OVERVIEW

A door is only as good as its lock.

Back in college, I received a phone call from a friend one morning saying his apartment had been broken into after he left for class. The thief didn’t use any advanced technique. He didn’t pick the lock or duplicate a key. He used the oldest, simplest method you could imagine: he kicked the door in.

If my friend had a stronger door, the thief may have broken his foot rather than breaking the door. The proper deadbolt, combined with a few ancillary accessories, can strengthen your door and make it almost impossible to break through. We’ll walk you through the best options for door security on the market today and what you can do to minimize your risk of a break-in.

Best deadbolts

A deadbolt is one of the most basic and effective ways of securing a door and works best when combined with your door’s standard lock. It functions much better than a spring bolt lock because it cannot be moved from its locked position without a key being inserted into the cylinder.

The Schlage B660P deadbolt is one of the most powerful locks on the market. It has a Grade 1 ANSI rating, which means that while one of these locks can be picked, it would take a long time. Schlage’s locks also have strike plates that make it much harder for someone to damage the internal components of the lock—or to kick in the door.

The Schlage B660P’s level can be thrown with a single finger, making it easy to lock the door behind you even when your arms are full.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $158
• Fits door thickness from 1 ⅜” to 2”
• ANSI Grade: Grade 1
• Weight: 2.2 lbs.

Kwikset offers some of the top-rated deadbolts on the market, and this ANSI Grade 1-rated lock is no exception. Its SmartKey technology makes it easy to rekey your own lock and avoid locksmith fees. The Kwikset lacks a strike plate, but it’s designed to withstand a substantial amount of abuse. Like the Schlage, the Kwikset 980 can be locked or unlocked with a single finger.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $56.50
• Adjustable and fits all standard door thicknesses
• ANSI Grade: Grade 1
• Weight: 1 lb.

The Kwikset 985 is almost identical to the Kwikset 980, except for one major difference: it’s a double-cylinder lock. While single-cylinder deadbolts have a knob you can turn to open the lock from the inside, double-cylinder locks require a key to open from both the inside and the outside. Double-cylinder locks provide extra security when placed close to windows because thieves can’t break the window and reach inside to open the door like they would with a single-cylinder.

While a double cylinder lock provides more security, it can pose dangers. For example, the lack of an easy-open turn can be dangerous in a situation where you need to escape quickly, like in a house fire.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $42.09
• Adjustable and fits all standard door thicknesses
• ANSI Grade: Grade 1
• Weight: 3 lbs.

Best mortise locks

If you found yourself asking, “What is a mortise lock?” don’t worry—you aren’t alone. Mortise locks are less common than deadbolts, but they actually provide better protection. Mortise locks are recessed and set in the frame of the door. This setup gives the lock an extra level of protection and makes a mortise lock more difficult to break with a swift kick than a simple deadbolt would be.

One factor to consider with mortise locks is their cost. They tend to be much more expensive than deadbolts, but the cost is justified in the level of security they provide. The bottom line is that mortise locks are better suited to commercial properties than residential. For the majority of residential uses, mortise locks are almost overkill.

The Schlage L9040’s description states that it’s best suited for educational, medical, or governmental uses. If you want your home to be as well-guarded as a government building, this is the lock to choose. Rated ANSI Grade 1, the L9040 exceeds the one million open/close cycle rating.

The Schlage L9000 series of mortise locks has a feature called Vandlgard, a reinforced strike plate that prevents tampering from kicking, hitting, or even standing on the handle. With a lock like this, a thief may be better off using a battering ram than a lock pick.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $351.65
• Case size: 4 7/16 ” x 6 1/18” x 1”
• ANSI Grade: Grade 1

The Sargent 8225 mortise lock is rated ANSI Grade 1 and exceeds the cycling testing requirements by more than 14 times. The pieces of the lock are preassembled, which simplifies installation. Most mortise locks need to be professionally installed, but the Sargent allows for DIY installation. The lock can also be re-handled easily without removing the handle from the case.

