I recently purchased a home and I'm trying to install new deadbolts, but I've run into a problem. The existing deadbolt holes on my steel-wrapped doors are much smaller than the standard 2 1/8" size. I bought a hole saw and a plastic mount to help enlarge the holes, but after 10-15 minutes of drilling, all I've managed to do is scrape off the paint. It's quite frustrating! I have three exterior doors to work on, and I'm considering giving up. Do you have any tips to speed up this process? Should I be using a different drill, like a more powerful one? Also, if it turns out I need to find new deadbolts, can you recommend any non-WiFi keypad options that fit smaller holes? I currently have three Schlage BE365s in oil-rubbed bronze color that I'd like to swap out for something smaller. Thanks for any help!
2 Answers
Just make sure your drill is set to forward, not reverse! I recently enlarged a deadbolt hole from 1-1/2 to 2-1/8 using the double hole saw method. A regular hole saw should cut through the thin steel, but it can bind, which is tough on your wrist. You might also want to try carbide bits for better durability. Cut halfway through from one side, then finish from the other side, and don’t forget to file down any rough edges!
What type of hole drill bit do you have? I use the Milwaukee Hole Doser, and it cuts through steel sheets easily! It might be worth checking if you have the right tool for the job.
I’m using a bi-metal hole saw from Amazon. I might have been a bit too cheap with my choice of tool.
Is it set to forward? Thanks for the tip! How long did it take you to get through one door? It’d be great to know if the time I've already spent is worth it.