Guide · Safety and emergencies

Deadbolts That Lock All the Way

Fit, alignment and simple checks: a one minute open door check you can do without tools, signs to report, and what owners can do to make it right.

Start the checklist

Where to start

Lock feels stiff or stops short?
Please don't force it. Do the open door check and let the owner know, with a short video if you can.
Have a minute?
The open door check needs no tools and catches a sticking bolt early.
Owner fixing a sticky bolt?
Find where the bolt is hitting first. See what owners can do.

The short version

A deadbolt is one of the simplest ways to feel safe at home. When you turn it, a solid bolt slides into the door frame and stays there. But a deadbolt only does its best work when the bolt can slide all the way in.

As doors settle and wood swells and shrinks with the seasons, a lock that once turned smoothly can start to stick or stop short.

Why the bolt needs to go all the way in

Many deadbolts have a bolt that extends about an inch. The bolt is meant to go all the way out into the frame. If the bolt hits the back of the hole in the frame or rubs the metal plate around it, it may stop short and not hold as well as it should.

The open door check

This takes about a minute and needs no tools.

With the door open, turn the thumb turn and watch the bolt slide all the way out. Notice how far the thumb turn rotates and how it feels.
Turn it back, close the door, and turn it again.
It should feel the same both times: smooth, with the thumb turn stopping in the same spot.

If the lock feels stiff, stops early, or only works when you push or pull on the door, the bolt is probably rubbing or hitting something. Please don't force it. Let the owner know, with a short video if you can.

What owners can do

Find where the bolt is hitting. Rub a little chalk or lipstick on the end of the bolt, close the door, turn the lock, and look at the mark it leaves on the frame.
Adjust the strike plate. The metal plate on the frame can often be moved slightly, or its opening made a little larger, so the bolt slides in cleanly.
Deepen the hole. If the bolt hits the back of the hole, the hole may need to be a little deeper.
Check the hinges. Loose hinge screws can let a door sag. Tightening them, or using longer screws in the top hinge, often helps.
Strengthen the frame. Many police crime prevention guides suggest longer screws, about 3 to 4 inches, through the strike plate into the wall framing, or a heavy duty strike plate.

A few notes for rentals

Please do not change, drill or replace locks or door hardware in a rental without the owner's written okay. Lease terms and state laws often cover who may change locks and who must have a key. Some states require certain locks on rental homes.

A deadbolt that needs a key on the inside can slow everyone down in a fire, and some local codes do not allow them in apartments. A thumb turn on the inside is usually the safer choice for families.

Signs to report

Here are some common examples. This is not a complete list.

A deadbolt that sticks, stops short or needs you to push the door.
A key that is hard to turn in the lock.
A loose or wobbly strike plate or lock.
A door that drags, sags or will not close easily.

Try it

Your deadbolt checklist

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. These are examples; your home may need others.

0 of 6

Deadbolt turns smoothly with the door open and closed
Thumb turn stops in the same spot both ways
No forcing a sticky lock
No hardware changes without the owner's okay
Inside thumb turn, not a key, where local rules allow
Sticking, dragging or loose locks reported

An everyday example

On a humid summer evening, a resident noticed they had to lean on the front door to get the deadbolt to turn. They did the open door check, saw the bolt slid out easily with the door open, and sent the owner a short video. The owner did a chalk test, found the bolt was catching the bottom edge of the strike plate, and moved the plate slightly. The lock turned smoothly again, with no pushing needed.

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

Go deeper with The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook

Simple, step by step checklists you can write in, one topic at a time, to help any home stay warm, safe and dry through every season.

See The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook All books in The Perfect Series

Keep this guide handy

Save this page, come back to your checklist any time, and share it with anyone in your home who could use it.

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From the Bunklow shop

Take it with you

Bunklow Home Guide 118: Exterior Deadbolt Latch Throw Depth and Jam Strike Plate AlignmentA printable Bunklow guide to exterior deadbolt latch throw depth and jam strike plate alignment: plain steps, how often to check, and when to call a pro.
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This guide shares general educational information to help you, and is not legal advice or a substitute for a licensed professional. Bunklow does not inspect homes, install locks or make repairs. Lock and security rules differ from state to state and town to town, so please check your state and local law and your lease, follow the maker's instructions, and get local help from a licensed locksmith for lock work.