How to Remove & Replace a Dead Bolt Lock

Replace an older dead bolt assembly to keep your building secure.

A dead bolt gives would-be intruders one more obstacle to overcome before entering your home. Unlike a standard door lock, a dead bolt cannot be jimmied open with a credit card. When the bolt is in the extended position, it cannot be pushed in without using the key. It may be desirable to replace an older dead bolt lock if you should happen to lose a key and fear entry from unauthorized persons, if the lock becomes difficult to operate or if you want to improve the curb appeal of your front door.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Utility knife (optional)
• Chisel (optional)
• Hammer (optional)

Instructions

1. Open the door. Remove the retaining screws on the circular lock plate on the inside of the door with a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Pull the halves of the lock body out from each side of the door and remove them.

3. Remove the screws from the rectangular lock plate on the edge of the door with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the inner lock assembly straight out of the edge of the door.

4. Push a new inner lock assembly into the edge of the door until the lock plate is fully seated in the shallow cavity in the edge of the door.

5. Mark the edges of the lock plate with a utility knife on the edge of the door if the new lock plate is larger than the cavity. Remove the lock assembly from the door. Carefully enlarge the cavity with a sharp chisel and hammer using the knife marks as a guide. Push the lock assembly back into the edge of the door until the lock plate is fully seated in the cavity. Skip this step if the lock plate of the replacement lock fits into the cavity.

6. Secure the inner lock assembly to the door with the screws provided and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver.

7. Push both halves of the replacement lock body into the door until they are fully seated and flush against the surface of each side of the door. Ensure the side of the lock with the thumb wheel and holes for the mounting screws is facing the inside of the door. Ensure both pieces are facing the right side up. Note that the straight edge of the key should be facing downward when inserted into the lock cylinder.

8. Thread the two long screws included with the lock through the mounting holes from the inside surface of the door. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver to secure both halves of the lock body to the door.

9. Test the operation of the lock.

References

• Lowes: How to Install a Deadbolt