The Risky Side of DIY: Potential Errors in a Deadbolt Lock Installation

In the era of online tutorials and "Do It Yourself" or DIY approaches, it's tempting to take on all sorts of household projects. Among these, installing a deadbolt lock might seem like a straightforward task. However, like any DIY project, it can harbor its share of risks and pose unexpected challenges.

Handling this job without professional guidance could lead to potential errors that may compromise your home's security. This blog post will unveil some common errors you might make when installing a deadbolt lock and highlight the intricate complexities of what appears to be a simple task.

Choosing the Wrong Size and Type of Lock

Choosing an inappropriate lock size or type can lead to serious security vulnerabilities. If the lock is too small or too big, it may not fit properly into your door's pre-existing hole, resulting in a loose fit. The lock can easily be manipulated, allowing burglars an easy entry into your home.

In addition, the wrong lock size might require drilling additional holes into your door, which can weaken its structural integrity. These holes may also be too close to your door's existing holes, resulting in an inability to position the strike plate correctly.

The strike place is a metal plate attached to the doorframe that houses the latch mechanism. The door won't close securely if it's not neatly aligned with the latch.

The type of lock is equally vital, and a common mistake is to opt for a single-cylinder deadbolt for doors with glass panels near the lock. In such cases, an intruder could simply break the glass, reach in, and disengage the lock.

Double-cylinder deadbolts, which require a key to unlock from both inside and outside, would be a safer option. However, they come with their own drawbacks, like the possibility of trapping occupants inside during emergencies if the key is not readily available.

Therefore, understanding the type of lock that best suits your door and safety requirements is important and underscores why involving a professional is the best way to go.



Forgetting to Reinforce the Door Frame

Many DIY enthusiasts forget that reinforcing the doorframe is integral to deadbolt lock installation. A deadbolt can only provide as much security as the doorframe to which it's attached.

Even the strongest deadbolt can quickly become ineffective if the doorframe is not structurally sound and sturdy. It creates a weak point that burglars can exploit, potentially using a simple kick or a battering ram to force the door open.

Also, you need to securely anchor the strike plate into the frame structure, not just the doorjamb. If the strike plate is only connected to the thin piece of wood that makes up the doorjamb, it can easily be kicked in.

The correct reinforcement involves using longer screws that go through the doorjamb and into the studs of the house frame. This precaution ensures that the force exerted during an attempted break-in is distributed over a larger area, reducing the chances of a successful breach.

Over-tightening or Under-tightening Screws

Over-tightening the screws can lead to several unexpected issues. First, over-tightening can distort the shape of the lock or the mounting hardware, causing the lock to malfunction or operate with difficulty.

Second, it can strip the screw holes, making them powerless to securely hold the screws in place. The stripped holes lose their grip on the screws, causing the lock to become loose and ineffective.

On the other hand, an under-tightened deadbolt may fail to fully extend into the doorframe, making it easy for intruders to force the door open. The loose screws can also lead to unnecessary movement or jiggling of the lock with continued use, potentially reducing the lock's lifespan.

Getting the right balance of tightness is critical for the effective functioning of the deadbolt lock, highlighting once again the value of a professional installation. And with our help at The Lock Shop, we guarantee a secure and lasting installation that will protect your home for years. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help protect your home.