Kwikset Single Cylinder Deadbolt Lock Installation and Removal Instructions

With availability in polished brass, brushed brass, bronze and chrome finishes, a Kwikset deadbolt can be found to match any existing door hardware and the full installation is a simple procedure.

1. Mark the deadbolt centerline on the door edge at the desired height, using a tape measure and pencil. Deadbolts are typically installed approximately 6 to 8 inches above the doorknob or lever location.

2. Fold the layout template supplied with the Kwikset deadbolt on the “door edge” line and position it against the door’s edge aligned with the centerline. Designate the center points of the slide bolt hole on the edge of the door and the deadbolt cylinder on both door faces. Use an awl or center punch to push through the deadbolt template to score the door’s surface.

3. Bore the deadbolt cylinder hole, using an drill mounted with a 2 1/8-inch hole saw. Align the hole with one of the center lines marked on the door face and bore until the pilot bit of the hole saw penetrates the opposite door side. Remove the hole saw and complete the hole cutting from the opposite door face to minimize splintering of the door face.

4. Bore the slide bolt hole in the edge of the door. Align the bit horizontally on the point marked for the slide bolt center, using a 7/8-inch auger bit. Penetrate the door until the auger bit passes through to the previously drilled cylinder hole.

5. Insert the slide bolt assembly into the hole drilled in Step 4 until the slide bolt face plate is tight to the door edge’s surface. Align the face plate with the door’s edge and score the face plate outline on the door edge, using a utility knife.

6. Cut a mortise for the slide bolt’s face plate in the door edge, using a 1/2-inch wood chisel. Cut the mortise to approximately 1/8 inch deep to allow the face plate to fit flush with the edge surface.

7. Install the slide bolt into the door edge and secure the face plate to the door edge with the two screws provided.

8. Position the deadbolt’s exterior lock cylinder over the exterior cylinder hole, inserting the flat key tab bar into the matching slot in the slide bolt, and hold the cylinder in place.

9. Place the interior thumb latch assembly against the interior door surface, inserting the flat key tab bar into the matching slot in the slide bolt, and hold the latch assembly in place.

10. Secure the thumb latch and exterior lock cylinder to the door, using the two machine bolts inserted through the latch base plate and screwed into the exterior lock cylinder. Tighten the machine screws until snug.

11. Mark the slide bolt’s centerline on the door jamb by closing the door and turning the thumb latch to extend the bolt against the jamb.

12. Hold the deadbolt’s strike plate against the jamb’s surface and center it on the centerline marked in Step 11. Mark the outline of the strike plate’s outer edge and inside edge of the bolt hole on the jamb surface, using a pencil.

13. Bore a 7/8-inch hole in the jamb surface, centered on the bolt hole marked in Step 12. Drill the hole to a depth of approximately 1 inch.

14. Score the strike plate outline on the jamb, using a utility knife, then use a 1/2-inch wood chisel to lightly mortise the strike plate thickness into the jamb surface.

15. Place the deadbolt strike plate over the metal cup and press the cup into the 7/8-inch hole. Secure both pieces to the jamb with the two screws provided.

16. Remove the Kwikset deadbolt assembly. If necessary, by reversing the installation procedure.