Why Deadbolts Matter
A standard knob lock is not designed to resist forced entry. The latch bolt is spring-loaded and can be defeated with a credit card shimming technique in seconds. A deadbolt extends a solid steel bolt deep into the door frame strike plate when locked. There is no spring mechanism to exploit. The bolt does not move unless the cylinder rotates with the correct key or thumb turn.
A properly installed Grade 1 deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate and three-inch screws significantly increases the force required to kick in a door. This is the single highest-value physical security upgrade available to a homeowner for the cost involved.
ANSI Grade Ratings
The American National Standards Institute grades residential deadbolts on a scale that reflects durability, security, and resistance to attack.
- Grade 1 is the top residential rating. Tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles and significant forced entry attempts. Recommended for all exterior entry doors.
- Grade 2 is rated for 150,000 cycles and offers solid security suitable for secondary entry doors or homeowners who want a meaningful upgrade from builder-grade hardware.
- Grade 3 is the minimum residential standard. Found on cheap builder-grade hardware, it is not something we recommend for exterior applications.
Single vs Double Cylinder
A single cylinder deadbolt uses a keyed cylinder on the exterior and a thumb turn on the interior. This is the standard configuration for most residential doors and is what we recommend in the majority of installations.
A double cylinder requires a key on both the exterior and the interior. This prevents someone from breaking a nearby window, reaching through, and turning the thumb turn to unlock the door. The trade-off is that double cylinder deadbolts slow emergency egress. They are best suited for doors with glass panels in situations where that glass cannot be secured another way. Always check local fire and building codes before choosing a double cylinder configuration.
Adding a Deadbolt to a Door That Does Not Have One
Many interior-facing garage doors and some older exterior doors were installed with only a knob lock and no deadbolt prep. We can add a deadbolt from scratch by boring the correct hole size, chiseling the strike plate recess in the door frame, and installing the complete assembly. We bring the necessary tools on every service call. The job takes roughly 45 to 90 minutes on an unprepared door.
Brands We Install
We install Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin deadbolts. The Schlage B60N and B62N are our most common installations for Grade 1 residential deadbolts. We carry stock on the truck so most installations are completed same day with no wait for parts.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We serve all of Santa Clara including Rivermark, the Santa Clara University area, Northside, Central Park, Bowers, and surrounding neighborhoods. Response time is typically 15 to 35 minutes.
For our full range of residential services, visit the Residential Locksmith page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade of deadbolt do you recommend for a Santa Clara home?
For a primary entry door we recommend a Grade 1 deadbolt. Grade 1 is the highest residential ANSI rating and offers the best resistance to kick-in attacks, picking, and drilling. Grade 2 is a solid choice for secondary entry doors or for homeowners who want a meaningful step up from builder-grade hardware without the full Grade 1 cost.
What is the difference between single and double cylinder deadbolts?
A single cylinder deadbolt uses a key on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. A double cylinder requires a key on both sides, preventing someone from breaking glass near the lock to reach the thumb turn. The trade-off is slower emergency egress. Check local fire codes before choosing a double cylinder configuration.
Can you add a deadbolt to a door that does not have one?
Yes. We drill the necessary bore holes, chisel the strike plate recess into the door frame, and install the full deadbolt assembly. This is a common installation on doors that came with only a knob lock. The job takes about 45 to 90 minutes depending on the door material and frame condition.
How long does deadbolt installation take?
Replacing an existing deadbolt in a prepped door typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Adding a new deadbolt to a door that does not already have one takes 45 to 90 minutes because we need to bore the hole and prepare the door frame. We bring all necessary tools and hardware on our mobile unit.
Does a new deadbolt use the same key as my knob lock?
Not automatically, but we can make it so. We can rekey the new deadbolt to match your existing knob lock key so that one key operates both. This is called keying alike and it is something we handle during the same visit. Just ask when we arrive.