Deadbolt Installation

Deadbolts are rated by ANSI/BHMA grades, tested for durability and security. Grade 3 deadbolts must withstand 2 strikes of 75 pounds and pass 150,000 cycles. Grade 2 doubles the strike requirement and adds 400,000 cycles - this is what we recommend for most Austin homes. Grade 1 reaches commercial-level with 10 strikes at 75 pounds and 1,000,000 cycle rating.

Beyond grades, look for specific security features. Anti-pick pins make lock picking significantly harder. Anti-bump cylinders resist bump key attacks (a common technique you can learn on YouTube). Drill-resistant housings protect against physical attack. Hardened bolts resist sawing. High-security brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock combine all these features plus key control - their blanks aren't available at hardware stores, preventing unauthorized key duplication.

For Austin's climate, we also consider material quality. Our humid summers (60-80% humidity year-round) cause cheaper mechanisms to corrode faster. Quality brass and stainless steel internals resist this degradation, maintaining smooth operation for years rather than becoming sticky after a couple of Texas summers.

Installing a new deadbolt where none existed requires precise door preparation. We mark the exact position - typically 6-12 inches above the existing knob - and drill two precise holes: a 2-1/8 inch face bore through the door and a 1-inch edge bore for the bolt mechanism. These must align perfectly for smooth operation.

We install reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws that anchor into the wall stud, not just the door frame. This is critical - a standard strike plate with short screws is the weak point in most doors. When kicked, the screws rip out of the soft wood of the frame. Our reinforced installation drives screws deep into the structural framing, requiring far more force to breach.

After installation, we test operation extensively. The bolt should extend and retract smoothly. The key should turn without binding. The door should close without the bolt scraping the strike. We adjust everything until operation is perfect, then provide all keys and demonstrate proper use.

For doors that already have deadbolts, we can install replacements in the existing prep - much faster and simpler. If you're upgrading from a worn-out builder deadbolt to quality hardware, this typically takes 15-20 minutes per door.

Historic homes in Hyde Park, Clarksville, and Travis Heights present unique challenges. Original doors from the 1920s-40s often have narrow stiles that can't accommodate standard deadbolt preparations. We carry slim-line deadbolts designed for these situations, and we take extra care with period woodwork - these doors are irreplaceable.

Modern construction in Mueller, Circle C, and Pflugerville typically has standard door preparations that accept any major brand. Here the choice is primarily about security level and features. We recommend matching hardware across all entry doors for consistent security and a cohesive aesthetic.

For homes with smart home systems, we install smart deadbolts that integrate with your existing setup. August, Schlage Encode, and Yale Assure work with major platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. You can lock and unlock remotely, create guest codes, and receive alerts when doors are accessed.

Insurance companies often offer premium discounts for homes with quality deadbolts on all exterior doors. Ask your insurance agent about security upgrade credits - the discount may offset a significant portion of your installation cost.