How to Install a Deadbolt on a Wooden or Metal Door
Installing a deadbolt is an essential step in securing a door. And there are some differences between installing a deadbolt on a wooden and a metal door. Here are instructions based on the material:
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How to Install a Deadbolt on a Wooden Door
Here are the steps to install a deadbolt on a wooden door:
- Choose the right type of deadbolt: There are several types of deadbolts available, including single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and smart locks. Choose one that meets your needs and budget.
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a drill, hole saw, screwdriver, measuring tape, marking pencil, and a chisel.
- Measure and mark the door: Measure the backset, which is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole, and mark the center point on the door.
- Pre-drill the holes: Use a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the screw size to pre-drill the holes for the screws that will secure the deadbolt and the strike plate.
- Drill the hole for the lock: Use a hole saw to drill a hole through the door at the center point for the lock. Be sure to drill the hole all the way through the door.
- Chisel out the mortise: Use a chisel to remove any wood between the hole for the lock and the edge of the door. This will ensure that the deadbolt fits properly.
- Install the latch: Insert the latch into the hole you drilled on the edge of the door and secure it with screws.
- Install the deadbolt: Insert the deadbolt into the hole you drilled through the face of the door and align it with the latch. Secure it with screws.
- Install the strike plate: Install the strike plate on the door frame and align it with the deadbolt. Secure it with screws.
- Test the deadbolt: Test the deadbolt by inserting the key and turning it to ensure that it properly locks and unlocks.
How to Install a Deadbolt on a Metal Door
It’s very similar to installing it on a wooden door, but obviously drilling through metal is going to be more difficult, so that’s where the main difference lies.
- Choose the right type of deadbolt: There are several types of deadbolts available, including single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and smart locks. Choose one that meets your needs and budget.
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a drill, carbide drill bit, hole saw, screwdriver, measuring tape, marking pencil, and lubricant.
- Measure and mark the door: Measure the backset, which is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole, and mark the center point on the door.
- Drill the hole for the lock: Use a hole saw to drill a hole through the door at the center point for the lock. Use a pilot hole first to guide the saw and prevent it from slipping. Apply lubricant to the saw and bit to prevent overheating and damage to the tools.
- Drill the holes for the screws: Use the carbide drill bit to drill pilot holes for the screws that will secure the deadbolt and the strike plate. Make sure to use a bit that’s slightly smaller than the screw size.
- Install the latch: Insert the latch into the hole you drilled on the edge of the door and secure it with screws.
- Install the deadbolt: Insert the deadbolt into the hole you drilled through the face of the door and align it with the latch. Secure it with screws. You may need to use a backing plate on the inside of the door to ensure that the deadbolt is secure and won’t pull out of the metal.
- Install the strike plate: Install the strike plate on the door frame and align it with the deadbolt. Secure it with screws.
- Test the deadbolt: Test the deadbolt by inserting the key and turning it to ensure that it properly locks and unlocks.
