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Locked Out of Common Sense? The Deadbolt Blunders We See Every Day
Hey there, fellow security nerds! Let’s chat about something we’ve all facepalmed over: deadbolts. You’d think slapping one on your door is a no-brainer, right? Wrong. As locksmiths at Arrowhead Locksmith in Mississauga, we’ve seen enough DIY disasters and “good enough” attitudes to fill a dumpster with broken bolts. Seriously, folks—your deadbolt isn’t just decoration. It’s the bouncer guarding your castle. And trust us, most homeowners treat it like a part-time intern.
We’re not here to shame anyone (okay, maybe a little playful ribbing). But after 15 years of rescuing folks from lockouts and flimsy setups, we’ve got stories. Like the time a client used a butter knife as a “temporary” strike plate. Spoiler: It wasn’t temporary. Or the genius who installed a deadbolt backward because “the keyhole looked better on the left.” Bless their heart.
So grab a coffee, and let’s walk through these facepalm moments together. We’ll keep it real—no jargon, no sales fluff. Just straight talk from your friendly neighborhood locksmith crew.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Deadbolt Altogether
Yep, People Still Do This
We get it. You’ve got a handle lock, so why bother with a deadbolt? IMO, that’s like wearing a helmet but forgetting the seatbelt. Handle locks are laughably easy to bypass—a swift kick or a credit card can pop ’em open. Deadbolts? They anchor deep into the door frame. No bolt, no real security.
Last month, we responded to a break-in call in Mississauga. The culprit jimmied the handle lock in 10 seconds flat. The homeowner shrugged: “I figured it was enough.” Sigh. If you’re skipping this step to save a few bucks on price, rethink it. The cost of replacing stolen goods? Way higher than a deadbolt installation.
Pro Tip:
If you’re renting or buying, check for deadbolts on all exterior doors. No bolt? Call us at Arrowhead Locksmith. We’ll hook you up faster than you can say “Oops.”
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Type of Deadbolt
Not All Bolts Are Created Equal
Walk into any hardware store, and you’ll see a wall of deadbolts ranging from “cheap plastic toy” to “Fort Knox reject.” Picking the wrong one is like bringing a squirt gun to a zombie apocalypse. Here’s the lowdown:
| Deadbolt Grade | Security Level | Best For | Why We Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | Basic | Low-risk interiors | Fine for grandma’s linen closet, but skip it for front doors. |
| Grade 2 | Better | Most homes | Our go-to for residential locksmith jobs. Balances cost and security. |
| Grade 1 | Best | High-risk areas | Ideal for streets with sketchy foot traffic. Requires professional lock installation. |
We’ve seen folks grab a Grade 3 bolt because it was $15 cheaper. FYI, that’s false economy. A burglar can snap it with one well-placed wrench. For homes in busy ’hoods like ours in Mississauga? Grade 2 or higher, full stop.
Oh, and single- vs. double-cylinder? Double (keyed on both sides) can be a fire hazard. Stick with single unless you’ve got glass panels beside the door.
Mistake #3: Butchering the Installation
When DIY Goes Horribly Wrong
Look, we love a good weekend project. But deadbolt installation isn’t IKEA furniture. Misaligned bolts, stripped screws, strike plates dangling by one nail… we’ve seen it all. One client called us after his “YouTube-certified” install left the bolt grinding like a coffee machine. Turns out he’d drilled the hole crooked.
Why this hurts you:
- Misalignment wears out the mechanism (hello, lock repair service).
- Weak strike plates (use 3-inch screws, people!) let doors fly open with a shoulder nudge.
- Gaps between the bolt and frame? That’s a burglar’s invitation.
Our team does 20+ deadbolt installations weekly in Mississauga. We measure twice, drill once, and guarantee alignment. DIY can work if you’re patient, but if you’re eyeballing it? Call a mobile locksmith like us. Seriously, it’s cheaper than fixing botched jobs later.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Maintenance Like It’s a Dental Appointment
Out of Sight, Out of Mind = Big Trouble
Deadbolts aren’t “set it and forget it.” Dust, temperature swings, and plain old wear turn smooth bolts into cranky metal monsters. We get frantic calls like: “My key won’t turn!” or “It sounds like a dying walrus!”
