How Do You Drill a Door for a Deadbolt?

Drilling a door for a deadbolt involves precision and careful execution to ensure a secure and functional lock. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Preparation and Marking

Gather your tools: You'll need a drill, drill bits (including a 2 1/8" hole saw for the lock body and a 7/8" or 1" spade bit for the bolt), a pencil, a measuring tape, a chisel, a hammer, a screwdriver, and safety glasses.
Mark the door: Use the template included with your deadbolt kit to accurately mark the center of the large hole on the face of the door and the smaller hole on the edge of the door for the bolt. Ensure the template is positioned at the correct height (usually 36-48 inches from the floor).

Drill the large hole (lock body): Using the 2 1/8" hole saw, drill halfway through the door from one side. Then, carefully align the pilot bit with the mark on the opposite side and finish drilling the hole from that side. This prevents splintering.
Drill the edge hole (bolt): Using the 7/8" or 1" spade bit (check your deadbolt instructions for the correct size), drill into the edge of the door, centering the hole on the marked spot. Drill deep enough to accommodate the bolt assembly. Some instructions recommend drilling a bit further – approximately 3/8" – into the back of the hole to allow for easy bolt retraction.

Insert the bolt: Place the bolt assembly into the hole you drilled in the door's edge.
Trace the plate: Carefully trace around the bolt plate on the edge of the door with a pencil.
Chisel the mortise: Use a chisel and hammer to carefully remove wood within the traced outline, creating a mortise (a recessed area) so the bolt plate sits flush with the door's surface. This ensures a smooth and professional finish.

Install the bolt and strike plate: Secure the bolt in place with screws. Install the strike plate on the door frame, ensuring it aligns with the bolt. You may also need to chisel out a mortise on the door frame for the strike plate to sit flush.
Install the lock cylinders: Insert the exterior and interior lock cylinders into the large hole and secure them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Test the deadbolt: Ensure the deadbolt operates smoothly and securely.

Important Considerations:

Door Thickness: Make sure the deadbolt you purchased is compatible with the thickness of your door.
Wood Type: Consider the type of wood your door is made of. Hardwoods may require more force and sharper drill bits.
Pilot Hole: Using a pilot hole can help guide larger drill bits and prevent wandering.
Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when drilling and chiseling.