Installing a deadbolt is a simple home improvement DIY that you can do to help protect your family’s home. These locks are compatible with most wood, fiberglass, and steel doors. Read on to learn how to install a deadbolt lock.

Before You Begin

Tools You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Installation hardware and template (Included)
• Drill and drill bits
• Hole saw
• Battery (Electronic Locks)

Removing the Existing Deadbolt

Remove the current lock’s screws, pull out the lock and thumb-turn, leaving an empty hole in the door for the new lock.

Purchase Your New Deadbolt

There are a few different kinds of deadbolt locks that you can install yourself. These locks depend on various factors such as custom keying, number of cylinders and locks, and if you want smart features.

Keying Options: These customizable locks give you the option to either use the same key for the deadbolt lock as your door’s knob lock, or to use an entirely different key for the deadbolt. While separate keys are always more secure than just one, it is up to personal preference if you choose to have multiple keys. If you have children, keeping up with multiple keys may be difficult.

Deadbolt Type: The main difference between a single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolt is the number of key entries on the lock. For example, the single cylinder only features one lock on the outside of the door, while the double cylinder has two – one for the outside plus one for the inside. This ensures that in the instance the lock is broken from the outside, there is a second one inside that cannot be reached.

Additionally, if you want to do away with all keys, you could opt for a keyless mechanical lock. These electronic locks feature a keypad and corresponding code that can’t be hacked with a lock-picking kit.

Electronic Options: Combining old school locks with new age technology is a new wave of home protection. Electronic and smart locks give you the ability to sync them with your Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth and your home assistant devices.

Deadbolt Features: Additional electronic deadbolt features including smart phone controlled apps, light up keypads for unlocking in the dark, and remote and temporary access so you can let in the dog sitter even if you’re out of town.

Installing a New Deadbolt

Step 1: Preparing the Door

1. If your door did not previously have a deadbolt, determine where you want to install the deadbolt. A deadbolt lock is typically installed 6 or 12 inches above the key lock (roughly 44 inches from the bottom of the door). Be sure to check the door’s thickness so that it’s compatible with the manufacturer.
2. Using your pencil, make a horizontal line to mark this point across the door to the jamb.
3. To bore the holes, secure the backset on the template. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole where the lock will go.

1. Center the template with the horizontal line you drew earlier.
2. Drill two pilot holes for the screws and temporarily secure the template to the door edge. You will use these screw holes later.
3. Use a hole saw to drill the hole for the body of the lock

Tip!

To prevent the door from splintering, drill halfway through the door on one side, then the rest from the other.

1. Using the 1” hole drill saw, make the hole on the door’s edge for the deadbolt lock
2. Slide the deadbolt into the hole and trace around the edge of the faceplate

Step 2: Preparing the Door Jamb

1. Addressing the door jamb at the previously made pencil mark, drill two intersecting holes. Be sure to drill deep enough that the deadbolt can fully extend.

1. Place the lock’s strike against the hole and trace around it.
2. Mark the screw holes and drill pilot holes for the screws.

Step 3: Installing the Hardware

1. Slide the lock into the hole facing up and secure the faceplate with screws in the pilot holes you made earlier.
2. Be sure to retract the deadbolt into the door.

Electronic Installation

If your lock is electronic, this is when you install the keypad. From the outside of the door, slide the keypad through the deadbolt and from inside the door, and secure with the mounting plate. Connect the cable, then the battery. Attach the thumb-turn on the inside of the door.

1. Secure the strike in the place made on the door jamb, and secure with the strike screws.
2. Be sure to check that the deadbolt fully extends.

Installing a deadbolt to your doors is a simple home improvement project that provides invaluable peace of mind. Now that you know how to install a deadbolt, check out all we have to offer.