Installing a deadbolt for safety

Use a dead bolt lock to secure your valuables or dangerous material in the place of your choice. Make your side door or shed door burglar resitant. Installation is easy, thanks to this step-by-step illustrated column.

Two types of dead bolts locks are available: the single-cylinder mechanism that locks from inside by means of a lever, and the double-cylinder mechanism that locks with a key from inside or outside.
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1. Drill the holes
2. Install the lock

1. Drill the holes

First, apply the lock template to your door. It will show you where to drill holes for your lock. Hold it in place using masking tape to avoid damaging the paint on the door. We recommend you install your lock approximately three feet from the floor.

1.1 

The template will show you exactly where to drill the required hole in the door and will determine the diameter of the hole saw you'll need. The hole saw is a cylindrical tooth-edged tool, attached to a pilot drill bit that can be used with most hand and electric drills.

Tip: To avoid damaging the door, drill through one side until the pilot drill pokes through the other side, then start drilling from the other side.

1.2 

The next step is to drill a hole for the bolt, through the door edge. Refer to the template to determine the size of the spade bit or auger bit drill you'll require. The bolt is the part of the lock that fits into the mortise or hole cut into the door jamb.

2. Install the lock

At this stage, you can install your new dead bolt lock. Start by inserting the bolt in the lateral hole. Then, assemble the handle-spindles on either side of the bolt mechanism to hold the cylinders together.

2.1 

For safety reasons, install a double-cylinder lock with the handle-spindles on the outside. This type of lock, which opens from inside and outside with a key, is a good choice for a side door. Close your door and check to see where the bolt hits the door jamb. This way you'll know where to install the lock-bolt keeper. The lock-bolt keeper is a rectangular metal plate with a centre hole through which the bolt slides to secure the door.

2.2 

Use a pencil to trace the shape of the lock-bolt on the door jamb. Use a chisel to gently score your tracing and then, using the same chisel, make a series of 1/4" wide parallel cuts inside the marks as shown on the diagram.

2.3 

Then take your chisel and chisel a series of parallel cuts 1/4" wide inside the configuration as shown on the picture.

2.4 

Take out the wood chips, holding your chisel at a narrow angle keeping the angled face of the cutting edge in contact with the working surface. Press lightly with your chisel to remove wood chips.

2.5 

Then, use a spade bit or auger bit to drill a hole the size of your lock-bolt keeper before drilling the mortise hole.

2.6 

Finally, install the lock-bolt keeper with two wood screws.
You are now secure!
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