How to Add a Deadbolt to an Existing Door

Deadbolts add safety and security to your home due to their locking mechanism design and overall strength when compared to standard door locks. [1] Adding a deadbolt to your entryway, or any door you desire, is a simple home improvement project that can be achieved with relative ease.

Part 1
Part 1 of 5:

Setup and Layout

  1. 1
    Review the manufacturer’s instructions. Unpackage your deadbolt and review the included installation instructions. Most will be extremely similar, but there are some unique designs requiring different installation methods.
  2. 2
    Decide where you want the deadbolt to be placed. The location is dependent on your desires. Typically, a deadbolt is placed 6” to 12” (152 mm to 305mm) above the door handle. [2] Mark your desired location on the door slab.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Mark the deadbolt location. At your desired height, draw a horizontal line at this point on the interior side of the door. Continue this mark onto the jamb and the edge off the door slab.
  4. 4
    Determine your backset dimension. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole. Typically, this is either 2 3/8” (60.33 mm) or 2 ¾” (69.85 mm). [3] You will most likely want to align the new deadbolt with your existing door handle
    Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 5:

Preparing the Door Slab

  1. 1
    Align the template with the horizontal line. Whether you choose to use a lockset template jig, or the paper template provided with your deadbolt, align the center of the template with the horizontal line on the door slab.
  2. 2
    Fasten the template. If using a lockset template, refer to the provided instructions. Most will require you to drill two 1/8” (3.18 mm) pilot holes in the edge of the door slab – these holes will be used later to secure the latch. Fasten the template using the provided screws. If using the provided paper template, fasten it to the door slab using masking tape or painter’s tape.
  3. 3
    Drill the hole for the lock body. Using a 2 1/8” (54 mm) hole saw, drill the hole for the lock body. To prevent the door from splintering, drill halfway through one side of the door, and drill the remaining portion from the other side. [4] ]
  4. 4
    Drill the hole for the deadbolt. Using a 1” (25.4 mm) hole saw, drill the hole in the center of the door edge for the deadbolt.
  5. 5
    Remove the template from the door slab.
  6. 6
    Trace the set plate. Slide the deadbolt into the 1” (25.4 mm) hole on the edge of the door slab and trace around the edge of the set plate with a pencil.
  7. 7
    Mortise the set plate. Using a chisel, remove the necessary material so that the set plate sits flush, or slightly recessed with the edge of the door slab.
    Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 5:

Preparing the Door Jamb

  1. 1
    Drill the jamb to receive the deadbolt. At the mark made previously on the jamb, drill two intersecting 1” (25.4 mm) holes to receive the deadbolt. Use a chisel if necessary to clean up any edges.
  2. 2
    Check the deadbolt. Fully extend the deadbolt and insert it into the holes drilled into the jamb. Make sure the deadbolt is fully extended and will fit fully into the jamb.
  3. 3
    Trace the strike plate. Hold the strike plate centered on the hole bored into the jamb that will accept the deadbolt. Trace around it with a pencil.
  4. 4
    Mortise the strike plate. Using a chisel, remove the necessary material so the strike plate sits flush, or slightly recessed with the door jamb.
    Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 5:

Installing the Deadbolt Hardware

  1. 1
    Review the manufacturer’s instructions. Review the included installation instructions for your deadbolt. [5] There are multiple different types that may require different steps, such as electronic keypad deadbolt systems.
    • The following will walk through the installation of a single cylinder, (exterior keyed) deadbolt.
  2. 2
    Fasten the deadbolt. Adjust the deadbolt to the correct backset and slide the deadbolt into the hole in the edge of the door slab, making sure the top is facing up. [6] Ensure it sits flush, or slightly recessed with the edge of the door slab. Fasten the deadbolt with the provided screws.
  3. 3
    Install the exterior keyed mounting assembly. Make sure the deadbolt is fully retracted. Making sure the top is facing up, install the keyed mounting assembly by sliding the tailpiece through the notch in the deadbolt. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper alignment.
  4. 4
    Install the interior thumb turn. Align the slot of the interior thumb turn with the tailpiece, making sure the top is facing up. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper alignment. Insert the tailpiece fully into the slot and fasten the entire lock assembly with the provided screws.
  5. 5
    Fasten the strike plate. Using a 1/8” (3.18 mm) drill bit, drill the two holes to install the strike plate. Ensure it sits flush, or slightly recessed with the jamb. Fasten the strike plate with the provided screws.
    Advertisement
Part 5
Part 5 of 5:

Testing

  1. 1
    Test the operation. Ensure the deadbolt operates smoothly by testing it both with the key for exterior entry, and with the interior thumb turn. If necessary, review the installation procedure and manufacturer’s instructions to pinpoint any errors.


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Deadbolt lock assembly
      • Screwdriver (Philips or straight-slot depending on the deadbolt assembly)
      • Tape measure
      • Carpenter’s square
      • Straight edge
      • Hammer
      • Chisel
      • Power drill with 2 1/8” and 1” hole saws
      • Masking or painter’s tape
      • Lockset template jig (optional)
      • Safety glasses
      • Dust mask
      • Gloves

      Tips

      • Consult with an expert at your local hardware store to ensure the deadbolt you have selected will work with your door setup.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Review and familiarize yourself with the different parts of a deadbolt assembly to gain a better understanding of the installation process
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Double check all measurements and marking before boring any holes or mortising any plates. It’s always better to measure at least twice.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • When using power and hand tools, there is an introduction of numerous hazards to your safety and health. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, gloves, and, if necessary, a face mask should be worn to protect against hazards that may be encountered while using power and hand tools. [7]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Other wikiHows

      How to
      Do Hairstyles for Curly Hair
      How to
      Make Sourdough Starter
      How to
      Make Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
      How to
      Style Shoulder Length Hair
      How to
      Make a Healthy Lunch
      How to
      Cook Egusi Soup
      How to
      Cook Ribs in the Oven
      How to
      Dress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females)
      How to
      Prepare a Raised Bed Garden
      How to
      Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose
      How to
      Make Chia Seed Pudding
      How to
      Plan Easter Games for a Children's Easter Party
      How to
      Do a Natural Everyday Makeup Look in 10 Minutes
      How to
      Make Microwaveable Rice Krispies Treats
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://actionlocksmithinc.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-having-a-deadbolt-lock/#:~:text=Security%20%E2%80%93%20The%20most%20obvious%20benefit,the%20inside%20without%20a%20key.&text=Durability%20%E2%80%93%20Deadbolts%20are%20generally%20more%20durable%20than%20standard%20locks .
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-install-a-deadbolt/
      3. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/determine-the-backset-of-your-door#:~:text=While%20residential%20doors%20may%20have,3%2F4%2Dinch%20backset .
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-install-a-deadbolt/
      5. ↑ https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-door-lock/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90c7631c0e
      6. ↑ https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-door-lock/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90c7631c0e
      7. ↑ https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3080.pdf

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 755 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement