How to Choose a Deadbolt Lock

Series Summary

When a break in occurs at home, nothing seems more important than the safety of you and your loved ones, or perhaps the protection of your most prized possessions. Home security measures can range from installing complex electronic sensors, motion detectors, deadbolt locks, lights and alarms, to doing simple things like getting to know your neighbors, implementing a neighborhood watch program, having someone collect your mail while your away, and keeping your doors locked.

In this free video series, learn how to tackle a fairly simple do-it-yourself home improvement project that can significantly strengthen your security system. Our expert will show you how to install a single-cylinder deadbolt lock on any door in your home. Watch these step-by-step video clips and get tips on how to measure for the deadbolt, drill the hole, install the strike plate, and connect the latch.

Video Transcript

"Hi! I'm Daniel on behalf of Expert Village and this section we are going to be talking about the differences between deadbolts and choosing a deadbolt for your installation. There are two kinds of deadbolts that you want to look at. There is a single cylinder and a double cylinder. Most of your regulations in this country are going to require a single cylinder which has a key on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. This is strictly for fire safety. You wouldn't want to get locked in your home and not be able to get out if there is a fire or another emergency. However if you do have a window or glass right next to where someone could break it and simply reach in, then you can put in a double cylinder deadbolt which is key bolt on the inside and out. You want to check regulations in your area to make sure that you are not violating fire code. If you do choose to use a double cylinder deadbolt, we recommend that you leave a key in it whenever someone is home and only take it out if you are going to go on a long or extended vacation. The other thing that you want to look at when choosing your deadbolt is the type of latch that you are going to be putting in. If there is already a deadbolt or if you are replacing a old one or you want to make a quicker one, then the new one you want to go in with a drive in latch. This latch here is a one inch throw but its just a punch in. All you have to do is drill a one inch hole and just push it right in and that is what secures it. If it has already been mortised out, then you want to get one that has a standard mortise that is already build on to it. Some of the deadbolts that you find out there could be converted one way or the other but that is one of the things that you would want to check once you are using a deadbolt. "