Adding deadbolts to your doors is a sure-fire way to help
you achieve the two most important goals of homeowners—to
provide the highest level of protection from intruders for
your family and property.
When
deciding which deadbolt is right for you, there are two
main types to choose from, the internal or surface mount.
The internal mount provides the highest level of security,
but involves a more complicated installation procedure.
No matter which type you choose, however, the presence
of a deadbolt is considered highly effective protection
against intruders. Not only do they make it significantly
more difficult and time-consuming for an intruder to break-in,
but the very presence of a deadbolt is also known to act
as a deterrent to would-be burglars.
Initial
Stages of Installation for Internal Mount Deadbolts
When
preparing for installation, keep in mind that the deadbolt
should be placed anywhere from 10 to 12 inches above or
below the lockset. Once the location is determined, make
sure the area is free from any hardware in the door that
would interfere with the installation.
The
installation of the deadbolt involves several easy steps.
First of all, find the lock template that is included
in the kit and tape it on the door in the area of the
desired location of the deadbolt. To ensure that the location
of the lock will be square with the door, simply tape
the template to the door and line it up with a combination
square. Once the template is satisfactorily aligned, mark
on the door with a pencil the location of the screw and
cylinder holes. Next, drill out pilot holes for the screws,
and, finally, use a hole saw to drill out the location
of the lock cylinder. Please note that in order to avoid
splintering the wood of the door when using the hole saw,
stop drilling as soon as the pilot bit goes through the
door the first time through, then drill the remainder
of the way from the other side.
Final
Steps of Installation of a Surface Mount Deadbolt
First
of all, place the cylinder ring around the cylinder, making
sure the keyhole is at the bottom. From the outside of
the door, insert the cylinder and connecting bar into
the cylinder hole. Then, after setting the bolt into the
open position, align the bolt case with the connecting
bar and attach the case to the inside of the door. You
will find that the connecting bar is perforated so that
you can snap it off in case the bar is too long for the
width of your door.
In
order to successfully complete the installation of the
surface mount deadbolt, one step remains. Close the door
and trace where the strike is on the jamb, then chisel
a mortise in the jamb to make a snug fit for the strike.
All that remains to be done is to test the lock to make
sure it is set correctly and it works properly. Now you
can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with making your
home and family more safe and secure.