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:

How to Install a Deadbolt on a Wooden Door

Here are the steps to install a deadbolt on a wooden door:

  1. 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.
  2. Gather your tools: You’ll need a drill, hole saw, screwdriver, measuring tape, marking pencil, and a chisel.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Install the latch: Insert the latch into the hole you drilled on the edge of the door and secure it with screws.
  8. 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.
  9. Install the strike plate: Install the strike plate on the door frame and align it with the deadbolt. Secure it with screws.
  10. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Gather your tools: You’ll need a drill, carbide drill bit, hole saw, screwdriver, measuring tape, marking pencil, and lubricant.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Install the latch: Insert the latch into the hole you drilled on the edge of the door and secure it with screws.
  7. 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.
  8. Install the strike plate: Install the strike plate on the door frame and align it with the deadbolt. Secure it with screws.
  9. Test the deadbolt: Test the deadbolt by inserting the key and turning it to ensure that it properly locks and unlocks.

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