How to Install a Home's Front Door Handles with a Deadbolt Lock

Doorknobs and deadbolts provide security

Front door handles and deadbolts are the front line of home security. Keeping them in good working order is an essential part of any home security plan. From time to time door handle replacement becomes necessary. Installing your own door handles is a simple do it yourself project well within the abilities of the average home owner. Door handles can be installed with common tools and hardware available from any local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Deadbolt
• Doorknob
• Drill
• 2 3/4-inch hole saw
• 7/8-inch spade bit

Instructions

1. Find the paper template that came with your hardware. Measure up from the floor to the proper height and mark the edge of your door; 30 inches is standard height. Position the template on that mark and mark the face of the door for boring.

2. Install a 2 ¾-inch hole saw in your drill and tighten the chuck. Position the tip of the centering bit on the mark. Start the drill and apply steady pressure to keep the bit from walking across the face of the door as it cuts in. Maintain steady pressure as the bit cuts through the door. Do not force the bit through the other side to prevent splintering.

3. Mark the door's edge for the striker bolt using the template. Install a 7/8-inch spade bit in your drill. Position the point of the bit on the mark. Start the drill and cut through the door's edge into the hole in the door face. Repeat marking and boring procedures for the deadbolt. Use the deadbolt template to mark the door. Bore the holes for the lock barrel and the bolt as for the knob.

4. Insert the striker bolt for the knob into the lower hole in the door's edge. Mark around the plate onto the edge of the door. Remove the wood inside the outline to a depth of 1/8 inch with a chisel. Attach the bolt to the edge of the door with the two screws provided with the hardware.

5. Place the inside half of the knob through the holes in the striker bolt. Insert the outside half of the knob through the bolt and match up the screw holes. Insert the two screws from the inside and tighten them with a screwdriver.

6. Insert lock bolt in the upper hole in the door's edge. Mark around the plate and chisel out the outline as for the knob. Attach to the door's edge with the two screws provided. Insert the inside half of the deadbolt barrel through the lock bolt. Insert the outside half. Line up the screw holes. Insert the two screws through the holes in the inside lock plate. Tighten with a screwdriver. Lock the lock and close the door to the jamb. Mark the centers of the striker bolt and the lock bolt on the jamb.

7. Mark horizontally across the jamb at both marks from the edge of the jamb to the door stop. Bore a 5/8-inch deep hole with the 7/8-inch spade bit centered on each of these lines. Position the striker plate centered on the bottom hole and outline it. Chisel the material from the outline to 1/8 inch. Repeat with the top hole and lock bolt plate. Attach both plates with the provided screws.

References

• Home Tips: Replacing a Deadbolt
• "Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Choosing & Installing Hardware":Robert J Settich; Taunton Press, 2003