Door Deadbolt issue

[CDN_Merlin]

So, my deadbolt died today. I bought a new one, but when I replaced it, the 2 screws that hold the outer and inner parts together, one of them doesn't go in all the way. I've measured them and they are both the same length.

Any idea why it won't go the extra 1/4" in?

[Krom]

You didn't tighten down the first one before threading in the second did you?

[CDN_Merlin]

I put both in at the same time and and tighten them equally like you would anything else.

[Krom]

Yeah, I figured. Usually with door handles and deadbolts the areas where the screws line up have little guides that slot into the opposite side, perhaps one of those is hitting instead of going straight in, thread them loosely and then twist the two sides to make sure everything is lined up properly, also make sure the deadbolt mechanism is oriented correctly and isn't interfering with any of the screws (they usually go through holes in the mechanism and help secure it in place). Some deadbolts also have adjustable depth settings so they can fit doors with holes drilled at different distances, so ensure it is set correctly for the door it is mounted in.

Also check over the manual carefully just to be sure, while deadbolts aren't particularly complicated there are plenty of quirks out there for each individual design which the manual will usually give you a heads up for.

[CDN_Merlin]

I'll check this out this week when it's warmer. Thanks

[Isaac]

It sometimes shrinks when it's cold. If you rub it and warm it up, it might improve.

[CDN_Merlin]

It's not a cold/heat issue. There is a 1/4" difference. There is something stopping it for sure.

[Isaac]

Happens to all of us that have one, now and then.

[Tunnelcat]

It's not a cold/heat issue. There is a 1/4" difference. There is something stopping it for sure.

I'm betting that the manufacturer either didn't drill out one of the mounting holes deep enough, or didn't cut the threads deep enough for the supplied screws. There are only 2 mounting holes for those screws to thread into. Take a small wire and measure the depth of both threaded holes. I've installed many deadbolts in my lifetime and I actually ran into one that wasn't drilled down to the proper depth. I took it back to the hardware store for an exchange.

[CDN_Merlin]

Tunnelcat, that was my next try once the weather gets warmer tomorrow. Doing this at -20c gets the house cold fast. Tomorrow it's a high of +2c

[sigma]

I wish I had your problems
There repair an hour maximum, if it's not the iron door.

[Isaac]

TC, what do you think of my suggesting, in my first post?

[Tunnelcat]

TC, what do you think of my suggesting, in my first post?

If any metal hardware shrinks that much, it won't work in a door installation anyway because the outside part is going to be cold in the winter. Cold enough to pull the threads, then the deadbolt would fall off, kind of defeating it's purpose. Besides, rubbing really only heats up skin-covered items.

[Isaac]

TC, I think if Merlin played with it a little bit it might get to the right size. Playing with it helps, I find.

Merlin, have you tried lubing it?

[Foil]

Isaac, enough with the childish thinly-veiled penile references. We all get it.

[Isaac]

You're just jealous of how long I can drag this out.

[Tunnelcat]

It's official. Isaac has never grown out of adolescence. And it's my bad for stringing him along Foil. I couldn't resist.

[Isaac]

I can do some growing.

[CDN_Merlin]

Please keep this thread on topic.

[Isaac]

Yeah, Foil. Keep this on topic. You're the only one here talking about penises.

[CDN_Merlin]

Isaac, please just stop posting unless it has to do the with the current issue at hand which is my lock issue.

[Isaac]

1) You're probably missing the bolt on the other side, because you can't aim.

2) Buy a longer screw. They'll literally sell these to you for money. This could be caused by less threading on the other side. If it's too long use a hack saw and file to shorten the bolt.

3) get the bolt on the latch side of the deadbolt drunk so it accepts the bolt from the other side. Might be considered date rape.

4) Your question can be answered by anyone at the hardware store, where you probably bought this from , who will offer solutions which would also be in the same store.

5) Slap yourself.

[Krom]

Isaac will not be joining us for Christmas eve.

[Tunnelcat]

Please keep this thread on topic.

Speaking of that, did you figure out the problem yet, or has the extreme cold settled in for the entire winter just to thwart your attempts at a fix?

[CDN_Merlin]

Been to busy to try it out. Going to be mild for the next week. I plan on taking it apart tomorrow.