How to Install a Deadbolt Lock on a Door Without Cutouts
Deadbolts add an extra layer of security to your home. They use a larger, longer bolt than latch locks and the bolt, when locked, can't be pried or "jimmied." Most new doors come pre-drilled with holes for latch locks and deadbolts. On older homes, or homes without a pre-drilled door, deadbolts are not expensive to install. However, drilling and mortising the door and jamb for a deadbolt requires some specialized tools and abilities. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Wood awl
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Hole saws
- Hammer
- Wood chisel
- Philips screwdriver
- Lipstick or paint pen
Instructions
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1
Cut out the template that is provided with the deadbolt using scissors. Fold the template along the dotted line. Place the template on the door in the desired mounting location. Transfer the drilling locations marked on the template onto the inside face and edge of the door using a pencil or awl. Remove the template.
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2
Drill a pilot hole through the door on the mark on the inside face of the door. Refer to the installation instructions to determine what size hole is needed for the deadbolt. Place the pilot bit of a hole saw in the pilot hole on the inside face of the door. Drill halfway through the door with the hole saw. Place the pilot bit of a hole saw in the pilot hole on the outside face of the door. Drill through the door until the wooden plug comes loose.
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3
Drill a pilot hole through the door on the mark on the edge of the door. Drill through the edge of the door until the drill bit is visible in the hole that was drilled through the face of the door. Refer to the installation instructions to determine what size hole is needed for the deadbolt latch. Place the pilot bit of a hole saw in the pilot hole in the edge of the door. Drill through the door until the hole saw is visible in the hole drilled through the face of the door.
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4
Slide the deadbolt latch into the hole in the edge of the door and make sure the arrow on the latch body is pointed up. Align the latch plate with the center of the edge of the door and mark around it with a pencil or awl. Remove the latch from the door.
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5
Score the pencil or awl marks with a chisel and hammer. Chisel out the wood inside the marks until the latch plate fits flush with the edge of the door. Place the latch in the hole and secure it using the included screws.
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6
Turn the latch with a screwdriver to extend the bolt. Turn the tailpiece on the outer lock cylinder toward the edge of the door. Slide the tailpiece through the hole in the latch and position the outer lock cylinder in the hole in the outer face of the door.
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7
Place the inner lock cylinder or thumb latch over the tailpiece and position it in the hole in the inner face of the door. Slide the included screws into the holes in the inner lock cylinder or thumb latch and tighten them securely. Lock and unlock the deadbolt, ensuring that the bolt moves smoothly. Place the decorative caps, if included, over the screw heads and tap into place with a hammer.
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8
Retract the deadbolt latch. Place a small dab of paint or lipstick on the center of the end of the bolt. Close the door. Extend the deadbolt latch fully, pressing the bolt into the door jamb. Retract the latch and open the door.
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9
Mark the center of the spot of paint or lipstick on the door jamb with an awl. Refer to the installation instructions to determine what size hole is needed for the bolt. Drill the hole with a hole saw to the depth indicated in the instructions.
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10
Center the strike plate over the hole in the door jamb. Mark around it with a pencil or awl. Score the marks using a chisel and hammer. Chisel out the wood inside the marks until the strike plate fits flush with the door jamb. Attach the strike plate to the door jamb using the included screws.
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11
Close the door. Lock and unlock the deadbolt, making sure the bolt slides smoothly. Adjust the strike plate as necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Special jigs are available that can be used in place of templates and lipstick. If you're installing locks on several doors, a jig may be a worthwhile investment.
For added security, use a double-cylinder deadbolt on doors that are within arms reach of windows or that have glass panels in them.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
