Deadbolt Install: Locksmith or Contractor?

Feb 14th, 2023 3:29 pm

#1

AMRadio [OP]: Sr. Member; Nov 7, 2013; 588 posts; 181 upvotes; the 604

Feb 14th, 2023 3:29 pm

Deadbolt Install: Locksmith or Contractor?

need to replace the deadbolt on my front door. original is a drive-in tubular latch -- i.e. not a standard DB with plate -- so a bit of work is required.

sure, i could run to Home Depot for the $15 Ryobi Latch Installation tool, and then hammer and chisel and install myself. but then i'll be back at Home Depot to buy a new door, because i'll probably F it up somehow.

better if a pro does this. locksmith or contractor?

Feb 14th, 2023 8:05 pm

#2

woof: Deal Fanatic; Mar 21, 2002; 6721 posts; 1397 upvotes

Feb 14th, 2023 8:05 pm

I guess if I had to go to the hospital for brain surgery and I had the choice of either having it done by a brain surgeon or some contractor, which would I choose? Well OK, I know what I'd choose, but for your job it's your decision, your choice. Let us know how your surgery turns out.

+4

Feb 14th, 2023 8:17 pm

#3

jdmfishingonly: Deal Fanatic; Oct 13, 2008; 6518 posts; 3115 upvotes; Durham

Feb 14th, 2023 8:17 pm

Decision was already made in original post.

Now the only difference or choice to make is dependent on pricing. Well ... that is simple ... pickup the phone and call a locksmith and then call a contractor. Compare the difference to see if it makes more sense to buy a kit ... spend some time to DIY.

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+1

Feb 14th, 2023 11:30 pm

#4

clueless dude: Member; Aug 18, 2019; 444 posts; 410 upvotes

Feb 14th, 2023 11:30 pm

Better to DIY. Even if that means hundreds of times to go to home Depot. You'll learn to be a responsible skillful adult that way.

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+4

Feb 15th, 2023 9:46 am

#5

Sarc: Sr. Member; Sep 28, 2003; 668 posts; 342 upvotes

Feb 15th, 2023 9:46 am

I think a contractor will be able to do this. If you want the lock keyed to the existing key then it would make sense to get a locksmith. But if you're going to have the deadbolt installed and use the keys it comes with then anyone that can drill a hole and make the mortise will get the job done.

Feb 15th, 2023 1:20 pm

#6

GoodFellaz: Temp. Banned; Jun 24, 2015; 7649 posts; 2507 upvotes; 0 downvotes

Feb 15th, 2023 1:20 pm

I second a contractor.

Supermarket worker at Fortino's
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Feb 18th, 2023 11:35 pm

#7

jzmtl: Deal Addict; Jun 14, 2008; 4304 posts; 3137 upvotes; Montreal

Feb 18th, 2023 11:35 pm

It's such a small job you might have trouble getting anybody to come without charging you through the nose for it.

+2

Feb 19th, 2023 1:10 am

#8

opendoor: Member; Mar 11, 2008; 279 posts; 543 upvotes

Feb 19th, 2023 1:10 am

What kind of deadbolt are you using as the replacement? It shouldn't be hard to find a drive in one.

Feb 21st, 2023 12:38 pm

#9

Ballroomblitz1: Deal Addict; Oct 2, 2018; 2402 posts; 2745 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 21st, 2023 12:38 pm

Personally i would run to Home Depot for the $15 Ryobi Latch Installation tool, that way i am prepared to do another in future or lend out to a friend who also runs into the same issue.

Seeing you are wary of DIY then i would call and check the price of a contractor versus locksmith, if the price is close then preference given to the locksmith.

“Laughter is timeless, Imagination has no age.....and dreams are forever.”

Feb 21st, 2023 3:31 pm

#10

ChibaK: Member; Nov 18, 2019; 342 posts; 152 upvotes; GTA

Feb 21st, 2023 3:31 pm

Maybe call a handy man instead? They are usually cheaper.

Feb 21st, 2023 5:01 pm

#11

CaptSmethwick: Deal Fanatic; Oct 12, 2007; 8305 posts; 7007 upvotes; Ottawa

Feb 21st, 2023 5:01 pm

Locksmith. Don't know too many contractors who would show up for such a small job. Locksmiths know what they're doing and their business model relies on them being quick.

I always upvote respectful/helpful posts wherever I encounter them.

Feb 21st, 2023 5:34 pm

#12

ChubChub: Deal Addict; Oct 9, 2010; 3132 posts; 1314 upvotes; Windsor

Feb 21st, 2023 5:34 pm

Take off the door and bring it somewhere? I am with most people saying this job is not something I'd expect anyone to do for a reasonable cost, if at all.

One who is offended by truth, has no place among those who seek wisdom.