Unlike many other mortise locks, the Sargent 8225 has a thumbturn on the inside so it’s easier to lock and unlock it from the inside, rather than requiring a key to lock it. While this lessens security if the door is next to a window (where the thief can reach inside and manually open the lock), it’s more convenient.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $498.26
• Fits door of 1 ¾” standard thickness
• ANSI Grade: Grade 1

The Grainger 8800 is a Grade 1 lock and is rated for three hours of fire resistance. The technical documentation on this lock actually recommends it for use in minimum security prisons, but when it comes to guarding your home, this lock can do the job well.

There are no visible screws on this lock, which makes tampering that much more difficult. Like the Sargent, the Grainger includes a thumbturn for easy locking and unlocking from inside your home.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $364.00
• Fits door of 1 ¾” standard thickness to 3 ¼”
• ANSI Grade: Grade 1

Best keyless entry locks

Have you ever tried to get your key out with your hands full? Keyless entry locks allow you to enter a combination and get inside without ever touching your key. They also make it easy to give out codes to allow specific people entry into your home. One thing to keep in mind is that while these deadbolts offer a level of convenience not found with keys, the key overrides are more vulnerable to being picked because they are often only rated at ANSI Grade 3.

The Kwikset SmartCode has several things going for it that we love. Hollywood movies in hindi dubbed. The first is the ease of installation: you only need a screwdriver, and you don’t have to hardwire anything into the door.

The second is that it operates on four AA batteries and includes a battery level indicator to help prevent lockouts because of dead batteries. The Kwikset automatically locks itself after 30 seconds, so even if you forget to lock the door on the way out, it’s okay. There is also a lifetime warranty on the equipment.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $78.00
• Size: 6” x 6” x 6”
• ANSI Grade: Grade 2

Much like the Kwikset, Schlage’s BE365 is a keypad deadbolt that makes it easy to gain entry into your home without the use of a key. However, it has a key override in case your code doesn’t work or the batteries die. Replacing the batteries is easy, but it does require the use of a screwdriver.

The Schlage BE365 doesn’t lock automatically when you leave, but it doesn’t require a code in order to lock it either. Like many other Schlage products, the BE365 has a rekeying feature that lets you rekey the lock as needed.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $100.20
• Fits door thickness from 1 ⅜” to 1 ¾”
• ANSI Grade: Grade 2

The LockState allows you to set up one-time use codes for guests, or you can program in up to six permanent codes for members of the household. The LockState also comes with a remote that functions as far as 30 feet away from the door, allowing you to unlock the unit from your car—perfect for rushing inside on a rainy day.

Like the Kwikset, the LockState also has an auto-lock feature; however, several reviews mentioned malfunctions with this feature, so double-check that it locks properly. An added bonus is that the lock is reversible, so it works on both left- and right-handed doors.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $106.78
• Dimensions: 3.5” x 1” x 6.5”
• ANSI Grade: Not ANSI rated

Best smart/Bluetooth locks

Smart locks differ from keyless locks in that they’re linked to your phone and capable of home automation integration functions, such as automatically unlocking the door when your phone comes near it. Another feature is limited-use passcodes for guests. If you’re often away from home, you can grant guests access from your smartphone.

The August Smart Lock is a game changer in the security industry. It doesn’t have a key at all. Instead, the lock operates with a series of virtual keys. When someone leaves the house, it automatically locks behind them.

Because every key is unique, the August Smart Lock keeps a log of who goes in and out of the home, and you can monitor this log in real time from your smartphone. You can also unlock the door from anywhere via your phone, meaning that you can give people entry even if you’re out of town.

The August Smart Lock is compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to use Siri to lock or unlock your door. If you want an ANSI Grade 1 lock, you can install a different lock and still use the August; it only replaces the interior side of the existing lock.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $199
• Dimensions: 3.39” x 3.39” x 2.22”
• ANSI Grade: Not ANSI rated

Schlage produces a number of Grade 1-rated locks, and the Camelot Touchscreen fits into that category. This lock provides an additional layer of security—the Camelot Touchscreen is equipped with an alarm system that monitors from the first time the handle is touched until the door opens. It has three alert modes: Activity, Tamper, or Forced Entry.

