A deadbolt lock provides excellent security from unwanted intruders. It cannot be pried open the way a spring-loaded lock can. There are two fundamental types of deadbolt locks including one or two cylinders. A single cylinder can only be opened from the outside with a key. However, it provides a quick exit without a key. The double cylinder can be opened with a key from indoors or outdoors.
In a double cylinder lock, the key should never be left in the lock on the inside because there are ways a burglar can reach it to open the door. The key can be kept nearby, but out of sight. To install a deadbolt lock, the tools required are:
• The lock
• A hole saw
• A power drill
• A 7/8 inch spade bit
• A pencil, chisel and screwdriver
How to install the lock:
The instructions that come with the lock will give an idea of how far the lock should be from the edge of the door in relation to the door knob. The recommended vertical location is about six inches above the door knob.
• After marking the exact location, drill a 1 ½ inch diameter hole through the door. If the saw won’t make the hole through the door, just make sure the exact location of the hole is marked on the other side, so the hole saw can be used on the other side to make both sides equal.
• The 7/8-inch spade bit can then be used to make a hole in the middle of the door edge. An additional 3/8-inch should be drilled in the side hole, and then the bolt can be put in the hole on the edge of the door.
• Put the mounting plate on the door and trace around it. With the chisel, cut out enough of the door, so the plate is flush with the surface. The plate can be installed with two screws.
• The deadbolt cylinders can then be installed in the door. The drive bars need to be engaged and secured with screws.
• At the center of the bolt location in the doorjamb, to holes can be drilled that are 7/8-inch in diameter and 1 1/8-inches deep.
• The mounting plate for the doorjamb can be traced and chiseled out about ¼-inches deep. The plate can be fit into the jamb and secured with screws.
It takes about an hour to install a deadbolt lock that gives excellent security and peace of mind.