Deadbolt Installation in Brookhaven, PA

Your front door in Brookhaven may have only a knob lock, leaving you without a separate deadbolt to secure the door.

We install deadbolts on entry doors and set the strike in the frame so the bolt has room to extend fully. If it stops short or catches on the opening, it may not hold the door as intended. The door needs to close in the right position for the bolt and strike to line up without forcing the lock.

For a Brookhaven entry door near glass, the choice of lock matters. A single cylinder locks with a key outside and has a thumbturn on the interior. A double cylinder needs a key from either side, so someone who reaches through broken glass cannot simply turn it. The trade-off is that leaving through that door also requires a key. Consider how you would get out in an emergency before choosing one. We can also check whether the new lock can be keyed to match your existing locks.

We start by looking at the garage or basement entry, including its thickness, existing hardware, and how it lines up with the frame.

If you have only a knob lock, we check the available space for a separate deadbolt. Before making any openings, we explain where the new hardware would sit and what the installation involves. A single cylinder has an outside key and an inside turn piece. A double cylinder requires a key on both sides, which limits access through nearby glass but also means you need it to get out.

We also look at whether your existing locks and the new mechanism are compatible. You may be able to use the same key for both, or you may need a separate one if the mechanisms do not match. During installation, we position the strike so the bolt can extend fully into the frame when the door is closed, rather than stopping short or rubbing. We test the operation with the door open and closed, then have you try it so you can feel how it turns and see that it secures properly.

With the door open, use the key or inside turn to extend the deadbolt fully, then retract it.

If it stops short even with the door open, don't force it. A partially extended bolt may not hold the door as intended, and repeated pressure on the key or turn could make the problem worse.

Next, close the door and repeat the test. If the bolt extends fully only while the door is open, the strike opening may not line up with it. Check that the door closes against the frame without pushing or lifting it to make the lock work. Call us if it still stops short, catches, or requires extra pressure. Keep the opening clear of paint and debris, and avoid putting oil or other household lubricants into the lock.