If someone attempts to open the door but doesn’t know the proper code, the Camelot will notify you via your phone. Repeated attempts (or opening the door without the code) will trigger the Forced Entry alert and allow you to notify the proper authorities. The touchscreen itself is fingerprint-resistant, which means you don’t have to worry about someone making out the smudges of where your fingers have been and figuring out your security code.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $189.00
• Dimensions: 5.12” x 4.5” x 9.25”
• ANSI Grade: Grade 1

The Kwikset SmartCode holds up to 30 user codes and has a 20-minute fire rating, but it only ranks as Grade 2 on the ANSI rating scale. It’s Z-Wave compatible, which means you can program your automated home to respond a specific way when the door opens—to turn on the lights, for example.

Even though this deadbolt isn’t an ANSI Grade 1, the Z-Wave compatibility is enough of a boon to earn it a spot on this list. On top of that, this lock allows you to rekey it yourself should you ever lose one of the keys. It also locks itself automatically after 30 seconds.

Pricing & tech specs

• Price: $202.50
• Fits door thickness of 1 ⅜” to 2”
• ANSI Grade: Grade 2

Best security extras

A quality lock will help protect your home, and security extras like door jammers and strike plates can secure your home even further and foil all but the most determined thieves. These are our recommendations. If you’re trying to secure something else besides your doors, we’ve also got a great write-up on the best padlocks under $90.

A door jammer is an interesting tool. While it doesn’t prevent a lock from being picked, it makes it incredibly difficult to force the door open from the outside. The Cocoweb is designed to withstand up to 350 pounds of outside force, and with 40 different height settings, it will fit almost any door. Another reason we like this door jammer is because it comes in sets of two, meaning you can secure two doors with one package.

One of the most common weaknesses in a door is the frame itself. Even if you reinforce the door, a smart thief will target the frame and pry the door out of place. The Strikemaster II Pro reinforces the door frame and protects it against force. The added layer of metal and the extra-long screws make the door frame almost unbreakable.

American National Standards Institute grading system

The ANSI grading system is a measure of how much security a lock provides. Every lock graded under this system undergoes rigorous testing, but the results can be broken down into three basic grades:

• Grade 1: Best. Grade 1 locks can withstand ten strikes of up to 75 pounds and up to one million open-and-close cycles.
• Grade 2: Better. Grade 2 locks can withstand five strikes of 75 pounds and up to 800,000 open-and-close cycles.
• Grade 3: Good. Grade 3 locks can withstand two strikes of 75 pounds and up to 800,000 open-and-close cycles.

We recommend using Grade 1 locks. They provide the highest levels of protection and are the least likely to be picked.

Invest in solid doors

Another way you can improve the security of your home is to replace any hollow-core doors with solid wood or metal. Hollow-core doors are weaker and more vulnerable to being shattered than a solid wooden frame. While solid doors are more expensive, they’re also much stronger and nearly impossible to break down.

Avoid doors with windows in them

Take a few seconds and think about all the doors you’ve seen with windows installed in them. Even my own back door has a series of smaller windows, any of which could be broken to allow the thief to reach in and unlock the door. No matter how secure your lock may be, it doesn’t do any good if the thief can unlock it the same way you can. Avoid investing in doors with windows. If you need to see out, install a peephole.

Reinforce your doors

Your door is the most common way to get into your home. Why isn’t it also the most secure? By investing in proper deadbolts, you can make your home much more difficult to break into. Remember, most thieves aim for the easiest target. A strong door, combined with a proper home security system, can protect your home from thieves and avoid headaches like having your laptop with your term paper stolen just three days before it’s due.

Contents

• Why Electronic Deadbolts?
• The Best Keyless Door Lock Reviews
• More keyless door lock reviews
• How to install the best keyless door locks in your home

Why Electronic Deadbolts?

Have you ever been locked out or forgot to lock your door? Do you leave your spare key beneath your foot mat, in the flower pot or under a fake rock? Do your visitors have to wait out, hanging around for you to come back? Do you wish you don’t have to carry keys?

You don’t have to wish!

