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How to install a deadbolt lock
Overview
Installing a deadbolt lock is an excellent way to enhance your home's security. Whether it's for your front door, a side entrance, or even an external laundry door, this project is a straightforward way to make your home safer. Follow this guide for a clear, step-by-step process to easily install one yourself.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Steps
Measure and mark the door
Begin by deciding where to install the deadbolt. While it’s largely a matter of preference, aim to position the deadbolt around 100mm above your existing door handle. Use your tape measure and mark this spot with a pencil. Once you’ve marked the height, grab a square or tape measure and transfer the mark around the edge of the door. This ensures that everything stays aligned on both sides of the door.
Mark the backset
Next, mark the backset. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the deadbolt. Most deadbolts have a backset of either 60mm or 70mm. Check your deadbolt’s instructions for the specific backset measurement. If your deadbolt comes with a template, use it to mark this. Otherwise, measure and mark it manually.
Drill the hole for the lock cylinder
Attach a 54mm hole saw drill bit to your drill. Position the hole saw on your mark and drill halfway through the door. Then, switch to the other side and continue drilling until the holes meet. This prevents the wood from splintering and gives a clean finish.
Drill the hole for the latch
Mark the centre of the door edge where the latch will be installed. Use the drill bit size specified in your deadbolt’s instructions (typically 24-25mm). Drill the hole carefully and ensure it’s aligned with your other markings.
Mark and predill holes for the latch
Start by marking where the latch will sit on the edge of the door. Use a drill to create pilot holes for the latch screws. This will help guide the screws in evenly and prevent the timber from splitting.
Chisel the recess for the latch
If your latch has a faceplate, position it on the door’s edge and trace around it with a utility knife. Remove the latch, then use a chisel to carefully carve out a recess so the faceplate sits flush with the door. Work steadily to avoid removing too much material.
Fit the lock cylinders
Insert the tail bar into the back of the lock cylinder. Make sure the numbers on the bar match your door’s thickness. Adjust the bar as needed to suit the size of your door.
Position the lock cylinders
Insert both barrel lock cylinders into the pre-drilled hole on the door. Align the turn knob horizontally, ensuring the indicator on the knob faces the door’s edge for proper orientation.
Secure the rivet
Drill two 3mm holes—one at the top and one at the bottom of the lock assembly. This will ensure the lock stays firmly anchored and prevents movement. Push rivets into the drilled holes to prevent the cylinder from rotating during operation, making sure they are snugly in place.
Mark and prepare the door frame
On the door frame, mark the height of the latch and measure the centre of the bolt. Transfer these measurements to the door frame. This will ensure that the strike plate aligns properly with the deadbolt.
Trace the strike plate
Position the strike plate on the door frame where the latch will engage. Use a utility knife to trace around the edges, marking its exact placement.
Drill the strike plate
Remove the strike plate and use a 22mm spade bit to drill into the marked area. This creates the initial space for the strike plate to sit. Use a chisel to carefully carve out the marked area. Ensure the recess is deep enough for the strike plate to sit flush with the door frame.
Secure the striker plate
Place the strike box into the recess and use screws to secure it firmly to the frame. Finally, position the strike plate over the strike box and screw it into place. Ensure everything aligns properly with the latch for smooth operation.
Test the deadbolt
After installation, lock and unlock the deadbolt several times to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. The bolt should slide effortlessly into the strike plate with no resistance.
Now that you’ve installed a deadbolt lock..
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Health & Safety
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.