Deadbolt and Door Knob Lock Installation: What the Job Actually Involves
Installing a new door knob lock or deadbolt is not simply a matter of drilling a hole and dropping in hardware. A proper installation begins with measuring the door's backset — the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole — because using the wrong backset measurement means the latch will not align with the strike plate, and the lock will bind or fail under pressure. Our technicians also evaluate door thickness, frame condition, and whether the existing prep work matches the new hardware's requirements. On older Los Angeles homes, especially the mid-century ranch-style properties common throughout Woodland Hills and West Hills, door frames are sometimes warped or the jamb has been repaired multiple times, creating fit issues that need to be corrected before the new lock goes in.
For a standard single-cylinder deadbolt paired with a door knob with lock, we install both units so the cylinders are keyed alike — meaning one key operates both locks — unless the customer prefers otherwise. We also offer rekeying at the time of installation so that previous keys no longer work. When a customer is upgrading to a smart lock door knob or a keypad lock door knob, we verify door prep compatibility, handle any minor boring adjustments, and walk through the programming setup before we leave. Every installation is done with damage-free technique wherever the door and frame allow, and we confirm a firm, up-front price before any work begins — no surprises after the job is done.

