Installing new deadbolt into an old door
 

What to replace old deadbolt on our front door.

Old deadbolt 1 3/4" lock with 7/8" bolt.

New deadbolt 2 1/8"wit 1" bolt.

For the new lock (deadbolt) hole I'm thinking of making a template out of 1/2" scrap wood, hole-saw a 2 1/8 hole, center it over the 1 3/4" hole, clamp then drill it out to enlarge the hole.

Now enlarging the 7/8" to a 1" bolt might be a little tricky, should I buy a gouge chisel and try to enlarge it that way? Or go with another template? But how to clamp the template to the edge of the door (don't have any pipe clamps), I suppose I could drill two holes and wood screw it into the end of the door to hold it in place? (kinda hate to add two new hole for the screws)

Thanks in advance!

How about one of those sandpaper "hones" that go into a high speed drill? Just fire it up and work the hole from the existing one. Since you are only needing 1/8th of an inch it shouldn't take too long and will self center itself.

Can't you just buy the right sized new deadbolt? Or are they no longer made in that size?

Sorry but no, wife wanted one of those fancy electronic deadbolts and we bought it off Amazon... so already have that deadbolt... that and I have put the job off for an month so don't know if we can return it now.

I will run by Home Depot and see if they have one of those hones... aren't those made for metal? (honing cylinders etc.)

For the dead bolt make your template the same thickness as the door, clamp it between two pieces of scrap and clamp the ends of the scrap pieces to the door. Drill carefully.

Best
Les

I hope to God the bastard doesn't lock you out one night. Does it have an overide key or do you have another door into the house?

Yes, has a regular old fashion key in the knob plus a keypad above.

http://www.amazon.com/Schlage-BE365VCAM619-Camelot-Keypad-Deadbolt/dp/B000NJJ1MQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381090604&sr=8-2&keywords=schlage

Nice lock!

Scott,

Take a 1/2 chisel and start with the top and bottom and just make the hole in that area square. The 1" bolt will slide right in. The side, should not need to be 1". I have no experience with electronic locks, but I am almost sure the bolt are not round. The sides are usually flat. Hammer and a chisel should take 10 minutes to clean out 1/8" lumber in there unless its a Rock Maple door? There are better ways to do this, but it require you to have the right equip. of tools. Not worth renting or buying IMO.

jeff

Thanks Jeff, I will check to see if the bolt is round, it is a cheapo pine or some sort of fiber door... door will be replaced eventually but don't have the $$$ for that right now.

And yes I know of the tools you are speaking of and wish I could buy them but again trying to do this without spending a bundle.

When you buy the new door, have them pre-bore for the locks if its a pre-hung door. If not, you can borrow my lockset jig. It takes all the guess work out of installation. Everything is preset, just drill and install. 15 minute install and very accurate.

We have 3 of the same locks and love them.

A "dead bolt" is only as secure as the door frame. Without a reinforced door frame the dead bolt can easily be defeated with a crow bar or something similar. Ideally you would want a steel door frame. Ask me how I know. I had a deadbolt but with a large scew driver the burglar just busted the door farme wide open.

Just installed an electronic lock on our front door a couple of days ago. Nice that when my wife is taking the dog to the park she can just go out the front door instead of raising and lowering the garage door.

Don't know if you've done it already, but assuming the keys are compatible, you can have the lock rekeyed to match the other exterior locks on your house. Lowes near us charges $5 to do this.

If you do this: For the new lock (deadbolt) hole I'm thinking of making a template out of 1/2" scrap wood, hole-saw a 2 1/8 hole, center it over the 1 3/4" hole, clamp then drill it out to enlarge the hole.

Put a piece of scrap on back side of door as well draw center lines with a square.

What Porwolf said is a good idea too. They sell reinforced strike plates or what I did is made my own,remove trim and made one of 90 degree steel also use longer screws that penetrate the studs.

Scott,

If the chisel method is giving you a little kick in the ass, just plug the hole with a 3/4" dowel and buy an 1" bit and drill through it. that wooden dowel is readily available at home centers or hardware store.

I have a lock like that as well. As mentioned I had the other exterior doors rekeyed to match that one.

My kids usually use the garage door pad to get in but this gives them another way in without having to carry keys.

Bill

Oooo, great idea!

Yeah, that was pretty much my plan for the large hole

Whoa! I was going to go to the local locksmith for that (was going to get matching satin SS lower knob and match the keys) You just saved me a bundle!
I will look up the local Lowes

Project is set for this Friday, thanks again fo rall the help!!!

I have the same lock. Interferes with the storm door handle due to its girth. Might want to check before drilling.

Also, door is in full morning sun and finish has come off lock after a few years.

I was just in Lowes on Saturday night to buy a lockset for my new workshop door. I wanted a Schlage brand lockset to match keys with the current house doorlocks. I had them match the house key. They charge $5 to rekey a lock - but only if you bought it there and have it in your hand.

They had a letter taped to the table in front of the key/lock service desk area with a notice indicating they will NOT rekey a lock that is brought in after your purchase. If the lockset was not purchased there - they will send you to a locksmith. The notice stated that you must return the lockset purchased there and buy a new one (not sure why that is different) if you need it rekeyed.