
How to install a deadbolt
There are 12 steps to installing a deadbolt. Follow them and you will have your new deadlock fitted in no time. Some skill with a hammer, chisel and power tools is advised. Always read the instructions for your particular lock and follow them.
The 12 steps to install a deadbolt:
- Mark the position for the holes on the door
- Use a drill and a hole-saw to make a hole in the side of the door.
- Place the spade bit into drill. Make the cut for the bolt in the edge of the door.
- Mark the cutout for the bolt.
- Chisel out the recess for the bolt
- Fit the bolt into the door
- Install the deadbolt cylinders to the door
- Mark the bolt position on the door frame
- Make the hole for the bolt in the door frame with using a drill and spade bit
- Mark the cutout for the strike
- Chisel out the recess for the strike plate
- Fit the strike plate
Mark the position for the holes on the door

Use the template provided or a square to mark the positions for the holes on the door. Mark the side of the door 60mm or 70mm from the edge, depending on the backset of the bolt. Mark the centre of edge of the door. The two marks must be at the same height.
Make the holesaw cut in the door

For most deadbolts a 52 mm holesaw is used. Check with the instructions for your correct size holesaw. Drill the holesaw hole from both sides of the door. Drilling from one side only will cause the cutout to chip.
Make the spade bit cut on the edge of the door

A 25mm spade bit is used to make the hole in the edge of the door. This hole must be drilled straight. If the hole is not straight, the there may be a gap when you fit lock cylinders. Drill the hole right through into the large hole made by the hole-saw.
Mark the cutout for the deadlock bolt

Place the lock bolt into the hole on the edge of the door. Use a pencil to mark around the outside of the bolts’ face. Make sure the pencil is close to the edge of the bolt face. You will chisel inside this line to recess the bolt into the door edge.
Chisel out cutout for the lock bolt

Use a chisel and hammer to cut the timber out for the bolt faceplate. Be gentle when chiseling on the edge of the door. Make a fine indent on the inside of the lines first. Make sure the flat of the chisel is toward the outside of the lines. Make the cutout the same depth as the faceplate.
Install the bolt

Push the deadlock bolt into the door and make sure it sits flush. Use the picture as a guide to make sure the bolt must be the correct way up. Screw in the 2 wood screws to secure the lock bolt. Drill a pilot hole if needed.
Fit the deadbolt cylinders to the door

The deadbolt cylinder assemblies are now installed. The tailpiece of the lock cylinders need to be adjacently aligned with the spline of the bolt cam. The tailpieces need to be aligned so they allow the key to throw the bolt and withdraw the bolt. Holding the cylinders on the door, tighten up the allen key bolts or screws security the lock cylinders to the door.
Mark bolt position on door frame

Close the door and throw the bolt against the door frame. Mark the centre position of the bolt on the frame with a pencil. Use this mark to measure the centre position for the bolt on the door frame. This is the position the bolt will throw into the door frame when the door is closed.
Make the bolt hole in the door frame

Using the drill and a 22mm or 25mm spade bit (check your instructions for correct size) make the hole for the bolt in the door frame. Most deadbolt bolts protrude 25mm, so make this hole the same depth. Make sure the bolt extends fully into the hole.
Trace the strike plate outline onto the door frame

Place the strike plate, centred over the hole in the door frame. Trace around the outside of the strike, making sure the mark is as close as possible to the strike plate.
Chisel out the recess for the strike plate

Use a hammer and chisel to make the recess for the strike plate. The strike plate is only thin, so do not chisel out too much timber. Make the strike plate flush with the door frame.
Install the strike plate

Place the strike plate into position on the door frame. Use a screwdriver to screw in the two wood screws to hold it on the frame. If the timber is hard, drill a pilot hole first.
The Lock Mob locksmith Toowong are a Brisbane based locksmith and security advisors. Contact us for any locks, key and security problem you may have.
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