Handyman

Lock Installation: Deadbolts and Door Locks

August 5, 2025

Handyman Team

6 min read

Lock Installation: Deadbolts and Door Locks

Your door locks are the first line of defense for your home's security. Replacing an old, worn-out lock or adding a new deadbolt is a relatively simple DIY project that can provide significant peace of mind. Most modern locksets are designed to fit standard pre-drilled doors, making installation straightforward with just a few basic tools.

🔧 Replacing an Existing Doorknob or Lever

This is the simplest lock installation, perfect for interior or exterior doors.

Remove the Old Lock: Unscrew the two screws on the interior side of the doorknob. The two halves of the knob should pull apart. Then, unscrew and remove the latch plate from the edge of the door.

Install the New Latch: Slide the new latch mechanism into the hole on the edge of the door and screw the new latch plate in place.

Install the New Knob/Lever: Fit the exterior and interior halves of the new lockset together through the latch mechanism. Secure them by tightening the two mounting screws on the interior side.

🛡️ Installing a New Deadbolt

Adding a deadbolt provides a much higher level of security than a standard keyed knob. This guide assumes your door is already pre-drilled for a deadbolt.

Deadbolt Installation Steps:

Install the Bolt: Slide the deadbolt into the hole on the edge of the door and screw its faceplate in place.
Install the Cylinders: Fit the exterior (keyed) and interior (thumb-turn) parts of the deadbolt together, ensuring the tailpiece slides correctly into the bolt mechanism.
Secure with Mounting Screws: Fasten the two long mounting screws from the interior side. Do not over-tighten; make sure the key and thumb-turn operate smoothly.
Install the Strike Plate: On the door frame, install the new, heavy-duty strike plate that came with the deadbolt, using the provided long screws to anchor it securely into the wall stud.

The strength of a deadbolt comes from a long throw bolt (at least 1 inch) and a reinforced strike plate secured with 3-inch screws that go deep into the solid wood of the door frame, not just the jamb.

Upgrading your locks is a smart security move. If your doors are not pre-drilled or you want a professional installation for maximum security, contact The Box Advantage Group. Our handyman services include expert lock and deadbolt installation to keep your home secure.