You could just be smart and not carry keys. There are varieties of keyless electronic door locks that you can use …yeah keyless. And they work fantastically well and are now quite affordable.

Briefly, I am going to be reviewing the best keyless door locks, their features, their pros, and cons and there’s a short video to help you visualized how they work.

Published 6 days ago • Views: 57 06:32 Maulidurrosul Muhammad, Saw. Senam kau tercipta bukan untukku.

But first what are electronic deadbolts?

Keyless Electronic door locks are locks that do not require keys for its operations, though some of them have keys as an added option.

Must-Have Features For the Best Electronic Deadbolts

• Numeric keypads are present in some locks, pushing in the access code will unlock your door. Keypads now replaced with touch screen panel with security features to prevent unauthorised access.
• Some (like the Ardwolf A10) come with biometric features that detect your finger print and finger print of those you have programmed in it and grant you access.</li
• They function with an app on Android or Apple smartphones. They have a wireless communication with your phone through Wifi, Bluetooth or internet (z-wave).
• With your phone, you can use the virtual key function to create multiple virtual keys and assign them to who you want to grant access into your house. This enables you to track who entered your house and the time they did so. You can cancel the virtual key at any time you want or even make the key valid for a stipulated period of time. If you don’t want someone in your house, you don’t need to change the lock, just change the virtual key. You can also open the door for your guest or neighbour remotely from anywhere you are and lock it when they leave.
• Your keyless electronic door locks can be integrated with you home security system. So the command that arms the alarm at night and shut off the entire house light can also make sure your doors are locked and grant access only to the virtual keys you have stated.

Besides the convenience offered by the best keyless door locks, they are also also safer than the traditional padlocks. The keyless door locks are harder to lock-pick than a regular mechanical door lock.

Typically, their cases are much larger and stronger than old locks. And without keys on most versions, several methods of tricking a lock, such as Key Bumping, flat out do not work.

There are several different types of electronic deadbolt door locks available in 2018 but our very best is the Schlage Camelot.

The Best Keyless Door Lock Reviews

1. Best keypad door lock- Yale Real Living Keyless Deadbolt

A keypad door lock is a digital door lock with a keypad interface, allowing for easy entry into your home or office.

Typically, most digital door locks have a keypad. One benefit of this is allowing for multiple people access. Keys get lost, and are often expensive to replace, especially from a locksmith.

With a keypad door lock, you can program a code for anybody that needs one. Even temporary codes for service people and such. And the best part, no keys!

2. Best Biometric Door Lock- iTouchless Stainless Steel Bio-Matic Fingerprint Deadbolt Door Lock

While I am not a large fan of biometric door locks myself, I decided to review one anyway.

A biometric door lock is basically a fingerprint door lock. This type of lock simplifies the entry process even more so than a keypad door lock.

Just the swipe of a thumb, or even any other programmed finger, is all that’s needed to open the smart lock.

A biometric door lock is one of the most futuristic looking deadbolt door locks, if you are into that sort of thing. The reason I don’t like them, is that the fingerprint readers can often times wear out. But, as with every bit of technology, they are improving and getting to become very reliable.

More keyless door lock reviews

3. Schlage Camelot Keyless Door Lock Review

The Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt is a small, sturdy, and versatile deadbolt. Installation is a breeze, requiring just a small amount of time and a couple household tools.

Designed for convenience, the keys on the Schlage Camelot keypad deadbolt light up at the push of a button, and if the batteries die (after a 3 year estimated lifespan), the key still works.

Why should you get this?

Keyless Entry

Hands full and getting in your pocket would be too much of a hassle? Lose your keys and need to get inside? Worry not, the keypad on the Schlage Camelot allows you to enter with just the input of a 4 digit combination.

Have a large family? Just give each family member their own code. No need to go to the hardware store and pay for new key copies.

Have people that are working on your home, say a maid or plumber? You can program temporary codes to allow them access only when you need them.

Ease of Use

Installation of the Schlage keypad lock is a breeze. You will only need a little bit of time, around a half hour, and a Phillips head screwdriver. Very, very rarely will you need to modify anything.

Just line up the bolt with strike plate in the pre-existing holes in your door, attach one wire from the front to the back with the battery, and screw everything in.

