What Is The Standard Size Of A Deadbolt?

With the right size of your door hardware, doors can operate effectively. The correct sizes of door hardware, especially the deadbolt, are important to prevent loose fittings. Deadbolts are important because of their reliable locking mechanism. Deadbolts are additions to existing door levers, knobs, and mortise locks. If you are planning to buy one, we have researched from the experts to guide you about the standard size for your deadbolt.

The standard size of a deadbolt fits into backsets measuring 2 3/8 to 2 3/4 inches. The location of the deadbolt is typically 6 to 12 inches above the key lock. Most deadbolts require a cross bore of 2 1/8 inches in diameter and a 1-inch latch bore. Aside from the bore size, the spacing of the deadbolt from the lock is around 5 1/2 to 6 inches from the center of the holes.

Even though there is a standard size for deadbolts, you might need smaller or larger sizes depending on the size and thickness of your door. Different brands have deadbolt sizes as small as 2 inches and as big as 5 inches. There are also extensions for deadbolts if you want to place the latch in the center of your door. If it is still quite difficult to grasp everything, keep reading to learn more about your deadbolts.

A deadbolt lock and key laying on a white table, What Is The Standard Size Of A Deadbolt?

How Do You Measure For a Deadbolt?

When you purchase a deadbolt lockset, it comes with a template to help you with measurements. The door measurements include the cross and latch bores, backset, door thickness, and lock spacing. You can always refer to the instructions included in the lockset.

Here are the standard measurements needed when installing a deadbolt in your door:

  • Cross bore - 1 1/2 to 2 1/8 inches in diameter
  • Latch bore - 1 inch in diameter
  • Door thickness - 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches
  • Door jamb hole - at least 7/8 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep
  • Deadbolt faceplate width - at least 1 inch
  • Deadbolt faceplate height - 2 1/4 inches
  • Backset distance - 2 3/8 to 2 3/4 inches from the door edge to the center of the cross bore

Carpenter at door installation

For measurement of the space from the deadbolt to the latch, read further to find out.

How Much Space Should Be Between a Doorknob And Deadbolt?

It is best to follow the standard spacing when installing a deadbolt lock. The space from the center of the deadbolt cross bore to the door latch requires a distance of at least 5 1/2 to 6 inches. Specialty locks for sliding patio doors and chain door guards will require other measurements.

What Size Is a Deadbolt Hole?

Before getting to the answer, let us identify first what is a deadbolt bore hole. This is the hole where you mount the doorknob. The other hole, which is the cross bore, is where you install the latch. Different types of door locks influence the size of the holes. There are door lock installation kits that include a template with hole saw cups and a deadbolt jig that can fit all common-sized doors.

Installing a deadbolt requires two critical holes. The standard measurement of a deadbolt hole requires 2 1/8 inches diameter for the cross bore and 1 inch in diameter for the latch bore. There could be hole sizes bigger or smaller than the standard. Make sure that you use the correct drill bit sizes when drilling for the bores. If you have the right drill bit, you can make a hole without measuring it.

Can You Put a Deadbolt On Any Door?

Installing a deadbolt is a must for exterior doors. Doors that lead to your garage or patios require deadbolts to secure the place. You can put deadbolts works for any doors with different thicknesses. You can even install the deadbolts on your own, except if you have steel doors.

There will be problems when you have doors with windows. If you have a glass situated 40 inches away from the lock's thumb turn, burglars can easily break the glass and unlock the door. If you do not want to risk your property to theft and trespassing, it is better to use doors without windows.

If you still want windows for your doors, you can install window bars or grates near the door. Before installing, check if your state allows you to install window bars. Installing window bars can be a hazard if there are fire emergencies.

Workers installing locks

Can You Install a Deadbolt Yourself?

Yes, you can! Installing deadbolts is a beginner-level project that you can do on your own. You can install deadbolts for any type of door, but with the exception of steel doors. It is best to ask help from door installation experts when installing steel doors. You need the right tools to install deadbolts for steel doors.

For any other door, hiring a locksmith can cost you more money. With the right tools and some experience with doors, you can install your deadbolt. Make sure that the tools needed are available and are in good working condition. There are also quality door installation kits you can choose from. Here are the tools you will need:

  • Tape measure
  • Carpenter's or framing square
  • Utility knife
  • Drill-bit set or a power drill
  • Hole saw kit
  • Wood chisel
  • Deadbolt lock set

Get this DeWALT door lock installation kit from Amazon.

Deadbolt locksets have templates to guide you in measuring the bores and spaces when installing. When purchasing a deadbolt, a higher price does not always mean higher quality. You can spend around $30 for a decent deadbolt.

You can follow these simple steps when installing your deadbolt and lockset:

1. Measure The Height Line

The correct position of the deadbolt is around 40 to 45 inches from the floor. Measure along the edge of the door frame from the floor to get the right measurement. For any existing doorknobs, the position of the deadbolt should be 4 to 6 inches above the knob. Mark the height line with a pencil.

2. Use The Template To Mark The Holes

With the templates provided in the deadbolt set, place this on the height line. For new deadbolts, it requires 1-inch holes from the door edge. Afterward, mark the center points for the cross and latch bores. You can use an awl to mark the bore/hole. The cross and latch holes, which hold the deadbolt must align correctly. You can check with a carpenter's square to see if the holes align and level properly.

3. Bore The Cylinder Holes

To bore for the holes, insert a hole saw in a drill. Make sure to use the correct size specified by the manufacturer. Center the drill pilot bit on the mark. Drill a 1/8 inch pilot hole or halfway through the face. If the pilot bit comes out from the other side of your door, stop the drilling. To avoid the splintering of wood, finish the hole on that side.

4. Prepare The Latch Hole

To make the latch hole, use a spade or auger bit to bore the latch hole marked previously. Check if the latch plate fits the latch hole. Trace the outline of the latch plate around its edge. After this, chisel in the area of the outline to carve the mortise. This should be deep enough for the plate to flush on the edge of the door.

After this, attach the latch plate to the door by inserting two screws in the latch hole. Also, remember that the latch bevel faces towards the door jamb.

5. Install The Deadbolt

When the latch plate fits properly in the mortise, check the fittings of the cylinder and thumb lever. Place the parts accordingly in the right location, whether for the exterior or interior of the door. Fasten the deadbolt into place with screws.

6. Secure The Strike Plate

For the strike plate, mark along the side of the door jamb for the hole. With a carpenter's square, extend the mark to the doorstop. Drill two overlapping holes above and under the center of the latch's midpoint. The depth of the holes measures 1 inch deep.

With a chisel, create a mortise that lets the strike plate sit flush. Place the strike plate in its position and attach the screws. You can make adjustments to check if the deadbolt is fully extended.

Check out this Irwin door lock installation kit for wooden doors on Amazon.

In Closing

A deadbolt lock and key laying on a white table, What Is The Standard Size Of A Deadbolt?

Deadbolts provide an added level of security to your doors. Getting the right size of your deadbolt is a must. Most deadbolt sets come with a template that guides you to where you drill the holes. When doing the installation on your own, always follow the standard measurements to avoid loose fittings. The incorrect installation of your deadbolts can put your property at a higher risk for burglaries. If in doubt, you can always ask for advice from experienced door contractors.

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