Lock installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What lock installation is

Lock installation replaces or adds door locks, deadbolts, keypad locks and smart locks, fitting the strike plate and bolt so the lock closes and latches smoothly. People call when a lock is old or damaged, when the door is not secure, or when they want a different style of lock on an existing door.

Signs you need it

  • The deadbolt will not throw all the way, or the latch sticks in the strike plate
  • The lock feels loose, turns with no resistance, or shows a gap at the door edge
  • The door was kicked or forced, and the strike plate or frame is splintered
  • You want a keypad, a fingerprint lock or a smart lock that works with your phone
  • You want a higher-grade deadbolt for an exterior door

What the pro does

  • Measure the door thickness, the bore hole and the backset so the new lock fits the existing door
  • Remove the old lock and check the door edge, the mortise and the strike for damage
  • Install the new lock body, latch and deadbolt, aligning them to the door
  • Set the strike plate so the bolt enters without rubbing, using screws long enough to reach the framing
  • Test the key, the thumb turn and the latch for smooth operation, and adjust as needed
  • Set up keypad codes or smart lock access, and show the owner how to use and reset them

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Lock type, such as a standard deadbolt, a keypad lock, a smart lock or a high-security cylinder
  • Door material and thickness, and whether the door needs new mortise work
  • Condition of the frame and strike, and whether the frame must be repaired or reinforced
  • Number of doors and locks being replaced, and whether they will be keyed alike
  • Whether the lock must be wired or work with an existing doorbell or access system
  • Access to the door, since exterior doors can take extra time to remove and fit

What a written quote should spell out

  • The lock brand, model, grade and finish
  • Whether the strike plate, latch and bolt are replaced or only adjusted
  • Number of keys supplied, and whether the locks are keyed alike
  • Any repair to the frame or door, listed separately
  • Setup of smart features, codes or app access, and what that setup includes
  • Warranty on the lock and the labor, and who to call if it fails

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will the new lock fit my door's bore hole and backset, and how do you know?
  • Do you replace the strike plate, and will the screws reach the framing?
  • What grade is the lock, and does it suit an exterior door?
  • How many keys will I get, and are the locks keyed alike?
  • Will you set up the smart features, and who keeps the admin access?
  • What happens if the door or frame is damaged during removal?
  • What warranty covers the lock, the finish and the labor?

Red flags

  • They fit a deadbolt without measuring the bore hole and backset
  • They fasten the strike with short screws that do not reach the framing
  • They leave the bolt rubbing on the strike, which wears the door and the lock
  • They install a smart lock without setting up the admin access for you
  • They will not show you the lock's grade or warranty in writing

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can measure the door and bore hole, buy a lock that matches those numbers, and check that the door closes freely before the install. Do not cut into the door edge or the frame without a plan, and do not change the wiring of a powered lock or doorbell system. Call a pro for exterior door installs, frame repair, or any lock that connects to wiring.

Licenses and permits

Lock installation is commonly done by locksmiths or handymen and is often not a licensed trade by itself. Some states and local areas do license or register locksmiths, so check with your state or local licensing agency. Wiring a powered lock to the building's electrical system may need a licensed electrician, depending on the area.

Lock installation questions

How do I know what size deadbolt I need?

Measure the door thickness, the bore hole diameter and the backset, which is the distance from the door edge to the center of the bore hole. A locksmith can confirm the measurements before you buy.

Is a smart lock as secure as a regular deadbolt?

A smart lock is only as secure as its lock body, its strike and its account settings. Ask the installer about the grade of the lock body, the codes or apps you will use, and how the lock is reset if a phone is lost.

Why does my new deadbolt stick?

Sticking usually comes from a strike plate out of line, a door that has shifted in its frame, or a bolt that is not aligned. The installer should adjust the strike and check the door alignment before you live with it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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