In general, most doors in residential buildings are fitted with a spring-latch type of lock. This is also referred to as a “key-in-knob” lock, which operates with a key inserted directly into a lock in the doorknob. However, this type of lock makes your door an easy-access entry for burglars. A spring-latch lock can be easily tripped with credit card, which can be inserted in between the door and door frame to trip the spring.
To better protect your home, it is highly recommended that you install deadbolts. Since the bolt in deadbolts lock directly into the door frame, it is not easily bypassed by burglars. While installing deadbolts they will not, by themselves, make your home completely burglar-proof, but it can go a long way towards making your home more secure. Installing one can be easily accomplished in a short amount of time, provided that you have the proper tools.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 1 – Purchase the lock
There are many different types of deadbolts, though not all of them are the best option for your home’s security. Choose one with a high security rating, as well as one that meets the security suggestions outlined here. By using these tips, you will be able to avoid purchasing a low-quality lock.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 2 – Collect Your Tools
To properly install the lock, there are a few tools that you will need. The basic tools you will need are as follows:
- Electric Drill
- Hole Saws (Electric Drill Attachment)
- Tape Measure
- Chisel
- Flat or Phillip-Head Screwdriver (depending on the package)
- Hammer
- Pencil
Once you have collected all of these tools, you can open the lock package to begin installation. It should be noted that if you are installing the deadbolt in a steel-plated door, you need to ensure that the hole saws that you will be using are able to cut through steel.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 3 – Use Your Template
Most commercial deadbolts come with a cardboard or paper template that you can use to decide where on your door you need to drill. Place or tape the template over your door, and trace the outline of it (by poking through the paper or cardboard) with a pencil.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 4 – Adjust your Hole Saw
Using the guidelines on your template, adjust the diameter of your hole saw so that it matches the template. Drill a hole through your door where the template has marked. This circular hole will be where you will install the cylinder portion of the deadbolt.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 5 – Drill the Latch Hole
Also using the template, drill a hole that goes through the edge of your door to meet the hole you drilled with the hole saw. This will be the hole for the bolt on the lock.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 6 – Measure the Latch Bolt
Install the latch bolt temporarily, since you will be removing it to chisel the area for the latch bolt plate. Mark the center edge of the latch bolt, so that you can see it when you close the door. After closing the door, mark the doorjamb in the exact area where you made the latch bolt markings. This allows you to have an accurate measurement to use when installing the strike plate.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 7 – Install the Latch Bolt
Mark the area where you installed the plate for your bolt with a pencil. Remove the temporarily installed bolt, using the hammer and chisel to hollow out a shallow depression where you will be installing the latch bolt plate. After this depression is finished, screw the latch bolt plate in, ensuring that its edge is exactly in line with the edge of the door.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 8 – Install the Strike Plate
Using the pencil marks that you made on the door jamb, drill the central hole that will be where the latch bolt slides into the door. Ensure that the hole is free of wood chips, and then install the strike plate directly over the hole.
Installing a Deadbolt Step 9 – You’re Done!
Test the door to ensure that you have installed the bolt and the strike plate in proper alignment.
