Deadbolt locks: finding the best fit for your home

Deadbolt locks are a popular choice with homeowners looking to secure their home from potential intruders. Find out more about this robust type of lock and some of the available options in this handy guide.

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Deadbolt locks play a vital role in keeping your home, its contents, and inhabitants safe and secure. But what is a deadbolt lock and what's the best one to get? Let's take a look...

What is a deadbolt lock?

Deadbolt locks are thicker and heavier than regular door locks, typically made of steel, bronze, or brass, fitted into the edge of the door frame.

They are often found on the external front and back doors of residential homes and fall into three main types:

Single-cylinder (keyed on one side and operated by a knob or thumbturn on the other)
Double-cylinder (keyed on both sides)
Lockable thumbturn (a mix of both)

How do you lock a deadbolt?

Deadbolt locks are fitted within the material of the door itself - rather than on the surface of the door.

A deadbolt lock has a solid rod that extends deeper into the door frame than a regular, spring-latched door lock, offering greater security.

The solid rod slots into the door frame when locked. This retracts when in the unlocked position.

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What is the best deadbolt lock?

The best deadbolt lock is one which is Kitemarked to British Standard BS-3621. You'll find this on the faceplate of the lock itself.

A deadlock with this Kitemark means it has been tested against burglary techniques, including drilling.

Also, look for a deadbolt lock with a reinforced strike plate, as this offers added security against potential intruders. The strike plate is the part that the solid rod enters (in the door frame) when the door is in the locked position. Reinforcing it therefore makes forced entry even harder.

A qualified locksmith will be able to help advise you on the best deadbolt lock for your needs.

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What about keyless entry deadbolt locks?

In a world of smart technology, many homeowners are choosing keyless entry deadbolt locks.

The specification of smart door locks can vary greatly, including the level of security you want, the extra features you need (voice control or an integrated alarm), and whether you want keypad entry, remote entry, or entry via a mobile app.

With more and more models on the market, check out our smart lock cost guide to see if this might be the right option for your property.

Popular manufacturers of deadbolt locks

Selecting the best deadbolt lock for your home will depend on the type of door you have (wooden doors will typically have two locks) and the type of building you live in (due to the specific escape requirements for flats and apartments).

Some of the most popular manufacturers of deadlocks include:

Chubb
Yale
Union
ERA
ASEC
Legge

A qualified locksmith near you will be able to advise on the most appropriate locks to ensure your home is suitably secured. You can expect to pay between £100 and £500 for a professional locksmith to install a lock in your home.

Related content: Read our locksmith price guide for 2023 and our guide to hiring a locksmith for further information.

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How to remove an old deadbolt lock

To remove an old deadbolt lock, follow these steps:

With the door open, turn the key so it's in the locked position (the bolt will be protruding) and remove the key
Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the faceplate, door handle, and spindle bar in place
With a pair of pliers, grip the bolt and carefully ease the old lock out of the door frame
Your door is now ready for a replacement deadbolt lock to be fitted by a locksmith

If you're locked out and wondering how to remove a deadbolt lock without a key or how to remove a deadbolt lock from the outside, your best bet is to contact an experienced locksmith.

How to pick a deadbolt lock

Locked out and wondering how to pick the lock on a deadbolt? This is a job for a professional locksmith. Add your postcode to the search box below to find trusted and reliable experts in your area.

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