Just a regular deadbolt on a front door? I figure it would be a lot cheaper just to go to Home Depot and get one and install it myself, but I've never installed one before...how simple is it? All I really see when I look at the outside is a couple of screws so I wouldn't imagine it to be too difficult. If it is fairly difficult, how much do locksmiths usually charge for something like this?

12/1/2007 12:12:37 AM

its not hard, a new lock will even come with instructions.

just make sure you get the right kind.

12/1/2007 12:14:23 AM

it'll probably run you about $80 for him to come out, plus $20 for the hardware

or you can pay $10 for the hardware from home depot, remove two screws and replace it yourself.

its goddamn easy is what it is. probably the easiest home project available beyond changing a lightbulb

12/1/2007 12:15:27 AM

the only reason to get a locksmith would be to re-key the lock to match an existing key. When I got my house one of the first things I did was change the deadbolts and doorknobs, job took maybe 20 minutes.

12/1/2007 12:18:18 AM

If you take a key to Home Depot or Lowes they will usually be able to rekey the deadbolt you buy there. They may not be able to do it while you wait but still a hell of a lot cheaper than getting a locksmith out to do it.

-- Dave

12/1/2007 12:20:23 AM

youre an engineer

you can do it

12/1/2007 12:44:43 AM

I figured I would be able to, I just didn't want to take out the existing one and end up messing something up.

And I don't need to rekey. I don't want old keys to work on it.

[Edited on December 1, 2007 at 12:52 AM. Reason : ]

12/1/2007 12:51:04 AM

you won't mess anything up at all.

just undo those little screws and you'll see immediately how to proceed

12/1/2007 12:54:25 AM

It's like two screws.

But don't buy a $10 deadbolt. That's marginally better than duct-taping your door shut.

12/1/2007 1:35:04 AM

true. but if you're gonna go for "super secure" deadbolts then you really kind of need to replace the doorjam plate thingie too

but truth be told, it doesn't matter since anybody who wants to break in will just go 'round back, break your window, unlock the door, and walk in

12/1/2007 1:38:48 AM

I definitely agree with that.

12/1/2007 1:42:59 AM

Spending more than $10 for any lock on a WOODEN door is a waste. Residential locks in general are just a psychological deterrent. I love the people that put a $100 schlage on a glass front door.

But a deadbolt is better in that they can't be carded.

Lowes/Home Depot will also rekey locks for $5 each if you take them to 'em, or you can just buy new.

If you're installing a deadbolt for the first time you'll have to drill the holes, of course.

12/1/2007 2:12:52 AM

really? the schlage I bought was only about $25, but maybe it was on sale.

[Edited on December 1, 2007 at 2:16 AM. Reason : s]

12/1/2007 2:16:09 AM

Yeah I figure a regular Schlage will suffice.

12/1/2007 3:06:02 AM

Yeah, the cheap schlages start at around $25 and go up from there.

That said, I've never had a problem opening any schlage or a kwikset with a bump key. Maybe the expensive models are more resistant to that.

For that reason I just buy the cheap no-name ones for the apartments I work on, then throw them away(or swap them, shhhhhhh...) every time new tenants move in.

12/1/2007 3:16:52 AM

I've got two extra knob/deadbolt sets around if you are interested!

I had a string of odd roommates, and now I don't need them.

12/1/2007 8:34:14 PM

Quote :

"Maybe the expensive models are more resistant to that. "

some are.

12/1/2007 10:54:44 PM