Unfortunately in today’s world of high crime that includes house break-ins, a deadbolt lock installation is imperative for the protection of your family and property. A deadbolt installation on your doors to gain a measure of security and protection for your family and personal belonging is an easy DIY project.

There are two types of deadbolts, internal and surface mount. The internal deadbolt offers the highest level of security but takes more time to install than the surface mount deadbolt. Surface mount deadbolts will provide security but not to the same level as the internal deadbolts. It is a fact that most burglars avoid homes with deadbolts because it takes too much time to break into the house.

Installation of Internal Mounted Deadbolt Locks:

The internal deadbolt should be placed approximately 10 to 12 inches above the lockset or six inches below. The important thing is to check the area where the deadbolt will be installed to make sure none of the existing door hardware will be in the way.

1. The deadbolt kit includes a template for the lock. You can simply tape this template to the door and then using a combination square to ensure the template lines up square with the door.

2. Mark the location where the screw holes and cylinder hole will go on the door.

3. Drill out pilot holes for the screws.

4. Use a hole saw to drill the location for the lock cylinder. As soon as the pilot bit goes through the door surface stop drilling. Then drill the door on the opposite sides to make sure the door face does not splinter.

5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the remaining hardware.

Installing Surface Mount Deadbolt Locks:

1. For installing a surface mounted deadbolt place the cylinder ring around the cylinder keeping the keyhole at the bottom.

2. Insert both the cylinder and connecting bar into the cylinder hole making sure you do it from the outside.

3. Set the bolt into the open position, attaching the back plate to the inside of the door.

4. Align the bolt case along with the connecting bar and then attaching the bolt case to the inside of the door. You will find that connecting bars have perforations so if the bar is too long, you can simply snap it off at the length required.

5. Test the deadbolt from both inside and outside.

6. Close the door and trace where the strike will be on the jamb. If needed chisel a mortise in the jamb for the strike to fit correctly.

7. Secure the strike in the jamb and then test the lock to ensure it is set correctly.

Installing deadbolts on your doors will provide additional security for your family and property.

See: Replacing Door Knob and Lock Set