How to Replace a Front Door Lock with a Keyed Deadbolt

One of the best ways to maintain this security is by replacing or upgrading our front door lock. As homeowners, we all want to ensure the safety and security of our loved ones and possessions. A keyed deadbolt is an excellent option for securing your front door, as it is harder to pick or break than a standard doorknob lock. Let’s see how to replace a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt.

So, installing a keyed deadbolt might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and guidance, it is a simple process you can do yourself. 

This Home Affluence guide will provide instructions on replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt, perfect for those looking to upgrade the security of their home:

• Prepare for the job: Gather tools and supplies, and remove the old lock.
• Assess Your Current Lock
• Shop for a New Deadbolt Lock
• Remove the Existing Lock
• Measure the door: Check the inside of the door for existing holes, and measure the distance from the edge of the door to the hole.
• Choose a deadbolt: Choose a keyed deadbolt that fits the measurements of the door.
• Mark the door: Mark the center of the hole where the deadbolt needs to go.
• Drill the door: Drill the door at the marked spot using the right drill bit.
• Install the deadbolt: Insert it into the drilled hole, and secure it with screws.
• Install the strike plate: Mark and drill the doorjamb, then install the strike plate.
• Install the knob: Install the knob and tighten the screws.
• Test the lock: Test the lock to make sure it works properly.
• Test the lock again: Test the lock again for any flaws or errors.

A standard doorknob lock keeps the door closed, while a keyed deadbolt provides extra security by keeping the door locked. Let’s learn how to do it.

How To Replace a Front Door Lock with a Keyed Deadbolt

1. Prepare for the job:

Replacing a front door lock may seem daunting, but it can do relatively quickly with the right tools and supplies. 

To begin, gather the necessary tools, including a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, a tape measure, a drill, a drill bit set, a chisel, a hammer, and a keyed deadbolt lock kit. 

Next, remove the old lock by unscrewing the screws that hold the safety in place, taking care not to damage the door. 

Use a chisel and hammer to remove any additional hardware, such as the strike plate or latch plate installed on the door jamb. Once the old lock is removed, you are ready to install the new wave. 

Remember to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your keyed deadbolt lock kit during installation. 

Use caution while handling tools and supplies to ensure safety and avoid damage to the door.

2. Assess Your Current Lock

When considering a front door lock replacement, the first step is to assess your current lock to determine whether it is compatible with a keyed deadbolt. Confirming that the door is aligned correctly and in good condition is essential. 

Also, the deadbolt hole should be horizontally and vertically centered beneath the doorknob hole, and the hole should be large enough to fit the new lock. 

Once you’ve confirmed the measurements, you can choose a deadbolt that fits your needs, such as a single-cylinder, double-cylinder, or smart lock. 

Before installation, review the manufacturer’s instructions and have all necessary tools, including a drill, screws, and a chisel. 

Proper installation is crucial for your new lock to function correctly and provide the desired level of security. Remember to test the new safety thoroughly before completing the installation process. 

By following these steps, you can successfully replace your front door lock with a keyed deadbolt and enhance the security of your home.

3. Measure the hole size for the new lock on the door and make any necessary adjustments.

Installing a new front door lock with a keyed deadbolt can improve your home security. 

It is vital to measure the size of the hole for the new lock on the door and make any necessary adjustments. 

To do this, carefully measure the diameter of the hole in your door using a ruler or measuring tape.

If the new lock is larger than the existing hole, you must use a drill to widen the gap to the appropriate size.

Be sure to make the necessary adjustments carefully and accurately, as any mistakes can compromise the security of your home.

4. Remove the Existing Lock

Replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt can be a simple and effective way to enhance the security of your home. 

When replacing your lock, it is essential to remove the existing lock to make way for the new installation. 

To remove the existing lock, you must first locate the screws or bolts, securing safety. Most locks will have these located on the interior side of the door. Once located, use a screwdriver or drill to remove the screws or bolts carefully. 

After the screws or bolts have been removed, the lock should quickly come apart, allowing you to remove it from the door. Now that the existing lock has been removed, you can install your new keyed deadbolt.

5. Measure the door:

Replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt can be a great way to enhance the security of your home. 

Before installing a new lock, it’s essential to take careful measurements to ensure a proper fit. One of the most important steps in this process is measuring the door itself. 

To do this, start by checking the inside of the door for existing holes. Next, measure the distance from the edge of the door to the hole for the existing lock. 

This measurement will help you select the proper size for your new deadbolt. A properly installed deadbolt can help prevent break-ins and provide your home and family with greater security.

6. Choose a deadbolt:

When replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt, one of the essential steps is choosing the proper deadbolt for the door. 

It’s best to select a keyed deadbolt that fits the measurements of the door and the existing hole where the last lock was installed. 

