How to Install a Deadbolt Lock

You can add security and protection to your home in just an hour by installing a deadbolt lock. Most exterior door locks are standard equipment and while they are attractive and provide some protection, a deadbolt provides the most security since there is ways burglars can bypass the regular locks. A deadbolt lock is better than any other kind of lock since it resists prying, picking, kicking, or jimmying and it is installed on the inside of the door.

Before purchasing a lock, measure door thickness, see if you have a right-handed or left-handed door (you can tell by which side the hinges are on; left-handed is on the left and right-handed is on the right) and whether it opens in or out. With this information, you can tell your salesperson so he can help you pick out the correct lock for your door. He or she can also help you get the correct size drill bits, spade bit, and hole saw you will need to install your lock.

Tools you will need:

Ã?¾” chisel

Hammer

Combination Square

Adjustable hole saw bit or 1 �½ and 1 �¼ hole saw bits

7/8-spade bit

7/8 Forstner bit

1/8 and 3/16 drill bits

Electric drill

Tape measure

Pliers

Awl

Phillips-head screwdriver

Drill Guide

Utility Knife

First you will need to tape the template that came with your lock to the inside edge of the door, following guide lines. Use a straightedge and level to ensure it is placed correctly and perfectly level on the door.

Shut door or wedge firmly. With awl, punch holes for drilling where template indicates for the four screw holes and center of cylinder hole. Use the 1/8 inch drill bit and hold drill straight to drill the 4 screw holes, �¾ inch deep.

Insert the 1 �¼ inch hole saw, or and adjustable hole saw in your drill. Position the center guide in the hole you punched for the cylinder. Hold drill very straight and begin drilling. Use a drill guide or have an assistant help you.

Drill only deep enough for the guide bit to poke through the other side of the door. Then finish drilling from the outside. This prevents splintering from the wood.

Place the cylinder ring around cylinder. Then insert the cylinder and connecting bar into hole from the outside of door. Position key-hole at bottom, trademark at top. Hold cylinder in place.

Position backplate on inside; insert screws through plate into screw holes in cylinder. Plate will sit 1/8 inch from door edge. Connecting bar will extend through hole; break it off.

Set bolt in unlocked position. Fit the connecting bar into its slot on back of bolt. Attach bolt to inside of the door using the screws provided. Check that bolt works from both sides of door.

Set lock strike in bolt in locked position. Mark the vertical measurement on door jamb. Then move the lock strike up so the latch bolts are centered and mark the top and bottom measurements.

Once the lock strike is in line with the lock, check to see if the lock strike needs to be shimmed or mortised into the door jamb, or if it sits correctly on the surface. Mortise if necessary and screw into plate.

*Install your new lock no less than six inches above the existing lock. Check that it will not interfere with the screen or storm door handles.

*When drilling large holes for the cylinder and bolt, it is important to drill straight. Use a drill guide or have an assistant help you out.

*Precise measurement of depth when drilling is also important. Measure and mark the depth on your drill bits and spade bit with masking tape.

*When mortising, pare out thin strips of wood, pushing on the chisel or tapping lightly with a hammer. Check the depth of the mortise frequently.