Three Do-It-Yourself Fixes for Common Deadbolt Problems

Deadbolts come in varying shapes, sizes and grades.  That said, there are three common problems to look for whenever you examine a deadbolt installation.  Fortunately, these common problems are relatively minor and you can often remedy these issues yourself with some basic carpentry skills.  Below are the three most common problems I have come across and my solutions for these problems:

Problem—Deadbolt Does Not Deadlock:  If the hole made in the doorjamb for the bolt is not deep enough, the deadbolt cannot fully engage.  This means that the bolt could be jimmied open by a burglar.  A deadbolt will not deadlock unless it is fully extended.

 

Because this deadbolt has not been thrown all the way (1 inch throw), it is not deadlocked and can be pushed back into the bolt housing

Solution:  You can increase the depth of this hole by removing the strike (and any metal plates behind it) and drilling a deeper hole using a cordless drill equipped with a 1” Forstner bit.  When done drilling, be sure to replace the strike and any additional metal plates you removed earlier.

Problem—Strike is Poorly Mounted:  Many strikes are mounted only to the doorjamb, using ½” screws.  This means that the door is more prone to kick-in attacks.

Solution:  You can purchase a Strike Reinforcement Plate to install or you can purchase a deadbolt that already comes with a Strike Reinforcement Plate and install it.  Use 3” long screws to mount the Reinforcement Plate.

Problem—Deadbolt is Cheaply Made:  Some of the lower end deadbolts are made from cheaper metals, such as zinc.  This means that physical attacks against these locks with common hand tools are very effective.

Solution:  Upgrade to a higher quality deadbolt—most quality deadbolts carry the American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (ANSI/BHMA) Grade 1 (best) or Grade 2 (good) rating.  These ratings indicate that a product has been tested against common burglary attacks and has a longer overall lifespan.  Grade 3 or no grade indicates a lower resistance to burglary attacks and a shorter anticipated lifespan of the lockset.

While I believe that “nothing is totally secure,” you can however make something more secure than it currently is.  Doing this will often deter criminals, many of whom are looking for the path of least resistance.

DISCLAIMER:  When undertaking any home repair project, exercise common sense and good judgement.  When using power tools refer to all printed warnings listed in the owner’s manual and always use eye protection.  Keep hands and other body parts away from sharp or moving objects and if you’re unsure of anything, consult with a professional.