How To Install a Deadbolt Lock

Adding a deadbolt lock to your entryway can increase the safety and security of your home. Also consider simultaneously installing a lockset following the appropriate video and instructions available at Lowes.com/Videos.

Preparation

01 Identify the type of door in which you will install the deadbolt: wood, fiberglass, or steel.

Make sure you buy the correct tools for your type of door.
TIP: Measure the door's thickness. It should be between 1-3/8" and 1-3/4". The new deadbolt must fit doors of this dimension.

02 Determine whether you will be replacing an existing deadbolt lock, installing a new unit in a pre-drilled door, or drilling the door for installation. The following instructions cover all of these situations.

03 Select a deadbolt and, if needed, an installation kit.

Deadbolts are available with keyed entry or in combination with a doorknob or lever that uses the same key as the deadbolt. Newer designs include a keypad that allows you to program and use a personal entry code. Doors without pre-bored holes for deadlocks require a drilling template typically included with the unit or a separate installation kit with a drilling jig.
If you’re using an existing hole in your door, choose a deadbolt that will fit that hole.

04 Read the manufacturer’s instructions.

The manufacturer’s instructions should include a diagram of the components of your deadbolt lock.

05 If you’re installing in a door that does not have a hole bored for the deadbolt, skip the removal instructions and start with Boring the Door for a New Deadbolt.,/p>

Removing an Existing Deadbolt Lock

01 Remove all screws that attach the existing deadbolt to the door.

02 Remove the lock and thumbturn assembly.

03 Remove the deadbolt.

04 Inspect the holes in the door for debris and clean as needed. Be sure that the new deadbolt components will fit in the existing holes.

Boring the Door for a New Deadbolt

01 Determine the exterior location of the new deadbolt lock assembly.

Typically, it is installed between 6" and 12" above the doorknob or lever.

02 Draw a horizontal line on the interior side of the door where the deadbolt will be positioned.

Mark the jamb, too. The doorjamb is the side piece of the doorframe.

03 The following steps might be easier if you remove the door from the hinges and work on sawhorses.

04 Select the appropriate backset, which is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole you will be drilling.

Typically, it is either 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" as recommended by the deadbolt manufacturer.
Try to match the placement of your lockset.

05 Place the template at the horizontal line, following the template instructions.

06 Attach the template to the door.

1. If you’re using the door lock installation kit, drill two 1/8" pilot holes for the screws on the door edge.

2. Secure the jig to the door edge with the faceplate screws.

If you’re using a paper template, it may help to tape it in place, then mark the screw holes on the edge of the door.

WARNING: Wear safety glasses when using a drill with bits or a hole saw.

07 Use a 2-1/8" hole saw to drill the hole for the deadbolt lock assembly.

TIP: To prevent the door from splintering, drill halfway through one side, then drill the other half from the other side of the door. It may help to drill a pilot hole if you’re template does not extend to both the interior and exterior sides of the door.

08 Use a 1" hole saw to drill the deadbolt shaft hole from the door edge to the center of the 2-1/8” hole.

09 Remove the template, or jig, from the door.

10 Choose a faceplate.

If you’re simply replacing the deadbolt, you can save time by matching the old faceplate.
Most deadbolts come with both rounded and square-corner faceplates. You should be able to pry off the one you don’t want, then snap on the new one.
If the neither of the new faceplates match the old faceplate, you can sometimes save installation time by using the new deadbolt with the old faceplate.

11 You’ll have to create a mortise, which is a slot in the edge of the door or jamb, for the faceplate. First, slide the deadbolt into the drilled hole and trace around the edge.

12 Chisel the area to the proper depth so the deadbolt and faceplate are flush with the door.

Alternatively, your installation kit may have included a jig for marking the deadbolt faceplate and a router bit to cut into the wood.

1. Attach the jig to the door.

2. Use the router bit with a drill to cut along the grooves of the jig.

3. Any excess material in the center can be removed using a hammer and chisel. Try to stay at the depth set by the router bit.

13 Next, prepare the jamb. At the mark on the jamb, drill two overlapping holes, above and below the center point so you have intersecting circles.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for exact measurements.
Drill the holes deep enough so the deadbolt can fully extend without interference, typically to a depth of 1".

TIP: Mark the hole depth on the drill bit with a masking tape.

14 Use a chisel to remove excess material from the doorjamb deadbolt hole.

15 Place the strike component against the hole, trace around it and mark the screw holes.

16 Drill 1/8" pilot holes for the strike screws.

17 Use a chisel to create a mortise (slot) for the strike.

Installing the New Deadbolt Lock

01 Making sure the top is pointing upward, slide the new deadbolt into the 1” hole on the door edge.

02 Attach the faceplate with screws.

Make sure the deadbolt is retracted before continuing.

03 Install the lock and thumbturn assembly, making sure that the top is pointing upward.

If your deadbolt has a keypad, install it now, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Again, make sure the top is pointing upward and the deadbolt is retracted.

2. Typically, you feed the cable over the top of the actual deadbolt and connect it to the cable on that side.

04 From inside the door, install the mounting plate.

Make sure the top is pointing upward.
For keypads, connect the cable and battery.

05 Install screws in the deadbolt plate and the lock and thumbturn assembly.

For keypads, install the screws, then the battery. Then tuck the battery and cables inside the unit and attach the thumbturn.

06 On the jamb, if your lock included a dust box, install it now. If not, proceed to Step #07.

A dust box provides additional security against kick-in door damage.
Insert the box in the hole and secure with the included screws.

07 Position the strike and attach it with screws.

08 Close the door from inside and use the thumbturn to verify that the deadbolt fully extends.

Make adjustments as needed for smooth operation.
If you are installing a keypad assembly, follow additional manufacturer's instructions for programming the keyboard.

Installing a new deadbolt lock is a simple way to add security to your home. For other projects with printable instructions, including how to install a lockset or door viewer, visit Lowes.com/Videos.

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