A deadbolt lock makes your home safer and more secure. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through a deadbolt installation and make installing or replacing a door lock easy.

To increase the safety of your home, people are jumping on the smart lock trends and biometric virtual keyless entry system hype.

But one of the simplest, cheapest, and most efficient measures you can take to protect your home is to install a heavy-duty deadbolt.

This blog will tell you everything you need to know about how to install a Deadbolt Lock.

Types of Deadbolt Locks

First, let’s look at some common types of deadbolt locks suitable for various types of doors:

Single Deadbolt

This is an easy, single-cylinder deadbolt operated from the outside with a key and from the inside by turning a thumb-turn that locks and unlocks the deadbolt.

Double Deadbolt

This type is a double-cylinder deadbolt that needs a key to either lock or unlock it from both within and outside.

These types are best placed near a window, where a person could break the window to unlock the deadbolt manually. However, double deadlocks may be dangerous in case of an emergency.

Vertical Deadbolt

This type features a vertically mounted locking mechanism on the inside face of the door and frame. Deadbolts that are full-length tend to be bulkier but provide better security than standard deadbolts.

Smart Deadbolt

This is an electric deadbolt lock that you can operate through your smartphone. This is basically how to unlock a door without a key if you take advantage of advanced technologies.

Keyless locks are just as good and durable as a single deadbolt but are the most expensive option.

Latest Read: How to Remove Scratches from A Car: A Simple Guide

Tools and Materials Required to Install The Deadbolt Lock

Tools

• Tape measure
  
  
• Tape
  
  
• Electric drill
  
  
• 1/8-inch hole saw
  
  
• 1-inch spade bit
  
  
• Philips-head screwdriver
  
  
• Chisel
  
  
• Pencil
  
  
• Lubricant

Materials

• Deadbolt
  
  
• Batteries (for an Electronic Lock)
  
  
• Lockset Template (Included With Most Deadbolts)

Step-by-Step Guide on Installing a Deadbolt Lock

Follow these steps to install a Deadbolt Lock perfectly:

Step 1: Remove the Existing Deadbolt

Remove your deadbolt by unscrewing it on your door. Remove the lock and thumb turn assembly first, then remove the deadbolt. Skip to step five at this point since you do not have to decide where to mount it or drill holes.

Step 2: Mark the Deadbolt Placement

Deadbolts are usually installed 6 to 12 inches above the doorknob or lever or roughly 44 inches from the bottom of the door.

Use your tape measure to mark the spot on the edge of the door and draw a line on the interior part of the door, designating where you will install the deadbolt.

Mark the same spot on the frame using the same measurements.

Step 3: Paper Template Placement

Nearly all deadbolts have a paper template that you can use to mark where the recommended backset (distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole to be drilled) should be.

You can do this either by taping this template directly onto the door at the horizontal line you marked in step one or by simply reading the recommended distances and marking them without the template.

Step 4: Drill Lock Hole

Align the center of the hole saw with the recommended backset mark. Now, use the 2 1/8-inch hole saw to drill out a cylinder hole.

When the pilot bit of the hole saw begins to poke through the opposite side of the door, flip it over and finish drilling from the other side. The cylinder hole will prevent chipping or splitting.

Step 5: Drill Latch Bolt Hole

Screw on a 1-inch spade bit to your drill. Use this to drill a round hole into the edge of the door that cuts across the larger lock hole directly in the center.

Step 6: Install Faceplate

Cut a 1/8-inch-deep mortise with a chisel and hammer so that the faceplate can sit flush with the door. Next, insert the faceplate and bolt into the mortise with the bolt pointing in the proper direction and attach by screws.

If desired, you may lubricate the moving parts of this joint at this point for easier access.

Step 7: Insert the Latch Bolt

This step requires you to insert the latch bolt and push the lock portion through the hole so that the tailpiece extends through it.

The holes for the screws should be aligned with the exterior so that you can fasten both sides together.

Step 8: Install the Door Jamb

Close the door, and with the latch bolt and faceplate installed, mark where the bolt meets the frame. This can be done with a pencil or even lipstick, depending on a person’s preference - some professionals like to use that.

Then, trace a cut a mortise on the door jamb using the strike plate as a template. Using your spade bit, drill a hole in the center of the mortise. Once you make the hole, screw the strike plate into place.

Step 9: Test the Lock

Now, get to that testing. Simply close the door and try to turn the lock into place. If it doesn’t easily latch, adjust the screws until it will.

Recommended Read: How to Choose the Right Swipe Card Entry Systems for Your Needs

Is it Better to Install Deadbolt Yourself or Hire a Professional Locksmith?

A deadbolt can be installed by a local locksmith for between ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 5,000 without including the cost of the deadbolt itself.

But for some homeowners, the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional is well worth the added cost.

If you're unsure about doing the installation yourself or lack the right tools, hiring a professional locksmith is a great choice. It will ensure safety and prevent damage to your door or the new deadbolt lock.

Keyenzy is one such platform where you can get 24*7 locksmith services and key makers near you by just filling out a quick form.

Most deadbolts come with an installation template, making it a straightforward DIY project for semi-handy homeowners. Given this, you might want to give it a try and then take a call on whether to hire professionals if needed.

Conclusion

Installing a deadbolt lock can be a satisfying DIY project, offering an affordable way to enhance your home's security.

However, for those who prefer a hassle-free, professional installation, Keyenzy provides 24*7 emergency locksmith services to meet all your needs.

Whether you're interested in smart lock installation for added convenience, an access control systems service for advanced security, or simply need a home keys maker service for spare keys, our team is here to help.

Visit Keyenzy to explore our services and schedule assistance with just a few clicks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can You Install a Deadbolt Yourself?

Ans: Yes, if you have the proper tools, you can install a deadbolt lock yourself. It may require some measurements, but usually, that should be a fairly simple installation. This makes for a nice beginner DIY project. You can then go on to use the skills and techniques learned in other home improvement projects.

Q. How Long Does it Take to Install a Deadbolt?

Ans: Usually, it might take between one to two hours. Another thing you should consider is that you will have your door open for quite a while, so be mindful of the weather, children, pets, etc.

Q. Where is the lock block on a hollow door?

Ans: The lock block should be either along the side of the door or vertical, running from top to bottom. There should be a mark showing where it is. You can also tap the door with the back of a screwdriver to locate the lock block, which would be like locating a stud in a wall.

Q. What is the cost of a deadbolt lock installation?

Ans: It may cost you between ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the security level and technical features.