Quick maintenance checklist:
- Lubricate every 6 months with graphite powder (not WD-40—it gums up!).
- Check for loose screws on strike plates and handles.
- Test alignment by closing the door slowly. Hear scraping? Uh-oh.
Neglect this, and you’ll need an emergency locksmith at 2 AM. And let’s be real—nobody wants to Google “24 hour locksmith near me” while shivering on their porch.
Mistake #5: Forgetting the Door’s “Supporting Cast”
Your Deadbolt Is Only as Strong as Its Weakest Link
A Grade 1 deadbolt on a hollow door with a flimsy frame? That’s like putting a vault door on a tent. We did a lock replacement service last month where the client had top-tier bolts… but the door frame splintered like balsa wood during a break-in attempt.
Reinforce these ASAP:
- Strike plates: Swap flimsy ones for heavy-duty versions with 3-inch screws.
- Door frames: Solid wood or metal > particleboard.
- Hinges: Exposed hinges? Move ’em inside or use non-removable pins.
P.S. Businesses take note—this applies doubly to commercial locksmith setups. Pair deadbolts with panic bar installations or door closer installations for full security.
Mistake #6: Cheap Keys and Zero Spares
Because Locksmiths Love Lockout Calls (Kidding!)
You bought a fancy deadbolt but duplicated keys at the mall kiosk? Those wimpy copies wear down your cylinder faster than a sugar rush. And hiding one spare key under the mat? Cute, but predictable.
Our advice:
- Get keys cut by a pro (we do it for less than your latte habit).
- Give spares to trusted neighbors—not under rocks.
- Consider smart locks if you’re forgetful (we install those too!).
If you do get locked out, our lockout service team is on call 24/7. No judgment, just quick fixes 🙂
Mistake #7: Overlooking High-Security Upgrades
When “Basic” Just Won’t Cut It
Live near a high-traffic area? Own valuables? A standard deadbolt might as well be a “Welcome” mat. High security locks with drill-resistant plates, anti-pick pins, and restricted keyways are worth every penny. We install these gems for clients in sketchier parts of Mississauga—peace of mind is priceless.
Bonus: Pair ’em with a master key lock system if you manage multiple properties. Landlords, this saves you from carrying 40 keys. Tenants getting evicted? Don’t risk DIY changes—use an eviction locksmith to avoid legal headaches.
Your Deadbolt Rescue Plan: No More Oops Moments
Alright, let’s recap:
- Don’t skip the bolt. Ever.
- Buy Grade 2 or better.
- Hire pros for installs (we’re biased, but it’s true).
- Maintain like your sanity depends on it (because it does).
- Reinforce doors and frames.
- Get decent keys and spares.
- Upgrade if your risk level demands it.
At Arrowhead Locksmith, we’ve handled everything from residential locksmith nightmares to business lockout emergencies. We’re your local locksmith in Mississauga—no upselling, no BS. Just honest work. Lock acting up? Need a lock rekey after a breakup? Call us. We’ll even help with niche stuff like file cabinet locks or mailbox locks replacement.
FAQs: Deadbolt Drama Solved
Q: How much does deadbolt installation cost?
A: Depends on the lock grade and door type. Basic setups start around $120–$200 in Mississauga. High-security? Up to $350. We offer free quotes—no mystery price tags.
Q: Can I rekey my deadbolt myself?
A: Sure, if you enjoy tiny springs pinging into oblivion. Rekeying kits are finicky. Most folks end up calling us for lock re key services (which cost way less than a new bolt).
Q: What’s your emergency response time?
A: Under 30 minutes in most Mississauga areas. We’re a mobile locksmith crew with vans stocked for car locksmith jobs, safe opening, and yes—deadbolt disasters.
Wrapping Up: Don’t Be a Statistic
Deadbolt blunders are shockingly common… and totally avoidable. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned pro, treat your locks like the VIPs they are. Stuck? Second-guessing? Ring us at Arrowhead Locksmith. We’re not just “some locksmith company services“—we’re your partners in crime prevention. Literally.
Stay secure, friends. And next time you double-lock that door? Give yourself a pat on the back 🙂
Need a deadbolt intervention? Contact Arrowhead Locksmith today—your Mississauga experts for panic bars, peephole installations, and everything that clicks, locks, or sticks.
