Installing A Deadbolt In A Door

You ll also need to add a flat head screwdriver hammer and block of wood to your tool set.

Installing a deadbolt in a door.

Choose a position on the door for the lock. 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. Use a 7 8 spade bit to drill two overlapping holes in the doorframe for the deadbolt. Fold this template around the edge of the door at least 6 inches above.

Above the center of the doorknob. Most moderately skilled amateurs can complete this task in about half an hour. Home improvement expert leah of see jane drill demonstrat. You ll need to be comfortable using a drill to install a deadbolt yourself.

Single cylinder deadbolts keyed on one side will work fine for most situations. 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. Remove the deadbolt from its packaging and take out the instruction sheet with the template for marking the holes on the door.

Attach the thumb turn. Drill pilot holes and secure the striker plate with screws. 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. Steel doors are easy to drill into using a bimetal hole saw and an electric drill.

Place the template so the center of the deadbolt will be 6 in. Installing a deadbolt lock is simple when you have a drill the right hardware and a great teacher. Mortise the area around the hole so the strike plate will fit flush with the doorframe. 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. Close the door and turn the deadbolt several times to mark the doorframe.