Installing A Deadbolt In A Door

Drill pilot holes and secure the striker plate with screws.

Installing a deadbolt in a door.

Close the door and turn the deadbolt several times to mark the doorframe. Attach the thumb turn. 1 you ll begin installing your deadbolt lock by placing the bolt first if you need to replace the rectangular faceplate with the round drive in faceplate follow steps a c below before going further. With the right tools installing a deadbolt in a steel door is easy installing a deadbolt lock on a steel door may sound intimidating but with the right tools it s a fairly simple task.

Place the template so the center of the deadbolt will be 6 in. Fold this template around the edge of the door at least 6 inches above. Above the center of the doorknob. You ll also need to add a flat head screwdriver hammer and block of wood to your tool set.

Install screws in the deadbolt plate and the turn assembly. For keypads install the screws and tuck the battery and cables inside the unit. You ll need to be comfortable using a drill to install a deadbolt yourself. A deadbolt kit will usually come with a paper template to help you mark the door before you start drilling.

Single cylinder deadbolts keyed on one side will work fine for most situations. Installing a deadbolt lock is simple when you have a drill the right hardware and a great teacher. Remove the deadbolt from its packaging and take out the instruction sheet with the template for marking the holes on the door. Mortise the area around the hole so the strike plate will fit flush with the doorframe.

Home improvement expert leah of see jane drill demonstrat. Choose a position on the door for the lock. In the video above this old house general contractor tom silva is adds a deadbolt to a door that is an inch and 3 4 in thickness. Mark the door for drilling by taping the template to the inside of the door wood doors have a bevel that will throw the measurements off if you use the exterior side.

Steel doors are easy to drill into using a bimetal hole saw and an electric drill. Most moderately skilled amateurs can complete this task in about half an hour.