The deadbolt is one of the most commonly found locks on doors used to prevent unauthorized people from entering and accessing your home. If you’re drilling a hole for a deadbolt, you might be wondering what size of hole saw for the deadbolt would you need. We have done our research about it, and here is what we have found.
Most deadbolts require a 2 1/8-inch blade for the cross bore and a 1-inch blade for the latch bore. A cross bore is a hole that passes through the door from one side to the other where the door knob is inserted and mounted. The latch bore, on the other hand, is the hole found on the edge of the door.
The backset distance for standard deadbolt size usually measures around 2 3/8 to 2 3/4 inches to fit.
Installing a deadbolt on your door may seem complicated and time-consuming. But rest assured that the entire process is quite straightforward and requires only basic carpentry skills. Keep reading as we walk you through everything you need to know from determining what size hole saw for the deadbolt to other important details that will help you finish the task at hand.
How To Install A Deadbolt Lock
Installing a deadbolt lock is relatively straightforward and can be completed in about an hour or so by having the right tools. The only challenging part is getting the correct size hole saw for your locking mechanism. Below are the steps on how to install a deadbolt lock.
1. Select the Location for Your New Deadbolt Lock
Before you install a new lock on your front door, you’ll first want to select the location for your deadbolt lock. Deadbolts usually come with two mounting plates that allow you to mount the deadbolt on either the inside or the outside of the door.
If possible, you should install the lock on the outside of the door. This provides the best level of security, as it’s harder for intruders to break in through the inside of your front door.
If you have an old wooden door and installing the deadbolt on the outside of the door will cause the door to swell, you can mount it on the inside instead. However, you should reinforce the door and frame to prevent door and frame separation.
2. Drill Holes for the New Lock Shaft and Rotor
Now, you will want to drill holes for the lock shaft and rotor to go through the door. Since all doors are a little different, you will have to measure and mark where the holes go.
Place the rotor, or decorative part, of the lock on the outside of the door. Then, mark the two holes where the shaft of the lock will pass through the door. Turn the rotor 90 degrees afterward, and mark the third hole where the shaft of the lock will pass through the door from the other side.
3. Secure the Shaft and Rotor With Screws
Now that you’ve marked where the shaft and rotor will pass through the door, you can now secure them with screws. This will prevent the shaft and rotor from falling out of the door.
Take the shaft of the lock and put it in a vise. It’s best to use a vise that can be clamped to a table because you don’t want to damage the shaft.
Secure the rotor in a vise on the other side of the shaft, perpendicular to it. You can be a little more careless with this part because it won’t be seen once the lock is installed.
4. Install the Deadbolt Lock and Test It Out
Finally, you can install the new deadbolt lock on your door and test it out.
After you’ve screwed the shaft and rotor into the door, place the lock into the opening that you cut out. Then, turn the lock 90 degrees so that it is perpendicular to the door frame. This is how you set the lock’s 90-degree rotation.
Finally, turn the lock so that it is parallel to the door frame. This is how you set the lock’s parallel rotation.
If the lock feels a little loose in the opening, you can put a small amount of wood putty in the opening to make it fit snugly. After you’ve installed the lock, test it by locking and unlocking it to make sure it works properly.
Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolts are used in homes and businesses to provide security and prevent unauthorized people from gaining access. A deadbolt has a locking mechanism that operates with a key. In addition to locking when you turn the doorknob, it also locks when you press the button on the inside of your door and turns 90 degrees.
Compared to a security system, they are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. These locks use a keyhole that’s protected by a hinged door. When the lock is engaged, the door is held in place.
Check out this Kwikset deadbolt lock on Amazon.
Types Of Deadbolts
Deadbolt door locks are categorized as single deadbolt locks, double cylinder locks, lockable thumb turn or combination deadbolts, and vertical deadbolts, also known as jimmy-proof deadbolt locks.
What Is A Hole Saw?
A hole saw is, as you may have guessed, a saw for drilling holes. It is a circular blade that can be attached to a power drill on an arbor. Most hole saws have a drill bit that extends from the center, which is useful for stability as well as lining up your hole saw accurately.
Check out this hole saw set on Amazon.
Types Of Hole Saws
Hole saws can be classified into two types: adjustable holes and circle cutters. Adjustable hole saws as the name implies are adjustable and can make a variation of hole sizes. Circle cutters are similar to adjustable hole saws and can cut different sizes of holes.
The main difference is that circle cutters can create larger circles compared to adjustable hole saws. The key to using a hole saw is to make sure it is the right size for the task.
How Much Space Should Be Between Door Knob And Deadbolt?
The distance between your door knob and deadbolt should be around 5 1/2 inches up to 6 inches. This distance allows for easier visibility and access to your deadbolt upon use. It also allows sufficient space between your door knob and deadbolt for both of them to work properly.
The deadbolt may also be positioned either above or below your door knob depending on your preference. But it is generally advised to have the deadbolt installed above your door knob for better visibility.
How to Choose the Appropriate Hole Saw for a Deadbolt
As you prepare to buy the appropriate hole saw for your deadbolt, it’s important to know the specs for the type of lock you’re working with. Keep in mind that hole saws are available in different sizes, and unless you measure your lock, you won’t know which one to get.
You also want to know what type of material is your door made of. Different materials would need a corresponding type of hole saw to bore holes through them. For example, Bi-metal hole saws are good for most materials such as wood and plastic, while diamond hole saws are better for glass, marble, and fiberglass.
What Are The Tools And Materials Needed To Install A Deadbolt Lock?
Installing a deadbolt lock is an excellent way to increase the security of your home. While they’re not foolproof, deadbolts are effective at keeping potential intruders out. Even if someone breaks through your front door and into your home, a deadbolt lock will give you a final line of defense against further intrusion.
Here are the tools and materials you’ll need to install a deadbolt lock:
- Drill
- Hole saw bit
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Pencil
Conclusion
Deadbolt locks usually need a 2 1/8-inch hole saw for their cross bore while a 1-inch hole saw is necessary for its latch bore. With the proper tools, including the right hole saw, and enough know-how, installing a deadbolt lock can be done easily.
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