How to Replace a Keyed Deadbolt Lock

Homeowners rely on deadbolts as an additional source of security to prevent unsolicited intrusions and robberies. While front door locks offer protection, they don’t provide strong safety measures like a deadbolt, which is harder for a burglar to defeat. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, households experienced 15.9 million property crimes in 2016, which is about 119 per 1,000 homes. With a deadbolt lock, you may prevent your home from becoming part of this statistic.

Deadbolts use a turning knob without a spring, and open by rotating the cylinder with an appropriate key. The locks have long rods that attach to the inside and outside half of the deadbolt, which threads into the inside face of a door.

In certain circumstances, deadbolt locks may become difficult to turn, or overall may not function correctly. When it falters in proper functioning, it’s a smart idea to replace the deadbolt lock. Whether you are installing or replacing a lock, it’s vital to upgrade from an internally latched deadbolt to a keyed one. If you are replacing the unit, it won’t require extra holes in the door, as opposed to installing a brand-new one.

When It’s Time to Replace a Deadbolt

 Deadbolts come into play each time a homeowner unlocks their door — and as you can imagine, constant use will cause problems with the unit. Refer to the following list to understand when replacing a deadbolt is most appropriate.

1. Daily wear and tear of a deadlock promotes weaknesses in the security of your home and makes the lock easier for a robber to pick. Wear and tear can mean anything from tarnish and rust to old and worn to the point of being difficult to open. As time passes, natural corrosion of the elements will occur, making it hard for you to open the deadlock with a key. When it’s not functioning the way it should, replacing the unit as soon as possible is the right choice.
2. If a break-in transpires, you must replace all locks — both door and deadbolt. Excessive damage to locks can put homeowners at high risk for another intrusion, and malfunctioning locks can leave you stranded outside your home.
3. When your keys are lost or stolen, replace outdoor deadbolt locks right away, then replace inner locks in order of importance. If you happen to misplace your keys, it may be smart to invest in a combination lock. A combination lock allows you to open the door by using a code, and most devices also have a keyed lock feature for adequate backup. You have the freedom to change the combination when necessary, or if you think someone else may have access to your key.
4. Moving into a new home or getting a new roommate calls for improved protection by replacing your locks. It’s better to be safe than sorry, regardless of whether you trust your neighborhood or previous roommate.
5. When the pins and tumblers get damaged in your deadbolt lock, replacing the unit can help reduce costs of repairing each part.

In most instances when your deadbolt has significant problems, it’s better to replace the entire unit compared to repairs, because it’s a safer option and provides the most secure results. However, there are some cases when homeowners can improve the locks with a few simple steps.

Door hinges often shift because of daily use, which can cause the deadbolt and strike plate to move. When the two are no longer aligned, you can set them back into place with ease. Constant use of a keyed deadbolt will file the key down and make it worn out. When that happens, you can replace the key or use a spare. If a new key doesn’t solve the difficulty of opening the deadbolt, you can use WD-40 in the key slot to reduce friction.

Tools Needed for the Job

Common tools homeowners will need to install or replace a deadbolt lock are as follows:

• A deadbolt tested to meet American National Standards Institute criteria of a grade two or higher. ANSI is an organization that oversees standards in the development of various industries. Different ANSI grades go through different testing and specifications.
• Drill bit to create a hole for the screws. However, you won’t need the tool if you are replacing a deadbolt, because the holes will already be present.
• Flathead screwdriver to remove and fasten screws.
• Hole saw to cut a hole for the deadbolt unit. You will want to start from one side of the door and drill all the way through, then drill from the other side to reduce splintering. Only use a hole saw if you are installing a new deadbolt or need to make a larger area.
• Metal lubricants help parts move in one smooth motion.
• Phillips screwdriver to remove and secure screws.
• Spade bit to create a hole through the side of the door for the bolt if one already doesn’t exist.
• Wood chisel to remove extra wood and mortise the area if you are mounting a new unit.

If you are installing a deadlock on a door as a new unit, you will need all the tools shown above. However, if you are replacing a deadbolt, you will only need a lock, screwdriver and lubricant for an easy process. It’s vital to ensure the deadlock is in alignment with the cylinders, screws and strike plates.

How to Pick the Right Deadbolt

Choosing the best deadbolt for your home depends on the level of security you require. As one of the first lines of defense against invasions, the deadlock you choose must meet all your requirements. Refer to the subsequent guide to help you pick the right security measure.

Single- vs. Double-Cylinder Deadlock

A single-cylinder deadbolt allows you to lock and unlock the door from the inside of your home with a thumb turn. In contrast, a double-cylinder deadbolt requires homeowners to use a key to control the door from both the inside and outside. While both types of cylinders function as premium security measures, a double-cylinder deadlock provides the most protection, because there is only one way to open a door compared to two.

Homeowners should also use a double-cylinder unit for a door with windows. In a case where a burglar punches through the glass, he or she can unlock the door from the inside with a single-cylinder bolt. But with a double, it eliminates the danger.

The benefit of a single-cylinder unit can help you in cases of emergency where you need to exit your home immediately. With a single deadbolt, you can unlock the door from the inside and escape any danger. In comparison, a double-cylinder deadlock will require you to open the door with keys — and in an emergency, you won’t have time to fumble around or forget where your keys are.

Both options provide your home premium security measures — your decision simply depends on what you feel more comfortable using.

Digital Keypad vs. Key-Controlled Deadlocks

You also have the choice to select between a keypad deadbolt and a keyed deadlock. Although the two sound similar, one opens your door after you punch in the correct code, and the other relies on a physical key to get into your home.

