Installing A Deadbolt In A Door

Choose a position on the door for the lock.

Installing a deadbolt in a door.

Attach the thumb turn. 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. Install screws in the deadbolt plate and the turn assembly. Single cylinder deadbolts keyed on one side will work fine for most situations.

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. A deadbolt kit will usually come with a paper template to help you mark the door before you start drilling. Steel doors are easy to drill into using a bimetal hole saw and an electric drill. Drill pilot holes and secure the striker plate with screws.

You ll need to be comfortable using a drill to install a deadbolt yourself. Above the center of the doorknob. Use a 7 8 spade bit to drill two overlapping holes in the doorframe for the deadbolt. Close the door and turn the deadbolt several times to mark the doorframe.

You ll have to adjust the position a bit if you have a combination storm door so as not to interfere with the storm doorknob or lock. Install the deadbolt lock about 44 inches above the bottom of the door. For keypads install the screws and tuck the battery and cables inside the unit. You ll also need to add a flat head screwdriver hammer and block of wood to your tool set.

Remove the deadbolt from its packaging and take out the instruction sheet with the template for marking the holes on the door. 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. Most moderately skilled amateurs can complete this task in about half an hour. 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.

Fold this template around the edge of the door at least 6 inches above. Mortise the area around the hole so the strike plate will fit flush with the doorframe.