Programming the unit is very simple as well, requiring only a few button presses. Options include:

1. Add New User Code
2. Delete Unwanted Codes
3. Change Master Program Code
4. Enable / Disable All User Codes
5. Turn Beeper On / Off
6. Delete All User Codes
7. Enable / Disable Turn Lock feature (enables or disables the use of the key lock)
8. And Restore All Factory Settings.

The schlage keypad lock is ANSI Grade 2 certified. Which means it has met standards put in place to ensure quality and effectiveness. ANSI Grade 2 is given to a product which meets heavy residential, and moderate commercial use standards.

The heavy-duty, all metal casing provides a very high level of abuse and tamper resistance. This is an electronic deadbolt that will leave you feeling safe, and not having to worry about wear and tear or intruders.

The Schlage Deadbolt Keypad door lock does exactly as it says. It keeps your home safe, while providing an added level of convenience and luxury.

On Amazon.com, it receives 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 121 customer reviews. While most of them are very positive, it should be noted that there are a few nit picking reviews.

For example, one commenter said “Buyer beware. Weak link is the standard key and pin/tumbler setup. It seems to me that this would allow the possibility of using a “bump key” to open it.”

While this could be a valid concern, it is more a “sky is falling” complaint, and the reviewer still gave the lock 3 out of 5 stars.

Another reviewer said “I received deadbolt with a huge dent.” Of course, this is the only instance of this type of complaint I could find, and with Schlage’s Warranty program, the lock could returned for another.

On the other hand, there are a wealth of positive reviews, with one reviews saying

And another reviewer saying “

My Verdict~ Buy Recommended

As a final word, I strongly recommend the Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt for anybody. The added convenience of the keypad, the ease of use, and the high quality build will reward with years and years of great use.

4. Kwikset Smartcode Deadbolt

Do you want an electronic deadbolt lock with all the features of the top models, and a price anybody can afford?

Look no further than the Kwikset Smartcode Deadbolt!

This electronic door lock is a perfect fit for anybody that wants the ease and convenience of keyless entry without spending a large amount of money.

For a third of the price of some of the other electronic deadbolt door locks, it comes packed with all the features you would ever need.

How to use the Kwikset Smartcode digital dead bolt

This digital dead bolt is very simple to use. It only requires a few pushes of the buttons to unlock your door. Great for times when keys are a hassle. A simple push of the lock button engages the deadbolt, and you are set to leave your home locked and feeling safe.

Of course, the Kwikset SmartCode deadbolt also has a traditional key feature. With a slight twist: the Kwikset Smartkey feature. This is a more advanced keylock mechanism that is very resistant to key bumping. It also allows for easy re-keying with an easy-to-use re-key tool. In fact, the lock can be re-keyed in under a minute. All you need is the tool, the old key, and a new key.

This electronic deadbolt door lock also has some neat customization features.

• You can enable or disable an LED light that blinks green or red, depending on the right or wrong code entered.
• You can make the lock beep when the buttons are pressed.
• And there is an auto-locking feature. This is great for even more convenience, allowing you to leave your home, and never worry about whether or not you locked the door.

Installation of the Kwikset Smartcode electronic deadbolt

Installing this electronic deadbolt is also a breeze. With just a simple screwdriver, you can install the lock yourself in under 20 minutes. No wiring. No cutting. No drilling, and no stuff that demands for the YellowPages guys.

Anyone can install this lock. But don’t think that that means the lock is not secure; tampering with the lock from the outside is very difficult.

5. iTouchless Bio-Matic Review

The iTouchless Bio-Matic Fingerprint Door Lock is a perfect addition to your home.

With just the press of a thumb or other finger, you can have instant access to your home, without fiddling with clunky keys.

And with the Auto-lock feature, you’ll never worry about forgetting to lock the door again. This electronic deadbolt door lock also comes with 2 metal back-up keys to ensure you will always have access to your home.

Worried about a fingerprint not working? Program all of your fingers into the lock. With up to 150 fingerprint records, and 78 PIN codes, you can be assured that everybody that needs access to your home will have it.

