Dr. Fixit

Your Home Repair Guide

Deadbolts, Slugs and Etiquette

Did you hear about the man who heard a loud knocking on his front door? When he went to answer the door there was no one there. Just as he was about to close the door he noticed a small snail on his welcome mat. The irritated man swooped up the snail and threw it into the yard.

Five years later the same knocking occurred.

When the man opened the door he saw the same snail on his welcome mat. The snail snapped, "What the hell was that all about?!"

Instead of calling The National Enquirer about a snail that talks ... the man installed a deadbolt on his front door ... what's up with that?

Anyway, here's how he did it ...

Tools Required

Hammer, new deadbolt kit, utility knife, Phillips screwdriver, chisel, tape measure, pencil, drill, 1 inch wood bit,1/8 inch drill bit, #8 common nail

Your new deadbolt kit will come with detailed instructions.You should read through the instructions completely before you begin. You could use the paper template in the kit or you could purchase a Door Lock Installation Kit (approx. $15 to $25). This kit includes all the necessary equipment including the mandrel ( with a 2 1/8 inch hole saw for the deadbolt and a 1 inch hole saw for the latch) and a very easy to use jig for the perfect placement of the face hole (deadbolt hole 2 1/8 inch) and the latch hole (one inch). The installation kit is worth the price because you can use it again when installing any standard 2 1/8 inch deadbolt or knob set in the future. We will be using the Installation Kit here.

Carefully following the instuctions included start by locating the deadbolt approximately 5 to 7 inches above the knob. Attach the jig to the edge of the door and start following the instructions.

Pitfalls

* Be sure the backset settings match ( 2 3/8 or 2 3/4) on the latch and jig.

* Before drilling the latch hole in the edge of the door use the 1/8 drill bit to drill a hole through nthe center. Then with the door closed place the #8 common nail through the newly drilled 1/8 inch hole to leave an impression on the jamb. This is the best way to insure a perfect alignment for the deadbolt latch.

* When chiseling out for the latch plate on the edge of the door and at the jamb be very careful...you could cause the wood to split especially when using the chisel vertically.

* Using the 1/8 inch drill bit, pre-drill the screw holes before attaching the strike plate. If you don't the chances are good you will split the wood in the jamb.

Contractor's Prices: Approximately $140

Please remember ... The next time a neighbor comes a knockin' at your front door unexpectedly ... Don't be rude ... Just invite the slug in!

And so life goes on a little better now...

Contact Dr. Fixit

Dr.Fixit@sbcglobal.net