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How to install a deadbolt lock

A white door with a black deadbolt lock and handle is shown partially open, revealing the extended latch.

Overview

Installing a deadbolt lock is an excellent way to enhance your home's security. Whether it's for your front door, a side entrance, or even an external laundry door, this project is a straightforward way to make your home safer. Follow this guide for a clear, step-by-step process to easily install one yourself.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Measure and mark the door

Begin by deciding where to install the deadbolt. While it’s largely a matter of preference, aim to position the deadbolt around 100mm above your existing door handle. Use your tape measure and mark this spot with a pencil. Once you’ve marked the height, grab a square or tape measure and transfer the mark around the edge of the door. This ensures that everything stays aligned on both sides of the door.
A Bunnings Team Member is measuring a door frame with a tape measure and marking it with a pencil.

2Mark the backset

Next, mark the backset. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the deadbolt. Most deadbolts have a backset of either 60mm or 70mm. Check your deadbolt’s instructions for the specific backset measurement. If your deadbolt comes with a template, use it to mark this. Otherwise, measure and mark it manually.
A hand is marking the backset on a door with a pencil while holding a tape measure.

3Drill the hole for the lock cylinder

Attach a 54mm hole saw drill bit to your drill. Position the hole saw on your mark and drill halfway through the door. Then, switch to the other side and continue drilling until the holes meet. This prevents the wood from splintering and gives a clean finish.
A person is using a drill with a hole saw attachment to cut a circular hole in a door

4 Drill the hole for the latch

Mark the centre of the door edge where the latch will be installed. Use the drill bit size specified in your deadbolt’s instructions (typically 24-25mm). Drill the hole carefully and ensure it’s aligned with your other markings.
A person is drilling a hole into the edge to install a latch using a drill bit.

5Mark and predill holes for the latch

Start by marking where the latch will sit on the edge of the door. Use a drill to create pilot holes for the latch screws. This will help guide the screws in evenly and prevent the timber from splitting.
A person is using a drill to create a pilot hole on the edge of the door for a latch installation

6Chisel the recess for the latch

If your latch has a faceplate, position it on the door’s edge and trace around it with a utility knife. Remove the latch, then use a chisel to carefully carve out a recess so the faceplate sits flush with the door. Work steadily to avoid removing too much material.
A person is using a hammer and chisel to create a recess on the door edge for a latch.

7Fit the lock cylinders

Insert the tail bar into the back of the lock cylinder. Make sure the numbers on the bar match your door’s thickness. Adjust the bar as needed to suit the size of your door.
A person is holding a lock cylinder pointing to a specific part of the barrel lock cylinders.

8Position the lock cylinders

Insert both barrel lock cylinders into the pre-drilled hole on the door. Align the turn knob horizontally, ensuring the indicator on the knob faces the door’s edge for proper orientation.
A person in red T shirt is positioning a lock cylinder on the edge of the door.

9Secure the rivet

Drill two 3mm holes—one at the top and one at the bottom of the lock assembly. This will ensure the lock stays firmly anchored and prevents movement. Push rivets into the drilled holes to prevent the cylinder from rotating during operation, making sure they are snugly in place.
A person is securing a rivet into the lock cylinder on a door to ensure the lock stays firmly and prevent movement.

10Mark and prepare the door frame

On the door frame, mark the height of the latch and measure the centre of the bolt. Transfer these measurements to the door frame. This will ensure that the strike plate aligns properly with the deadbolt.
A Bunnings Team Member is measuring and marking a door frame with a tape measure and pencil to prepare it for installation

11Trace the strike plate

Position the strike plate on the door frame where the latch will engage. Use a utility knife to trace around the edges, marking its exact placement.
A person wearing gloves is using a utility knife to trace a strike plate on a door frame

12Drill the strike plate

Remove the strike plate and use a 22mm spade bit to drill into the marked area. This creates the initial space for the strike plate to sit. Use a chisel to carefully carve out the marked area. Ensure the recess is deep enough for the strike plate to sit flush with the door frame.
A person is drilling into a door frame to create a hole for the strike plate installation

13Secure the striker plate

Place the strike box into the recess and use screws to secure it firmly to the frame. Finally, position the strike plate over the strike box and screw it into place. Ensure everything aligns properly with the latch for smooth operation.
A person is using a drill to secure a strike plate on a door frame

14Test the deadbolt

After installation, lock and unlock the deadbolt several times to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. The bolt should slide effortlessly into the strike plate with no resistance. 
A person is testing a newly installed deadbolt by locking and unlocking it multiple times to ensure smooth functionality

15Now that you’ve installed a deadbolt lock..

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.