Residential Locksmith · Middle Tennessee
Deadbolt Installation and Upgrades for Middle Tennessee Homes
Instant Locksmith TN installs new deadbolts and upgrades weak ones, including drilling the door when there's no existing prep and reinforcing the strike with long screws into the frame. You'll know the price before we start.
- New installs and grade upgrades
- Strike reinforced into the framing
- Keyed to your existing key when compatible
Why the install matters as much as the deadbolt
A deadbolt is only as strong as what it locks into. On many homes the strike plate is held by short screws that only reach the thin door jamb trim. A hard kick can split the jamb even when the bolt itself holds.
That's why a proper installation focuses on three things: a full bolt throw into the frame, a solid strike, and screws long enough to reach the wall stud behind the jamb. Instant Locksmith TN provides mobile deadbolt installation throughout Middle Tennessee with those details built into every job.
Understanding deadbolt grades
The ANSI/BHMA grading system tests locks for durability and resistance to force. Many residential deadbolts are labeled Grade 1, 2 or 3. Grade 1 is the most demanding rating, Grade 2 is common for good residential hardware, and Grade 3 is the entry-level rating often found on builder-grade locks.
| Grade | Typical use | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Highest rating, commercial-level durability | Main entry doors, rentals with heavy turnover, anyone wanting the strongest option |
| Grade 2 | Solid residential performance | Most front, back and garage-to-house doors |
| Grade 3 | Basic residential | Low-traffic doors; often the first thing worth upgrading |
Grade is printed on the packaging or the manufacturer's spec sheet. If you're not sure what you have, the locksmith can look at the hardware and tell you whether an upgrade is worth it.
Single or double cylinder?
Single cylinder
Key outside, thumb turn inside. The most common choice because you can unlock it instantly from inside in an emergency.
Double cylinder
Key on both sides. Sometimes used next to glass, but it can slow your exit in a fire. Check local codes and keep a key near the door if you choose one.
Keypad or smart deadbolt
A keyless option that replaces the key with a code or app. See smart lock installation for those models.
Adding a deadbolt to a door that doesn't have one
Most residential deadbolts need a 2-1/8 inch hole through the face of the door, a 1 inch hole into the door edge, and a backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the hole) of 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. The locksmith measures your door's thickness and existing knob position so the deadbolt sits at a sensible height and clears the knob or lever.
The frame side gets a bolt hole and a mortise for the strike plate. Metal doors, glass-paneled doors and very thin doors may need different hardware, so mention the door type when you order.
- Tell us the door. Use the online order form to say whether it's a new install or a replacement, the door material, and whether you have the deadbolt already.
- Confirm the price. Drilling, strike reinforcement and hardware are confirmed before work begins.
- Prep and install. The door and frame are bored or adjusted, the deadbolt is mounted, and the strike is fastened into the framing.
- Key and test. The cylinder can be keyed to your existing key when the keyways match. The bolt is tested for full throw with the door shut.
What does deadbolt installation cost?
Standard price: quoted before dispatch. A fresh install on an undrilled door takes more labor than swapping into existing holes, and hardware price depends on grade and brand. Time-of-call rates:
- Before 8 PM: standard
- After 8 PM: 1.5×
- Federal holidays: 2×
- Federal holiday after 8 PM: 3×
Multipliers apply to the standard service price only; the $15 (inside city limits) or $25 (outside city limits) service call stays flat at any hour. Holidays are U.S. federal holidays.
Check our pricing page for how quotes and deposits work.
Deadbolt Installation FAQ
Can you install a deadbolt on a door that's never had one?
Yes, on most wood, fiberglass and many steel doors. The locksmith bores the door and frame, mortises the strike and installs the deadbolt. Tell us the door material when you order.
What grade deadbolt should I get?
For a main entry door, Grade 1 or Grade 2 is a sound choice. Grade 3 is basic and usually the one worth upgrading. The grade should be listed on the packaging or spec sheet.
Do I really need 3-inch screws in the strike plate?
Long screws that reach the framing stud make a big difference in how well the door resists being kicked in. Short screws only hold the strike to the jamb trim, which can split.
Can my new deadbolt use the same key as my door knob?
Usually, if both use the same keyway. We can pin the new deadbolt to your existing key so one key works both.
Is a double cylinder deadbolt safer?
It makes it harder for someone to reach through glass and turn the lock, but it also means you need a key to get out. Many homeowners prefer single cylinder for quick exit in an emergency. Check local codes before choosing double cylinder.
Why won't my deadbolt fully extend when the door is closed?
The bolt hole in the frame may be too shallow or misaligned with the bolt. That's an installation or alignment issue we fix as part of the job, or through door lock repair on an existing deadbolt.
Strengthen your front door
Order a deadbolt installation or upgrade online and see your price before work starts.
