How to Install a Fingerprint Door Lock

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Fingerprint door locks used to just be the stuff of sci-fi movies. With advances in technology and miniaturization, these high-tech devices have become affordable for the average home or business owner in the 21st Century. Installing one of these high-security, high-tech gadgets can save you some high-finance, as explained in these steps.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Fingerprint door-lock kit
Screwdriver set
Hammer

Step1

Buy a kit and make sure all of the parts are in it. Notify the manufacturer if any parts are missing.

Step2

Drill holes in the door. Depending on the particular lock you purchased, you will need to drill some holes in the door and door frame. You will need a minimum of one hole into the side of the door about two inches deep to fit the deadbolt in and another hole the same diameter in the door frame for the deadbolt to lock into.

Step3

Adjust the deadbolt to fit on the lock mechanism by putting a screwdriver into the driver board hole and turning until it is set where you need it. Dead bolts retract far enough into the door to allow the door to open when unlocked and to extend far enough to ensure a tight seal when locked.

Step4

Install the latch, deadbolt and strikes. The door latch and deadbolt have faces that sit on the edge of the door. Insert screws into the holes and tighten them up against the door. Hammer the metal plates, called strikes, into the holes in the door frame that you drilled for the latch and deadbolt to protect the frame from damage.

Step5

Install the lock mechanism. You will usually need to place the lock mechanism with the fingerprint window on the outside of the door. Hold it in place while placing the back plate on the inside of the door. Draw the two pieces tight to each other with screws.

Step6

Check that the latch and lock function in their arrangements. The door should create a tight seal with the door frame. Try out the mechanism and make sure everything matches up before inserting the batteries and starting up the new lock.

Tips & Warnings

Use the locking mechanism to make a template for the holes you need to drill for the latch mechanism and doorknob. Many units come with templates already drawn up for ease of installation.