How Much Does It Cost to Install a Deadbolt Lock? Deadbolt installation typically costs between $40 and $200, including the lock and installation equipment, but the price varies by several factors.
Prices for deadbolt locks are typically between $25 to $300 depending on the the quality. Deadbolt installation typically costs between $75 to $400, depending on if you do it yourself or hire a professional to help you.
Adding a deadbolt to a door involves measuring and drilling holes to fit the deadbolt lock. If you measure incorrectly, you could end up drilling a hole in the wrong spot, ruining the door in the process. Measure carefully and be sure you're using the proper size hole saw before you start drilling.
Professional locksmiths can install a deadbolt for you within a couple of hours. However, you'll pay a higher price than if you just purchase the parts and install it yourself. Based on listings on Walmart.com and data from Bob Vila, deadbolts generally cost between $50 and $175 (CAD 65 and CAD 225).
Calling a locksmith out for this how to install a deadbolt lock job will cost $150 or more, but you can install a heavy-duty deadbolt yourself in less than an hour for a third of the price. That's about average for a good deadbolt and a hole saw set.
Deadbolt Lock Disadvantages
Deadbolts are stronger and more difficult to compromise than other locks, but they're not entirely impenetrable. Break-ins can still happen no matter which type of lock your doors have.
Lock picking is the first and best method to unlock a deadbolt without a key. It is a popular choice for those who want to avoid damaging their door or lock. Lock picking is an easy skill to learn—the basics required to pick a standard pin tumbler deadbolt can be cultivated within 10 minutes.
Fire codes in some homes prohibit the use of double-keyed deadbolts on egress doors. In rental houses, it's crucial to take into account the liability of using double-keyed deadbolts. Before installing such a lock, be sure to check local laws.
It is all depending on the deadbolt that you have. If it is a standard lock they can usually just pick it or bump key it. But if it a security lock then the only way that they are able to open it is to drill the lock.
The deadbolt is the primary security of the door. The locking knob really isn't necessary if you have a good strong door fitted with a good quality deadbolt.
While properly installed deadbolts provide reasonable protection, there are risks. With single cylinder deadbolts, burglars often break door-side windows to simply reach in and turn the latch.
Kwikset deadbolts can fit doors that are 1 3/8" to 1 3/4" standard. You can get a thick door kit to allow the deadbolt to fit on a door that is up to 2 1/4" thick.
Hiring a pro to install a deadbolt lock generally costs around $50 to $100, but that's just for the labor—the full installation cost will vary based on what type of lock you choose. You can also save money by choosing to roll up your sleeves and install a deadbolt lock yourself.
Basic Cylinder Locks
Deadbolts use a solid piece of metal to secure the door, while standard cylinder locks use a spring to help make it easier to lock the door. Unfortunately, the spring does not provide much security and it can easily be forced. Deadbolts, however, are still vulnerable to lock picking.
Due to the nature of the mechanism, a deadbolt will always be more secure than a doorknob. If you're reading this from home I encourage you to do a simple test: If you have a door with both a deadbolt and a doorknob, open it and then lock both locks while the door is open.
Generally, single-cylinder deadbolts are less secure than double-cylinder options. They could potentially allow easier access to the home from intruders in the know. Furthermore, they're easy for small children to use, which means they could get outside without anyone being aware.
Deadbolts come in two versions. Double Cylinder Deadbolts have a keyed cylinder on both sides. This is a good option for doors with glass or windows since an intruder can't break into the door even if the glass/window is broken.
The answer: One sturdy lock is enough to secure a front door. If installed correctly, a high-quality lock is all you really need. You always have the option of adding a second lock as an extra layer of protection — but there are potentially more productive measures to take. (We'll get to those in just a bit.)
Having a deadbolt on the entrance to your home will take a standard door knob lock to the next level. Forced entry is involved in 55.7 percent of burglaries, and a deadbolt will make breaking down a door remarkably more challenging.
Bump keys are keys cut to a special design that will allow them to be used for picking pin-tumbler locks. Pin-tumbler locks are the world's most popular lock, and these include exterior door entry locks for homes. The process of gaining entry using a bump key is called “bumping,” and it can be very effective.
CR's take: The Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is the strongest deadbolt across all of our lock categories. It's top-notch for drilling, withstands kick-ins very well, and is designed in a way that makes it quite difficult to pick.
To be truly secure, any exterior door needs a dead bolt. You have a choice of separates—a deadbolt and a lockset mounted separately—or a handle set that incorporates both features.
Single cylinder
This is the most common type of deadbolt used. Single cylinder deadbolts have an exterior keyhole that throws or retracts the deadbolt using a key on the outside. On the inside, you can lock and unlock the deadbolt with the thumbturn.