for the  clearance holes......Fred