Deadbolt Installation in Paoli, PA

If a deadbolt never fully extends, it may be hitting the frame instead of reaching its locked position.

At a Paoli home, you might feel resistance when you turn the key. We install a deadbolt and set the strike so it has room to extend fully into the opening. The opening must line up with the lock when the door is closed. If your entry has only a knob lock, adding a separate lock gives you another way to secure it.

You have a choice of lock for your Paoli home. With a single cylinder model, you use a thumb turn on the inside and a key on the outside. A double cylinder model takes a key on both sides. If glass is close enough to reach through, an inside thumb turn may be accessible from outside. The trade-off is that a double cylinder requires a key to get out. We can also check whether the new lock can be keyed to match your existing locks, so you know whether one key can work them all.

We look at your entry door and its frame to see where a deadbolt can fit, including the position of any nearby glass panel.

We also check the space for the strike, the plate that receives the bolt. Before starting, we explain the placement and the choices that fit your setup. If you want the same key to work your other locks, we check whether the hardware is compatible and explain what would need to change if it is not.

A single cylinder model has an outside keyway and an inside thumb turn. With glass nearby, someone who breaks the panel may be able to reach that turn. A double cylinder model requires a key on both sides, which limits that access but means you need it to get out. We explain that tradeoff so you can choose what works for your household. During installation, we set the strike so the bolt extends fully into the frame without binding. We check its movement with the door open and closed, then show you how it operates and make adjustments if needed.

If a glass panel sits near your deadbolt, keep in mind that someone could reach through broken glass to operate an inside turn.

A lock that uses a key on both sides avoids that exposed turn, but you need the key to leave. Keep it in a consistent, accessible place away from reach through the glass, and make sure you know where to find it.

Check the bolt with the door open to see that it extends fully, then try it with the door closed. It should move without pushing or lifting the door. If it catches, stops short or takes force to operate, call us to check the alignment. Avoid forcing the mechanism or using household oil. For lubrication, choose a product labeled for locks and follow its directions.