Deadbolt Installation in Port St. Lucie

Why Most Port St. Lucie Homes Have the Wrong Deadbolts

Here's something most people don't know: that deadbolt on your front door probably won't stop a determined burglar.

Not because it's broken. Because it was never strong enough in the first place.

Most builders in Port St. Lucie install Grade 3 deadbolts. They're cheap. They meet code. And they fail the second someone kicks your door.

We install Grade 1 deadbolts. The kind tested to withstand 10 hard kicks. The kind with pick-resistant cylinders and reinforced strike plates that actually anchor into the studs.

What Makes a Deadbolt Actually Secure?

Hardware stores sell deadbolts for $19.99. We install ones that cost $80-150. Here's why that matters.

The Bolt Itself

Cheap deadbolts use soft metal that bends under force. Grade 1 deadbolts use hardened steel that won't budge.

The bolt needs to extend at least 1 inch into your door frame. Some cheap ones only go 3/4 inch. That's not enough.

The Strike Plate

This is the metal plate on your door frame that catches the bolt. It's the most important part, and it's where cheap installations fail.

Standard strike plates use 3/4-inch screws that anchor into... nothing. Just trim wood. One good kick rips them right out.

We install heavy-duty strike plates with 3-inch screws that go through the trim and into the wall stud. That's what actually stops break-ins.

The Cylinder

That's the part your key goes into. Cheap ones can be picked in under 30 seconds. We've timed it.

Grade 1 deadbolts have pick-resistant cylinders with extra pins and security features that make them way harder to defeat.

What's the Difference Between Grade 1, 2, and 3 Deadbolts?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) tests deadbolts. They rate them Grade 1, 2, or 3.

Grade 3: Survives 2 hard kicks. This is what most builders install. It's better than nothing, but not by much.

Grade 2: Survives 5 hard kicks. Decent for interior doors. Still not what you want on your front door.

Grade 1: Survives 10 hard kicks of 75 pounds each. Also tested for a million lock/unlock cycles. This is what we recommend for every exterior door.

The price difference? Usually $30-50 more for Grade 1. The security difference? Night and day.

How Do You Know Your Current Deadbolt Is Weak?

Here's a quick test. Lock your deadbolt from inside. Now try to move the door back and forth.

Does it wiggle? Even a little? That's a problem.

A properly installed Grade 1 deadbolt shouldn't let the door move at all. If yours does, either the bolt is too short or your strike plate isn't anchored properly.

We see this all the time in St. Lucie West and Tradition. Brand new homes with builder-grade deadbolts that wiggle like crazy.

Types of Deadbolts We Install

Single Cylinder Deadbolt

Key on the outside, thumb turn on the inside. This is what most people have and what we recommend for most doors.

It's easy to lock from inside (just turn the knob), and you can get out fast in an emergency.

Double Cylinder Deadbolt

Key on both sides. No thumb turn.

We only install these when you've got a window near the lock. Otherwise, someone can break the glass and reach through to unlock a thumb turn.

Downside? You need a key to get out. That's a fire hazard. We'll explain the risks before we install one.

Smart Deadbolts

Keypad or smartphone controlled. No physical key needed.

Great if you're tired of carrying keys or want to give temporary access codes to guests or contractors.

We install Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and August smart locks. All Grade 1 rated. All work with Alexa and Google.

Brands We Trust (And Why)

Schlage B60 Series

Our most popular install. Grade 1 rated, pick-resistant, lifetime warranty. Costs about $80-100.

They work. We've never had a callback on a failed Schlage B60.

Kwikset 980 Series

Grade 1 with SmartKey technology. You can rekey it yourself in about 10 seconds without taking the lock apart.

Perfect if you move a lot or have contractors coming and going. Slightly less expensive than Schlage.

Medeco Maxum

Ultra-high-security. Patented keys that can't be copied at hardware stores. Nearly impossible to pick.

Costs $200-350, but if you've got expensive stuff in your house or just want the absolute best, this is it.

Our Deadbolt Installation Process

Step 1: We measure your door. Thickness, backset, hinge placement. Every door is slightly different.