Deadbolts come in different sizes, so measuring the door’s thickness is essential to ensure you buy the proper deadbolt. Choosing a deadbolt that offers the level of security, you require is also essential. 

Consider a high-quality deadbolt that’s made of solid materials and has a sturdy locking mechanism. A deadbolt with a key and a thumb turn is ideal for easy access and security. 

Choosing the proper deadbolt is a crucial step in replacing a front door lock and ensuring the safety and security of your home or business.

7. Mark the door:

Replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt can seem daunting, but it can be accomplished quickly with the correct instructions and tools. 

One of the crucial steps in the process is marking the center of the hole where the deadbolt needs to go on the door. 

It ensures the deadbolt will align correctly with the strike plate on the doorjamb. To mark the door accurately:

• Place the backplate of the deadbolt against the door’s edge and trace the outline.
• Use a tiny drill bit to drill a pilot hole in the center of the traced circle.
• Use a spot saw to drill the deadbolt hole, ensuring the hole’s depth matches the length of the deadbolt.

Accurately marking the hole’s center ensures the deadbolt fits perfectly and functions correctly.

8. Drill the door:

To replace a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt. It is crucial to follow the steps precisely to ensure a secure installation. One of the steps involved in this process is to drill the door. 

It may seem daunting, but it can accomplish quickly with the right drill bit and technique. Carefully mark the spot where the hole needs to be drilled, ensuring it aligns with the keyed deadbolt. 

Once marked, select the appropriate type of drill bit based on the material of the door and drill the hole at the marked spot. 

Drilling the hole at the right angle ensures the deadbolt can operate smoothly. 

With proper technique and attention to detail, drilling the door and creating a hole for the keyed deadbolt can be accomplished.

9. Install the deadbolt:

Installing a keyed deadbolt to replace a front door lock is a relatively straightforward process that can enhance the security of your home or office building. 

The first step is to measure the size of the existing hole in the door to ensure that the new deadbolt will fit properly. Once the hole has been drilled to the appropriate size, insert the deadbolt and align it with the hole in the strike plate.

Ensure the deadbolt extends fully into the hole in the strike plate before proceeding. Next, use screws to secure the deadbolt in place on the door.

It is crucial to ensure the deadbolt is firmly attached to withstand strong forces and prevent unauthorized entry. 

Following these steps will give you a strong and secure deadbolt lock that can provide added protection and peace of mind.

10. Install the strike plate:

Installing a strike plate is essential in replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt. Begin by marking the doorjamb with a pencil where you want the strike plate to go. Assign it with the deadbolt so the latch bolt will fit securely. 

Drill out the area marked on the doorjamb with a drill bit slightly larger than the screws that came with the strike plate. 

Once the hole is drilled out, you can finally screw the strike plate into the doorjamb. Ensure to align it properly and use screws long enough to secure it firmly. 

The strike plate should fit flush with the doorjamb, and there should be no wiggle room. Proper strike plate installation ensures your new keyed deadbolt will function properly and secure your home.

11. Install the knob:

The front door lock is one of the most critical components of home security. If you want to replace your lock with a keyed deadbolt, you must know how to install the knob properly. 

Start by removing the old lock and aligning the new one with the door. Secure the lock with the screws provided and ensure it is centered and level. 

Once the lock is secure, attach the knob and tighten the screws. Test the lock to ensure it functions correctly before leaving it in place. 

By following these steps, you can improve the security of your home and protect your family and belongings.

12. Test the lock:

Regarding home security, replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt can be wise. However, testing the lock to ensure it works properly is crucial. 

It involves checking if the lock is aligned with the strike plate and if the bolt moves smoothly into the hole. Additionally, the safety should be tested with the key and the thumb turns to ensure it locks and unlocks correctly.

It is crucial to seek a professional locksmith’s services for installing and testing the lock.

Guarantee that the lock is secure and will provide optimal protection for your home.

13. Test the lock again:

When replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt, it is crucial to ensure the new lock is installed properly and functions correctly. 

As such, one of the most critical steps in this process is to test the lock again for any flaws or errors. 

It will help to confirm that the lock is installed correctly, functions as intended, and provides maximum security for the home or business. 

Whether you are a homeowner or a professional locksmith, taking the time to thoroughly test the lock again before finalizing the installation is essential to ensuring the safety and security of your property and its occupants.

Expert Opinion

After all these steps, replacing a front door lock with a keyed deadbolt is a simple task that can be easily accomplished with a few essential tools and patience.

 The process involves:

• Removing the old lock.
• Measuring and marking the new lock position.
• Drilling the necessary holes.
• Installing the new wave. 

With this guide and some DIY knowledge, you can ensure your home’s security and enjoy peace of mind with the added protection of a keyed deadbolt lock.