How To Install A Deadbolt Door Lock

If you are careful to follow these instructions you can install a deadbolt door lock yourself and give your home the added security it needs. Lock installation is an inexpensive and painless procedure, as most door locks come with a template displaying where to drill.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Deadbolt lock
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Masking tape
• Hole saw
• Flat wood bit
• Utility knife
• Wood chisel
• Hammer

Step 1: Choose a Position for the Lock

Typically locks are placed around 900mm from the base of the door. More importantly, make sure the deadbolt lock is placed above the standard lock. Measure this approximate distance out with a tape measure and mark it.

Step 2: Tape the Template to the Door

Use masking tape to stick the template to the side and edge of the door.

Step 3: Mark Where to Drill the Holes

Use a large nail and drive it through the template layout marks to indicate the position of the holes for both the lock cylinder on the door’s side, and the latchbolt on the door’s edge.

Step 4: Bore the Hole for the Lock Cylinder

Use a hole saw to drill the proper size hole for the lock cylinder. Drill the hole from both sides to prevent it from splintering. Do this by first drilling on one side until the tip pokes through to the opposite side of the door. Remove the hole saw and complete the drilling from the other side. 

Step 5: Bore the Hole for the Latchbolt

Use approximately a 25mm flat wood bit attached to your drill in order to bore the proper size hole into the edge of the door.

Step 6: Cut a Mortise for the Faceplate

Set the faceplate on the edge of the door and use a utility knife to trace its outline. Then cut a mortise, or recess, in the wood using a chisel and hammer. Make sure the chisel blade itself is small enough that it fits inside the outline. Start at the top of the faceplate outline making a series of closely placed 3mm-deep chisel cuts, while always staying inside the marks. Clear the wood chips away and test the fit of the faceplate. If it’s not level with the surface edge, continue to chisel until it is.

Step 7: Install the Faceplate

Put the faceplate into its mortise and use it as a template while fitting the two screws that hold it in place.

Step 8: Install the Latchbolt and Lock

Slide the latchbolt into its hole. Then place the outside key section of the lock cylinder in the door so that its end continues through the hole of the latchbolt. Place the inside section of the lock cylinder in the door so that the holes align for the screws. Secure the two sides of the lock together by fitting in the screws.

Step 9: Cut a Mortise and Hole for the Strikeplate

Close the door and mark the area where the latchbolt aligns to the jamb, or doorframe. Then set the strikeplate on the edge of the door and use a utility knife to trace its outline. Just like in Step 6, cut a mortise, or recess, in the wood using a chisel and hammer. Then use your flat wood bit to bore a latchbolt hole in the center of the recess, deep enough to receive the bolt.

Step 10: Install the Strikeplate

Put the strikeplate into its mortise and use it as a template while fitting the two screws that hold it in place.

Now all that’s left to do is test the door. If it’s not a perfect fit, loosen the screws and adjust until the door latch passes effortlessly into its hole.