Can You Add A Deadbolt To A Steel Door

Sorry the door was installed without a deadbolt.

Can you add a deadbolt to a steel door.

Installing a deadbolt lock on a steel door may sound intimidating but with the right tools it s a fairly simple task. Kwikset isn t the greatest choice for a steel door. Deadbolts have a grade rating of 3 to 1 1 is the toughest. Install a deadbolt lock to a steel door with help from a home improveme.

Step 10 on a new door you ll need to create a mortise a slot in the edge of the door or jamb for the faceplate to rest. Most moderately skilled amateurs can complete this task in about half an hour. Use a grade 1 deadbolt. Most exterior doors are steel sided with wood cores.

It s important to say that you may consider adding a deadbolt to all the exterior doors of your house. Adding a deadbolt lock can be a great way to improve the security of your steel door. A single cylinder deadbolt has a key slot on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. Next check out 10 amazing modern front doors.

Most home centers carry grade 1 deadbolts such as schlage s maximum security deadbolt but you may have to hunt for them. If the new faceplate doesn t match the old you can sometimes save time by using the old faceplate with the new lockset assembly if everything lines up and fits correctly. Use a hole saw designed to drill through steel to cut a hole for the deadbolt lock. A deadbolt increases the safety and security of your home.

Why you should have a single cylinder deadbolt. The deadbolt he bought still isn t right for a retrofit without a drive in bolt unless he finds a guy with a squeeze plate to mortise the edge of the door or it gets cut out and the reinforcement tab installed. Steel doors are easy to drill into using a bimetal hole saw and an electric drill. If all you ve got on your door is a knob lock you can add a second layer of protection with a deadbolt lock positioned 6 8 inches above or below your doorknob.

When you add a deadbolt onto your door you can rest assure that your door can be opened from the outside only with a key.