I bought a new electronic deadbolt to replace (functional) deadbolt.
After getting everything unscrewed, I started to install the new one to find out that there are multiple sizes of deadbolt holes and the one in my door is too small for the new deadbolt. So, I need someone to make the hole bigger.
Correctly.
I think I read online that locksmiths can do that. But then I need to find a locksmith & schedule one, and what should have been an hour or so one afternoon is now a project.
I ran into this problem just recently when I replaced my deadbolts. Turns out the idjit who originally installed them drilled 1" holes with smaller holes at the side for the screws to fit thru. Standard sizes are 1 5/8 (?) and 2 1/8 (the main size). Looked ugly, like a deformed Mickey.
My method of making an official 2 1/8 hole. Got two thinnish pieces of scrap wood. Drilled a pilot hole in one. Made a “+” over that to mark the center. Put the two pieces on opposite sides of the door and held with clamps. Lined up the pilot hole with the center of the door hole. (I put the latch back in and used it’s center turn hole as a reference.) Tightened the clamps. Removed the latch and drill time. Had to pull out the hole saw a couple times to get rid of waste. Once the center bit goes thru the other board, time to start on the other side.
Yeah, took far longer than I was planning. But of the three doors, one had been properly drilled in the first place. Why? Because I had replaced that door at one point and did the job right.
I can’t replace my shitty leaking windows as no contractor wants to touch them. The architecture is “creative” 70s construction and the leak is not from the windows themselves. When I move out I’ll probably replace the drywall, which is a Band Aid more than anything.