Step 2: We drill perfectly aligned holes. Misalignment is what causes locks to bind and fail. We use precision tools to get it right.

Step 3: We install the deadbolt. Cylinder goes in first, then the interior mechanism, then the bolt.

Step 4: We install a heavy-duty strike plate. With 3-inch screws. Into the stud. This is what actually stops kicks.

Step 5: We test it. Lock it. Unlock it. Try to wiggle the door. If there's any play, we adjust until it's solid.

Step 6: We give you keys. Usually 3-5 keys. If you need more, we'll cut them on the spot.

What About Reinforcing the Whole Door?

Smart question. A Grade 1 deadbolt is only as good as the door it's attached to.

We also offer door reinforcement kits that include:

• Door jamb armor (metal wrap around the frame)
• Hinge reinforcement (stud-mounted screws on all hinges)
• Door edge guards (protect against pry bars)

Adds about $100-150 to the job. Turns your door into something that'd take a battering ram to get through.

We see this a lot in Rio and Port Salerno. Folks want maximum security because they're further out and sheriff response times are longer.

Can You Match It to My Existing Key?

Yes. If your other locks are the same brand (Schlage, Kwikset, etc.), we can key your new deadbolt to match.

One key for all your locks. No fumbling with a keyring.

If your locks are different brands, we can rekey everything to match when we install your new deadbolt.

How Much Does Deadbolt Installation Cost?

Depends on what you want installed.

Basic Grade 1 deadbolt + installation: $120-180. Includes the lock, professional installation, strike plate reinforcement, and keys.

High-security deadbolt (Medeco): $280-400. Patented keys, pick-proof, drill-resistant.

Smart deadbolt: $220-350. Keypad or smartphone control, still Grade 1 security.

Full door reinforcement: Add $100-150. Armor on frame, reinforced hinges, pry guards.

We'll give you an exact quote over the phone. No surprises when we show up.

How Long Does Installation Take?

If it's a standard door with a pre-drilled hole, about 30-45 minutes per door.

If we're drilling new holes (no existing deadbolt), add another 15-20 minutes. We take our time to get the alignment perfect.

Most folks have us do the front door, back door, and garage entry door. That's usually 90 minutes start to finish.

Common Questions About Deadbolt Installation

Do I really need a deadbolt if I have a doorknob lock?

Yes. Doorknob locks are security theater. You can open most of them with a credit card in under 5 seconds.

Deadbolts are your actual security. Always use both a doorknob and a deadbolt on exterior doors.

Should I rekey or replace my deadbolt?

Depends. If you've got a Grade 1 deadbolt already and just don't know who has keys (you just moved in), rekeying is cheaper ($75-100).

If you've got a builder-grade deadbolt, just replace it. You're upgrading to real security for only $40-50 more.

Can I install a deadbolt myself?

If you're handy and have the right tools, maybe. But precision matters. Holes need to be perfectly aligned or the lock will bind.

More importantly, DIYers almost never install the strike plate properly. They use the short screws that come in the box. Those don't stop kicks.

We've been called out to fix a lot of DIY deadbolt installs that failed during break-in attempts.

What if my door is old or damaged?

We'll assess it when we get there. Sometimes we can reinforce a weak door. Sometimes it needs replacement.

If your door is hollow core or the frame is rotted, no deadbolt will save it. We'll be honest about what you need.

Do you work after hours?

Yes. We're available 24/7. If someone just broke in and your lock is destroyed, call us any time. We'll secure it tonight.

Service Areas for Deadbolt Installation

We install high-security deadbolts throughout Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast:

• Port St. Lucie
• Saint Lucie West
• Tradition
• Fort Pierce
• Jensen Beach
• Stuart
• Palm City
• Port Salerno
• Rio

Stop Trusting Cheap Locks

Look, most people don't think about their door locks until something bad happens.

Don't wait. A Grade 1 deadbolt costs less than $200 installed and makes your home way harder to break into.

We can do it today. You'll sleep better tonight.

Related Security Services

• Residential Locksmith Services - Complete home security solutions
• Lock Rekeying Service - New keys for existing locks
• Smart Lock Installation - Keyless entry systems
• Break-In Repair - Emergency security restoration