6. Samsung SHS-3120 Electronic Deadbolt Review

This very high tech looking deadbolt door lock can be used for the home, and for the office.

Besides looking very modern, the Samsung SHS-3120 it is also very low profile, with no protruding keyhole. And since it uses RF Keys instead of traditional tumbler keys, it is immune from key bumping!

Electronic Door Lock

The Samsung SHS-3120 is an electronic door lock that provides an increased level of home protection. Electronic door locks offer more security than traditional key locks, and also have many more features.

The convenience of keyless entry for home and digital keys that protect the lock from key bumping are just a couple of the many you will find with the Samsung SHS-3120.

Another really neat feature is the Auto-Locking mechanism. If the option is turned on, every time you shut the door, after a short amount of time the deadbolt will engage. This takes away the worry of whether or not you locked you home when you left, allowing you to feel safer and more relaxed.

Keypad Door Lock

The most convenient feature of the Samsung SHS-3120 is the keypad. This keypad door lock allows for keyless entry when you want to enter your own home. The easy to read buttons light up when one is pressed, adding even more convenience for operating the unit at night.

With up to 12 easily programmable security codes, everyone in your household is sure to have their own way in.

For even more security, this keypad door lock has a random code feature, which lights up a random button for you to press after you enter you code, preventing prying eyes from seeing your code.

Verdict~ Should you buy the Samsung SHS-3120

This is a wonderful addition to any home, with an abundance of features to ensure easy use, and higher home security. If those appeal to you, then this is definitely an electronic deadbolt door lock for you. It has 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com.

In summary, the Samsung SHS-3120 is a lock that offers many convenient features, while also offering a high amount of home security.

Well made, easy to use, and easy to install, the majority of buyers of this product are very happy with it, and would recommend it to anybody looking for a new deadbolt door lock.

7. Sunnect AP501 Smart Door Lock Review

One of the best electronic door locks I have seen is the Sunnect AP501.

Packed with features, and built like a tank, this digital Sunnect AP501 door lock provides the security every home needs, and also the convenience and ease of use to make getting into your home that much easier.

Whether it is the keyless entry for home, or the auto-locking feature, or one of the many others, I am sure the Sunnect AP501 fits your needs.

Keyless Entry for Home

One of the joys of having a new car is the keyless entry system. It’s very easy and convenient to just push a button and unlock the doors, getting in without fiddling with the keys or the lock.

Wouldn’t that be great for you home too?

Of course it is, And the good news is that the Sunnect AP501 offers you exactly that,

Instead of a button on a key-chain, though, you have a keypad on the deadbolt door lock itself. Just enter in a key code that you program yourself, and your door unlocks, without the need to find the right key, and line it up right with the keyhole.

And I must mention the Auto-Locking feature. After the door has been shut for 3 seconds, the electronic deadbolt automatically engages. This means you never have to worry about locking your door again!

Tough Construction

The Sunnect AP501 is built with security in mind.

The control board and other important mechanisms are on the inside of the door, preventing tampering from the outside. The metals used in the lock are of high quality and strength.

In fact, one test put the Sunnect AP501 up against a .22 caliber and .40 caliber handgun, fired directly on the keypad and digital key tag reader areas. Amazingly, the lock still functioned, continuing to provide the safety and security after extreme abuse.

The Sunnect AP501 could possibly be on the of the best products you get for you home; increasing safety and security, while also adding more convenience.

On Amazon.com, it attains 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 63 customer reviews.

While many of the user the reviews are generally positive, there are a couple nit-picking comments, such as “Too many issues”, where the owner raises some concerns about the lock, but also goes on to say he is overall pleased with it.

Another nit-picking review is “Bad Sensor: Your problem”, where the owner complains about a bad sensor, but doesn’t say what sensor or what the problem actually caused.

Both of these situations seem isolated, and there are no other mentions of these in any other reviews.

On the positive side, there are lots and lots of positive reviews, with the majority being 5 stars. Some examples are “Awesome product, no better digital keypad on the market”, and “The Rolls Royce of deadbolts”, and even “Best electronic deadbolt Lock Money Can Buy, Seriously!”

