Deadbolt Installation St. Louis
A door lock without a deadbolt is only half-secured. A1 Express Locksmith provides expert deadbolt installation services in St. Louis, MO — we upgrade your home's entry doors with Grade 1 and Grade 2 deadbolts that actually resist forced entry, installed cleanly and correctly the first time.
Single-Cylinder vs. Double-Cylinder Deadbolts
A single-cylinder deadbolt uses a key on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. It is the most common residential deadbolt and the right choice for most doors. A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both sides — it adds security for doors with glass panels near the lock, because a burglar cannot break the glass and reach through to turn the thumb latch. However, double-cylinder deadbolts can be a safety hazard during a fire because you need a key to exit. Our deadbolt installation service in St. Louis includes a consultation on which type is right for each door in your home. We do not just install the lock — we recommend the right lock for your situation.
Grade 1 Deadbolts — Commercial Strength for Your Home
ANSI/BHMA grades tell you how much punishment a deadbolt can take. Grade 3 is builder-grade — meets the minimum standard and costs the least. Grade 2 is residential heavy-duty — significantly stronger, with larger bolts, reinforced housings, and better pick resistance. Grade 1 is commercial-grade — the highest rating, tested for the heaviest use and strongest forced-entry resistance. We install Grade 2 as our standard residential recommendation and Grade 1 for homeowners who want maximum protection. The price difference between Grade 2 and Grade 1 is smaller than most people expect, and the security difference is substantial.
The Strike Plate — The Most Overlooked Security Upgrade
The strike plate is the metal plate mounted on the door frame that the deadbolt bolt slides into. Most factory strike plates are thin metal secured with half-inch screws that anchor into nothing but the door jamb trim. One hard kick and the jamb splits. Every deadbolt installation by A1 Express includes a heavy-duty strike plate with three-inch case-hardened screws that drive through the jamb and into the structural wall framing behind it. This one upgrade dramatically increases forced-entry resistance and costs almost nothing. It is standard on every deadbolt we install — not an upsell.
Doors We Install Deadbolts On
Wood entry doors, fiberglass doors, steel doors, French doors, patio doors, side doors, garage entry doors, basement doors, and apartment doors — if it is an exterior door, we can install a deadbolt on it. We also retrofit deadbolts onto doors that only have a knob lock and handle doors that have been damaged by previous improper installations. Our technicians measure, drill, chisel, and mount with precision — your finished installation looks like the deadbolt has been there since the door was built.
Deadbolt Installation Questions, Answered
How much does deadbolt installation cost?
Pricing depends on the number of deadbolts, the grade of hardware you choose, and whether door modification is needed. We quote flat-rate, itemized pricing upfront with no hidden fees.
Can you install a deadbolt on a door that only has a knob lock?
Yes. We bore the deadbolt hole, chisel the faceplate mortise, drill the strike hole, and install the strike plate. The finished installation is clean and professional.
Should I get a single-cylinder or double-cylinder deadbolt?
Single-cylinder is right for most doors. Double-cylinder adds security for doors with glass panels nearby, but requires a key to exit. We help you decide based on each door's specific situation.
Do you sell the deadbolts or do I buy them?
We carry professional-grade Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin deadbolts in our vans for same-day installation. You are also welcome to purchase your own and pay only our installation labor.
Ready for a Locksmith You Will Actually Recommend?
Free quotes. Flat-rate pricing. Lifetime workmanship guarantee. Call A1 Express Locksmith and see why St. Louis homeowners and drivers trust us for every lock and key need.