Digital-keypad deadbolts are durable in that they don’t wear down from excessive key use. Pressing several buttons creates less friction within the unit compared to a key. The devices are also pick-proof and withstand forceful entries better than traditional locks. About 95 percent of home invasions necessitate forceful entry, whether the burglar decides to break a window, pick a lock or break down your door. A digital keypad lock increases the chances of keeping your house secure.

And, of course, keypads eliminate the problem of you or a family member losing the key. On the other hand, keyed deadbolts offer advanced security compared to the average door lock, and you never have to remember a password. Again, both options are incredible solutions compared to a generic door lock, but it’s up to you to decide which works best for your needs.

Deadbolt Options From Premium Hardware

Premium Hardware offers the following deadbolt options in brass, nickel, white or oil-rubbed bronze.

• Digital keypad single-cylinder deadbolt
• Digital keypad single-cylinder deadbolt with remote control feature
• Multipoint lock deadbolt
• Contemporary deadbolt
• Solid brass low-profile deadbolt
• Solid brass low-profile double-cylinder deadbolt
• Low-profile deadbolt in antique nickel
• Deadbolt and passage set combo
• Adjustable deadbolt latch bolt

At Premium Hardware, we test our deadbolt locks to meet ANSI grade two standards, ensuring homeowners receive durable and reliable units.

Replacing a Deadbolt

Replacing a deadbolt involves three possible scenarios — installing a new deadbolt, replacing an old one or swapping out a door lock. While each results in the same outcome of having a sturdier lock in place, each situation has a different process.

How to Install a New Deadbolt

 If you are installing a deadbolt for the first time, mark reference points to cut an appropriate hole. The new deadlock should be about six inches above the doorknob.

1. Using a hole saw, cut a hole for the deadbolt until the pilot bit reaches the other side of the door.
2. Next, fashion a hole through the side of the door using a 7/8-inch spade bit for the bolt.
3. For the faceplate to be flush with the door instead of getting caught, use a wood chisel, which will mortise the area for proper installation.
4. Drill pilot holes to secure the bolt to the door and screw in the screws.
5. Fit the outer side of the deadbolt onto the door, then set it in place to the interior piece. Inside the lock, align the screw holes and mounting holes and attach the deadbolt to the screws.
6. Close the door and turn the deadbolt several times so you can mark where it hits the doorframe.
7. Using a 7/8 inch spade bit, you can drill two overlying holes.
8. You can continue to mortise around the hole and drill pilot holes to secure the strike plate with screws.

How to Replace an Old or Damaged Deadbolt

Replacing deadbolts is almost always the best way to go when your unit is damaged or beginning to malfunction. Follow these six easy steps on how to replace a deadlock with a new one.

1. Unlock the existing deadbolt and loosen the screws on the inside face with a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Remove the inside and outside section of the lock from the parallel sides of the door.
3. Take out the screws at the face of the strike mechanism and pull it out of the door.
4. With the new deadbolt, attach the strike into the outer edge and secure it with screws.
5. By holding the outer half of the new deadbolt in place, you can push the connector stem through the hole in the strike.
6. Screw in the bolts on the inside face of deadbolts by tightening them in equal increments.

How to Substitute a Front Door Lock With a Deadbolt

 As mentioned before, front door locks provide a decent amount of protection, but with a spring, it offers less security compared to a deadbolt. If you are replacing your existing lock with a deadlock, follow the next several steps.

1. First, compare the size of the front door lock to the deadbolt. If the deadlock is larger than the original, you will have to drill a bigger hole.
2. Unscrew both screws attaching the front door lock using a Phillips screwdriver and pull the lock from the hole. For future use, place the bolt and screws aside in a plastic bag or drawer.
3. If the door’s strike plates and the keyed deadbolt’s strike plates are the same, you won’t need to replace them unless damage is present. But if the plates are different — doorframe strike plates are often bigger than a door’s — remove both plates and replace.
4. With the latch of the deadbolt facing inward, install the keyed bolt. Double-check proper movement by turning the latch. If by chance the deadbolt is stiff, you can use a wood chisel to remove extra wood from the area.
5. Insert the lock and hold the unit in place to ensure the keyed deadlock slides into place.
6. Once everything is working, remove the deadbolt and lubricate its moving parts.
7. With the front key plate position on the front door, align the cylinder screws on the deadbolt from the inside of your home.
8. Being careful not to strip the screws, tighten the inside of the door to the threaded cylinders of the front-keyed faceplate screw.

Rely on Premium Hardware to Ensure the Security of Your Home

Premium Hardware is an elite hardware company based in Northern California. We design most of our products in-house to fulfill your deadbolt requirements. Whether you are a homeowner, interior designer, locksmith or homebuilder, we develop deadbolts to be elegant, yet sturdy, safe and secure.

We fabricate our products overseas in ISO 9000-certified facilities, as our professionals manufacture deadbolts for a range of applications and styles. Premium Hardware develops exceptionally high-quality, yet affordably priced deadbolts that range from simple and clean to modern and stylish.

Because we design most of our products in-house, our staff has extensive knowledge about all our hardware, and can help any client with questions. Not only have we captured the growing market of high-end interior designers and locksmiths, but Premium Hardware is also on the cutting edge of door hardware style. We have increased the amount and diversity of clients wanting premium deadbolts for their homes.

We commit our services to providing you innovative and durable products to retain your peace of mind when it comes to the security of your home. Purchase a deadbolt or buy luxury door hardware from Premium Hardware to secure any home. Contact us today to learn about our products and services.