Deadbolt Installation in Savannah

Why deadbolt quality and installation both matter

A deadbolt is only as strong as its weakest piece — and the weakest piece is almost always either the strike plate or the screws holding it to the frame. A heavy Grade 1 deadbolt with a flimsy 1/2" screw into a soft pine frame is not actually secure. Part of installing a deadbolt correctly is putting in long screws (3" minimum) that bite into the structural framing behind the trim, and using a strike plate sized for the bolt throw.

The hardware itself matters too. ANSI grades the hardware: Grade 1 is commercial-strength, Grade 2 is residential-heavy-duty, Grade 3 is light-duty residential. Most builder-grade hardware on new construction in Savannah is Grade 3. We typically recommend Grade 2 or better for any exterior door.

New install vs. replacement

If your door already has a deadbolt cutout (the round hole through the door at the typical deadbolt height), this is a replacement — usually a 20-to-30-minute job. If the door is solid with no existing prep, we have to bore the cutout, drill the edge for the bolt, and chisel for the strike plate. That is closer to an hour per door but still very doable.

Smart deadbolts as a category

A smart deadbolt is still a deadbolt. The mechanical bolt and the strike plate work the same way. The difference is the user interface — code, fingerprint, app, or auto-unlock by phone. We install both standard and smart deadbolts. For households with a lot of in-and-out traffic or for short-term rentals, smart hardware pays for itself in saved key changes alone.

Common situations we see in Savannah

• Door has only a knob lockA knob lock is not a security lock. Adding a real deadbolt is one of the cheapest meaningful upgrades you can make.
• Existing deadbolt wiggles in the doorLoose hardware. Replacement deadbolt and longer strike screws fix it.
• Bolt does not extend fully into the strikeMisaligned strike plate, swollen frame, or short bolt throw. We diagnose and fix.
• Want a keypad deadbolt for short-term rentalCommon request from owners across Wilmington Island and downtown.
• Replacing all hardware after move-inOften paired with a rekey of the remaining locks.
• Glass storefront door needs a real lockDifferent category of hardware (mortise or hookbolt). We do this for small businesses on Broughton, downtown, and at Pooler retail.

What affects the price

Locksmith pricing is rarely a flat fee because no two jobs are the same. A house lockout on Tybee Road at noon is a different job than a high-security rekey for a downtown short-term rental. We'll always quote a price range over the phone before we drive out, and confirm the final price before any work starts.

• Hardware grade and brandGrade 1 vs. Grade 2, smart vs. standard, plain finish vs. premium finish.
• New prep vs. existing prepCutting a fresh hole takes longer than swapping into an existing cutout.
• Number of doorsMultiple doors in one visit reduces per-door cost.
• Door materialSolid wood, fiberglass, steel, and glass storefront all install differently.

What to have ready before you call

A short call goes faster when you have a few details handy. None of this is required — we'll work with whatever you have — but it helps us send the right tools and the right tech.

• Door material and thicknessMost residential exterior doors are 1-3/4" thick. We can verify on site.
• Whether you bought hardwareTell us the brand and model so we know what to expect.
• Whether you want all locks to matchCommon request when installing new hardware.
• Existing damage you can seeSplintered frame, cracked trim, or sagging hinges may need attention before the new deadbolt is installed.

Local service area

We install deadbolts in homes and small businesses across Savannah and the surrounding Chatham County area.

Frequently asked questions