The lock bolt of a deadbolt is not activated by spring action but rather by the turning of a key or by an access control system. Deadbolt locks are more robust than typical spring latches, which makes them heavier and bulkier.
Deadbolt locks are standard on most modern doors, however, some older entries may lack one. The price of lock installation, whether a new building or an upgrade, varies widely depending on factors including location, task complexity, door count, and the contractor used.
What is the going rate for installing a deadbolt lock?
In most cases, a locksmith will need a minimum service fee regardless of the kind of service requested. Depending on the provider, a service fee might be as high as $65 per visit.
Replacement of an existing deadbolt typically costs between $15 and $45, depending on the locksmith’s experience and complexity. There may be an additional cost of $55 to $125 if a new lock hole has to be drilled. A handyman or locksmith will need 30 to 60 minutes to execute this task.
It costs $10 to $25 per door to re-key a lock instead of replacing it. The whole cost of installing a lock is typically between $75 and $215.
How to install a deadbolt lock?
- Remove deadbolt
Depending on your door, you may need to remove the present lock or drill a hole for the new one. Unscrew visible screws to remove your deadbolt. If there are no screws, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the lock faceplate to uncover the screws. Remove the front, rear, and internal bolt assemblies.
- Change deadbolt location
If your door doesn’t have a deadbolt hole, create one. You may need to do this if your old lock is smaller than your new one.
Mark its placement on the door. Many manufacturers provide a template with their deadbolt lock sets. Deadbolts are usually 6–12 inches above the doorknob. Mark the deadbolt center height with a line.
In addition to the height above the doorknob, note the backset—the horizontal distance from the door edge to the lock center. Manufacturers vary the backset to 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches.
The center of the deadbolt may be indicated using its height and edge distance. Mark the bolt hole deadbolt height centered on the door edge.
- Prepare deadbolt assembly jig and bore hole
If your door lock installation kit has a jig, clamp it to align with the deadbolt assembly. Drill temporary holes on the door side to secure the jig. These holes will be cut for the deadbolt faceplate.
Drill a lock assembly hole in your door using a power drill and a 2-1/8-inch hole saw. Drill until the hole saw reaches the door. Remove the spot saw and wood debris from the door. Finish boring the door’s outside hole.
- Drill bolt latch assembly hole
Drill the bolt latch assembly hole at the door edge. Drill through the door edge with a 1-inch hole saw, and power drill to reach the lock assembly Bore Hole.
Keep your drill level to use the locking mechanism. Once finished, reverse the drill and remove the scrap wood.
- Lock the faceplate chisel recess
Continue chiseling the door edge into a rectangular form for the bolt latch. Skip this step if you’re utilizing a drive-in latch instead of a faceplate latch. Insert the bolt latch assembly into the door edge hole recently drilled. Mark the latch faceplate edge.
Removing the latch assembly and chiseling out enough door material to flush the faceplate with the door edge. Create the plate recess using a chisel and utility knife along the edges.
- Create a door jamb mortise slot
The door is ready. Create the lock strike plate or also called as slutbleck mortise slot in the door frame. Mark the door jamb from the bolt latch assembly center. Center the strike plate on this marking and trace around and in the strike box.
Open the striking box by drilling numerous 1-inch holes with the hole saw. To flush the strike plate with the door frame, chisel off the remainder of the region.
- Put in the strike plate and box
Install the striking plate and box after creating the mortise groove in the door jamb. Place the striking box in the slot and mark screw holes.
Remove it and drill pilot holes in the door frame to avoid wood splitting. Reposition the strike box and strike plate in the slot. Use screws to secure the vessel.
- Place bolt assembly and adjust the backset
Insert the deadbolt lock assembly into the door side bolt hole. Your bolt assembly length may need to be adjusted based on your backset measurement.
Standard backset dimensions are 2 ¾ inches or 2 ⅜ inches. Adjust the bolt assembly by twisting it to the required backset length to center the screw holes in the deadbolt.
Insert and press the bolt assembly. Some deadbolts feature a latch faceplate that must be fastened into the door with the accompanying screws. Mark these screw positions and drill pilot holes with the proper drill bit size before putting screws.
- Install deadbolt lock assembly
Put the internal and exterior deadbolt cylinders in the door’s borehole. Use screws to join each cylinder property to the bolt assembly via the door. Complete your deadbolt lock installation with this last step.
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Conclusion
There are various tools to help you cut a deadbolt hole. Tell the locksmith if you want many deadbolts fitted so they may provide per-door savings. Typically fashioned from steel or brass, the end of the lock is neither rounded nor angled. To increase the safety of your house without breaking the bank, consider installing a deadbolt lock.
