Install Deadbolt In Steel Clad Door

How to install a deadbolt lock.

Install deadbolt in steel clad door.

Choose a position on the door for the lock. Install a deadbolt lock to a steel door with help from a home improveme. Adding a deadbolt lock can be a great way to improve the security of your steel door. Most commercial doors are 1 3 4 inches thick while most residential doors are 1 3 8 inches thick.

Most moderately skilled amateurs can complete this task in about half an hour. Now installing a deadbolt on a metal door isn t really that much different than installing it on a wood door or fiberglass door. If the edge of the door is clad in steel rather than consisting of wood cut this hole with a bi metal hole saw instead typically 7 8 inch or as specified by the manufacturer. All you need is the right hardware and your job should be pretty easy.

It is critical that you choose a peephole that is the right length to fit your door. If you purchased an installation kit use the supplied jig for marking the lockset faceplate and a router to cut into the door shown. Any excess material in the center may be removed with a chisel and hammer. Steel doors are easy to drill into using a bimetal hole saw and an electric drill.

An incorrectly sized unit may not be functional and will definitely detract from the door s aesthetic appeal. This project can easily be tackled in an afternoon and to help you plan for this project we re going to show you how easy it is to install a new deadbolt lock before we get started be sure your door is properly drilled and aligned with this door prep checklist. Attach the jig to the door and use the router bit with a drill to cut along the grooves of the jig. Measure the thickness of your door using a tape measure.

You ll have to adjust the position a bit if you have a combination storm door so as not to interfere with the storm doorknob or lock.