
The deadbolt extends through a hole in the strike plate when activated. TipsĪ crowbar used on a lock will provide enough force to bend the door frame or push the strike plate through the door.Ī strike plate is a metal plate on the jamb of your door. Your security depends on the money you put into it, but at the same time, you don’t want a manufacturer to prey on your vulnerability and convince you to pay more than you need to. How much you spend on a deadbolt for your home is a personal decision.
#HONEYWELL DIGITAL DEADBOLT INSTALLATION GUIDE CODE#
There are some numerical code keyless deadbolts in this price range, but you will also find biometric deadbolts (those with fingerprint readers) for $200 and up. The majority of deadbolts in this price range are keyless deadbolts with a numeric keypad or touchscreen. You’ll still find some low-tech deadbolts in this price range, but they employ more features and/or have above-average aesthetics. If you’re looking to spend under $50, count on getting a single-cylinder, double-cylinder, or single-sided deadbolt. In this price range, you won’t find many keyless deadbolts. While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, the price you pay for a deadbolt depends on the type of deadbolt you choose. Deadbolts come in a whole catalog of styles and colors, including black, white, gold, and silver. AestheticsĪesthetics can be as important as any other feature - especially if the lock is going on your front door where everyone will see it. The specs should include helpful information about which type of doors the lock will fit. Measure your door (including its thickness) and read the specs carefully before purchasing a deadbolt. The five deadbolts in our product list, above, are all top contenders. Check user reviews before purchasing a deadbolt to minimize your chance of buying a dud. And once it’s installed, you don’t want a lock that’s tricky to use. You don’t want to have to deface your door just to make your new lock fit. User-friendlinessĮase of installation and use are important considerations when choosing a deadbolt. Keep these features in mind when selecting a deadbolt for your home. But there's a lot more to the deadbolt than meets the eye. There's a tendency to view deadbolts as “basic” hardware. The collar should be properly tapered and free-spinning, and the connecting screen should be made of solid steel at least a quarter-inch in diameter on the inside. The actual hardware of the bolt should be made of hardened steel with a one-inch diameter. In most cases, you will use a digital code or a fingerprint to lock and/or unlock it. This type of deadbolt does not necessarily need a key to operate. While this type of deadbolt operates on the outside the same as any other, on the inside there is simply a thumb turn to lock and/or unlock it. As such, it’s not the most handy type of deadbolt to use. You will need a key to unlock a double-cylinder deadbolt from both the outside and the inside. It requires a key, but it can be opened from the inside of your home without a key. This is the most common type of deadbolt. Here’s a brief look at the different types of deadbolts you can buy. A home invader can easily break through a flimsy door. It doesn't matter how strong your lock is if your door frame isn't just as strong.
