How to Put a Dead Bolt on a Steel Door

A deadbolt is an auxiliary lock used to increase the security of the home. These locks are typically installed just above a regular lever lock and help to protect the home from break-ins. Installing a deadbolt is a fairly simple DIY project, even on doors that are not pre-drilled to accommodate these locks. A few extra tools are required to install a deadbolt on a steel door, but all of these items can be found at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deadbolt lock
• Tape
• Center punch
• Drill
• 2-1/8" Bi-cut hole saw
• 1" Bi-cut hole saw
• Hammer
• Chisel

1. Remove the lock template from the package and attach it to the door. The recommended height for the deadbolt will be shown on the template. Most templates are self-adhering, or you can use tape to fasten those that are not.

2. Examine the template. The largest circle marks the location of the deadbolt lock body. Use a nail or center punch tool to punch a shallow hole in the center of this circle. This dimple will help guide your drill as you drill out a hole for the lock.

3. Use a bi-metal hole saw to cut the hole for the lock. It should be cut to the size indicated on the template, though 2-1/8 inches is standard. Hold the drill straight up above the door at 90 degrees as you drill to help ensure a smooth cut. Repeat this procedure to drill out the latch hole on the edge of the door. You will need a 1-inch bi-metal hole saw for this task.

4. Drill pilot holes at the locations indicated on the template to accommodate screws.

5. Place the cylinder ring around the lock body and slide it into the front of the door. The keyhole should be at the bottom of the lock. Slide the thumbturn or backing plate into the other side of the hole. Snap these two components together using the integral connector bars.

6. Close the door and try to turn the thumbturn to lock the door. This will make a slight indentation on the frame that will indicate exactly where the strike should go. Tape the strike template to the frame so that the latch hole on the template lines up with the indentation you just made.

7. Use a chisel and hammer to carve out a hole for the latch bolt using the template as your guide. Close the door and check that the latch fits into this hole before proceeding.

8. Make space in the edge of the door to accommodate the latch plate. This plate covers of the latch and locking mechanisms. If your door has a wooden edge you can use a router or chisel to complete this step. If the edge of the door is steel you'll need a Dremmel or similar tool.

9. Fasten the strike into place using screws to connect it to the frame. Remove the template to complete the job.

References

• HammerZone
• Lowe's Guide to Deadbolt Installation
• This Old House

Resources

• Video - Installing a Deadbolt Lock
• Deadbolt Installation Instructions