How to install a deadbolt lock

Updating your front door can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. Both DIY door projects are easier than you think and can be tackled in less than a weekend. To help you achieve your new look – and improve the security on your home – we're going to show you how easy it is to install a new deadbolt lock.

Door preparation

Before we get started, be sure your door is properly drilled and aligned. This will help to ensure installation goes smoothly and the deadbolt is as secure as possible.

Next, collect the tools you need to install your door hardware. All you need is a tape measure and a #2 Phillips Head screwdriver. Keep in mind that an electric drill is not recommended for installation as it can easily strip the screws and damage your lock.

Deadbolt parts checklist

Once you've gathered your tools, you're ready to get started installing your deadbolt lock. The first step is to ensure you have all parts. Here's a checklist to help.

• Outside housing: The portion of your deadbolt that goes on the outside of your door where you insert the key
• Inside thumbturn: The portion of your deadbolt that goes on the side of your door inside the house and that allows you to lock and unlock from the inside
• Bolt: The interior locking mechanism. It comes with a rectangular faceplate pre-attache
• Round drive-in faceplate: An optional faceplate that may replace the rectangular faceplate already attached to the bolt if your door calls for it
• Strike plate: The metal plate that you affix to the door frame, used to increase security by holding the bolt in place
• Reinforcement plate: This optional piece works to strengthen the door frame, adding security to your door
• Short screws: Used to secure the bolt and faceplate to the door. There should be four of them.
• Tapered long screws: Used to secure the interior thumbturn to the outside housing. There should be two of them.
• Wood screws: Used to secure the reinforcement plate on the door frame. There should be two of them.
• Keys

Deadbolt installation instructions

1. Begin installing your deadbolt lock by placing the bolt.

The latch comes with a pre-attached rectangular faceplate. If you’re using the rectangular faceplate, continue to Step 2 now.

If you need to replace it with the round drive-in faceplate, follow steps a-c below. You'll need a flat head screwdriver, hammer and block of wood with this setup.

1. Remove faceplate by gently prying it away from the rest of the bolt with a flat head screwdriver.
2. Twist and remove remaining support plate.
3. Install round drive-in faceplate simply by snapping it into place.

2. If your door has a backset of 2 3/8", you will not need to make any further adjustments.

If your backset measures 2 3/4", the bolt is easily adjusted by simply twisting the faceplate. You'll see and hear the bolt snap in to place.

3. If you're using the rectangular faceplate, slide the bolt into place with the word "top" facing up and secure with the two short screws.

For the drive-in faceplate, slide it into place with the word “top” facing up and gently tap it using a block of wood and hammer until it is flush with the door’s edge.

4. Some Schlage deadbolts are equipped with Snap and Stay technology that allows the outside housing to stay in place while your hands remain free to attach the inside thumbturn.

If your crossbore measures 2-1/8", you're ready to move to Step 5 now. However, if it measures 1-1/2", remove the Snap and Stay bracket using the steps below.

1. Remove the attachment screw located on the interior side of the outside housing.
2. Rotate and remove the bracket.

5. Orient the outside housing so that the Schlage logo is facing up.

Align and insert the tail piece with the bolt. If you're using the Snap and Stay bracket, simply snap the outside housing into the hole.

6. Next, orient the slot on the inside thumbturn with the tail piece and secure it to the door using the two self-guiding long screws.

The tapered tip of the screws allows them to easily line up and thread.

7. As noted above, this step for installing the reinforcement plate is optional.

If you choose to, install the reinforcement plate on the door frame, making sure it is oriented correctly as indicated on the plate. Secure it in place with the two wood screws. In some cases, some additional work might need to be done to the door jamb to allow the strike plate to be secured on top.

8. Finally, use the remaining two short screws to secure the strike plate over the reinforcement plate or directly to the door frame if you aren’t using the reinforcement plate.

Testing the lock

Now that the installation is complete, it's important to test the lock to make sure everything is in proper, working order.

1. With the door open, turn the thumbturn to extend and retract the bolt.

2. Repeat Step 1 on the exterior side with the key.

Remember to leave the door open while you test the lock.

3. Now close the door and use the thumbturn to operate the bolt.

It should extend and retract smoothly. If the deadbolt drags or hits the strikeplate while testing with the door closed, you'll need to adjust the strike or doorjamb for better alignment.

To see a demonstration of each of these steps, watch our installation video below.

Visit the Schlage How-To Center for more videos showing how to install door hardware, including interior knobs and levers, front door handlesets and smart locks.