I would highly recommend this lock to anybody that is interested in replacing their old deadbolts, or to anybody that wants to replace their current electronic door lock with something better. Overall, the Sunnect AP501 will provide you with increased home safety and security, increase ease of use and convenience, and most importantly, peace of mind.

How to install the best keyless door locks in your home

Programas para escuchar y bajar musica gratis. Installing an elecronic deadbolt door lock is often viewed as a difficult task. Many homeowners decide to use a carpenter or locksmith to attach the new electronic door lock that they just bought. While there is nothing wrong with this, in actuality the average Joe can do this job himself.

Handiwork is very easy, and with a little bit of knowledge, a small set of common tools, and a little bit of time, you can install a deadbolt yourself.

The first thing you want to do to install an electronic door lock is to take a look at your door.

Is there a preexisting hole? If not, no problem. Most deadbolt door locks come with a template that shows you where to drill and screw. Start by figuring out where you want the lock to go.

Keep in mind, some digital door locks have handles that are a little bit below the lock itself; if so figure out where you want the handle, and line the lock hole up accordingly.

When attaching the template to the door, use a combo square if you can. This is to ensure proper alignment. Also use tape that won’t tear paint off a door.

After you have chosen the location and taped the template to the door, it is time to start drilling the hole for the locking mechanism.

You will need a hole saw, which is a large drill bit with saw teeth on the edge of a cylinder, that attaches to pretty much every common drill.

Use a hole saw that matches the size of the hole on the template. Start drilling slowly, applying even and firm pressure to prevent it from moving.

After you have drilled through to the other side, it is time to drill the hole for the bolt. Using a spade bit, drill the hole for the bolt where the template shows. It should line up with the hole you drilled for the mechanism.

Check you template, as some electronic locks require a bolt hole to be extended on the far side of the mechanism hole.

Always stop when the pilot bit comes out the other side of the door, then pull the drill out and finish drilling from the other side; this will prevent the drill from cracking the wood.

After drilling the holes, look on the template for the screw-holes, and drill pilot holes in each spot with a twist bit that is smaller then the screws themselves.

Now that the holes are drilled on the door, it is time to install the latch plate.

Line the bolt hole up with the latch plate, trace the edge onto the door with a pencil or utility knife. Chisel out this area so that the latch plate sits flush on the door.

• Note, you will have to insert the bolt before you screw in the latch plate.

Start by using light taps of the hammer onto the chisel handle, to ensure you don’t go too deep. Now attach the latch plate onto the door by screwing it into the holes you already should have drilled pilots for.

The next step is to install the strike plate.

The strike plate usually has 3 pieces, a strike frame reinforcer, a box for the bolt, and the strike plate itself.

Lining up the bolt correctly with the hole you need to drill for the strike plate is very important.

After you have done this, mark with a pencil where the screws will go for the reinforcer plate.

Next, mark where the screws will go for the strike plate; the screws for the strike plate usually also screw into the bolt box.

Now, using a spade drill bit large enough for the bolt box, drill a hole deep enough to ensure it goes in, with about a 1/4 inch extra.

The next step is to trace the outline of the reinforcer or strike plate, and chisel a hole onto the frame to insert the 3 pieces, ensuring that they fit flush.

After this, screw in the reinforcer plate, then screw in the bolt box and the strike plate.

The final step

Now it is time to attach the lock mechanism itself. This part is rather simple. Many electronic door locks have wires to connect the front of the lock to the back. Feed the wires from the front through the hole, and connect.

Attach the axle that activates the bolt. Now, holding the front piece up, attach the rear piece, and screw them both together, making sure the screws are in tight. This should be it.

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One final thing to do, is to check the door over. Make sure the bolt on the door lines up with the frame. Make sure the lock works before while the door is open; the last thing you want is to lock the door while it is shut, and then find out it doesn’t unlock. When everything is good and works properly, it is time to start enjoying your new electronic deadbolt door lock.

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Patrick Mahinge is a freelance writer and journalist, lover of sleep, and all other good things. Much of my writing focuses on healthy living lifestyle. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.