If you’re a property preservation contractor, ensuring the security of properties is crucial. One of the most important aspects of securing a property is ensuring that the deadbolt is properly secured. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to effectively secure deadbolts. We’ll cover disabling a deadbolt, installing a deadbolt cover plate, and installing a new deadbolt.
Tools Needed for Securing Deadbolts
Before you start securing the deadbolt, make sure you have the necessary tools. You’ll need:
- A drill
- A sharp quarter-inch drill bit
- A screwdriver
- A pipe wrench
- Bolts and screws
- Carriage bolts
- A deadbolt cover plate
- A new deadbolt (if necessary)
Disabling a Deadbolt
One common way for intruders to gain access to a property is by drilling out the deadbolt. Deadbolts have three main components: the exterior and interior cylinder, the bolt, and the striker plate. To disable a deadbolt, you need to remove the bolt and striker plate from the locking mechanism.
To do this, remove the screws from the striker plate in the exterior cylinder. Next, remove both the interior and exterior cylinders and slide the striker plate and bolt out. Keep these two pieces in a safe place for future use. Once removed, place both cylinders back into the hole and tightly screw the bolt screws back into the interior cylinder on the backside of the door.
Installing a Deadbolt Cover Plate
In some cases, the cylinders may become damaged during the drilling process, making it impossible to put them back into the hole. If this happens, you’ll need to install a deadbolt cover plate. It’s important to note that using a sticker or a piece of tape to cover the hole is not sufficient to secure the property from intruders.
To install the deadbolt cover plate, use a carriage bolt with a square head. Place the square head on one side of the plate and slide it through the hole. Place the backing plate on the other side and tighten it together by sandwiching the oil. Always make sure that the knot is snug so that nobody can push it to the side for an REO property.
Installing a New Deadbolt
If you need to install a new deadbolt, follow these steps:
- Place the striker plate and bolt into the door and screw it down with both screws.
- Slide the exterior cylinder through the holes in the bolt.
- Line up the interior cylinder on the door and tighten it down with bolt screws.
- Check that the deadbolt is operational.
Securing deadbolts is crucial for property preservation contractors to ensure the safety of properties. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can effectively disable, cover, or install a deadbolt to enhance the property’s security. For more information on property security, check out our additional securing videos.
