Deadbolt Installation
$85 - $250 | 30-45 minutes | Available 24/7
Triton Locksmith install single and double-cylinder deadbolts on any exterior door. Prices run $85-$250 depending on the grade and brand. We carry ANSI Grade 1 and Grade 2 options from Schlage, Kwikset, and Medeco. Done in 30-45 minutes.
Why Does Every Exterior Door Need a Deadbolt?
A knob lock alone is not enough. Spring-loaded knob locks can be bypassed with a credit card or a flat tool in seconds. A deadbolt requires the key (or thumb turn) to retract the bolt. There's no shortcut.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, 56% of residential burglaries involve forced entry through a door. A properly installed Grade 1 deadbolt with 3-inch strike plate screws is the single most effective deterrent against forced entry.
What's the Difference Between Grade 1, 2, and 3?
Grade 1 is the strongest. Grade 3 is the weakest. ANSI/BHMA grades test how much force a lock can withstand and how many cycles it lasts. Grade 1 deadbolts survive 250,000+ cycles and resist 10 strikes of 75 pounds. Grade 3 fails much sooner.
Most builder-grade locks are Grade 3. We install Grade 1 and Grade 2 exclusively. The price difference is $20-40 for hardware that lasts 5 times longer and is dramatically harder to force.
How Do We Install a Deadbolt?
If your door already has a deadbolt hole, it's a 30-minute swap. We remove the old hardware, check the bore hole size, install the new cylinder and bolt assembly, mount the strike plate with 3-inch screws, and test everything.
If you're adding a deadbolt to a door that's never had one, we drill the bore and edge holes on-site. We use a jig to ensure perfect alignment. Takes about 45 minutes total.
Common Questions
What deadbolt brand do you recommend?
Schlage B60N for most homes. It's ANSI Grade 1, bump-resistant, and costs about $40-60 for the hardware. If you want maximum security, Medeco Maxum. It's pick-proof but costs $200+ for the hardware alone.
Can I add a deadbolt above my existing knob lock?
Yes, and you should. We drill the new hole 6 inches above the knob (standard placement) and install the deadbolt. Works on wood, metal, and fiberglass doors.
What's a double-cylinder deadbolt?
It requires a key from both sides, no thumb turn. Required on doors with glass panels where someone could break the glass and reach the thumb turn. Code requirement in some Florida jurisdictions.
Do you use 3-inch screws on the strike plate?
Always. The short screws that come in the box only grip the door frame trim. Our 3-inch screws anchor into the wall stud behind the frame. Big difference in kick-in resistance.
How long does a deadbolt last?
A Grade 1 deadbolt lasts 20-30 years with normal use. Grade 2 lasts 15-20 years. Grade 3 starts failing after 5-10 years. Salt air in South Florida can accelerate corrosion on cheaper finishes.
Related Services
Need Deadbolt Installation?
We're on call 24/7 across 25 South Florida cities.
(561) 524-8500