How to Install a Sliding Bolt

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Sliding bolts are locks on the inside of doors that can't be opened by keys on the outside.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Gather all the Things You'll Need.
  2. Step 2 Choose a height for your sliding bolt.
    Measure and mark it in two places to ensure that the bolt is level.
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  3. Step 3 Align the main body of the bolt with your pencil marks and mark the position of the screw holes.
  4. Step 4 Drill a shallow hole on each of your screw hole pencil marks.
    These pilot holes will make it easier to drill in the screws.
  5. Step 5 Change the drill bit to a screw head bit.
    Hold the main body of the bolt over your pilot holes and drill into position.
  6. Step 6 Hold the staple against the door frame, level with the bolt.
    Draw around it with your pencil. Now you need to chisel out a shallow recess for the bolt holder.
  7. Step 7 Make a series of deep cuts along your pencil outline.
  8. Step 8 Remove the wood.
  9. Step 9 Check the fit of the bolt holder in the recess.
    Mark the position of the screw holes.
  10. Step 10 Attach a narrow bit to the drill and drill some pilot holes, then fit a screw head bit and drill the staple into the recess.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    If a door is warped, which side does the bolt go on?
    Upnorth Here
    Upnorth Here
    Top Answerer
    The bolt generally goes on the interior side of the door, on the same edge as the door latch, to prevent people from entering (regardless of door warp).
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  • Question
    How do I install a slide bolt on a hollow door?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    How much strength do you need the bolt to have? Cut a piece of plywood larger than the size of the bolt. Glue this to the door where you want the bolt, lining up the front edge of the plywood with the edge of the door. Then, screw the bolt onto the plywood. If you need a stronger latch, it will require a lot more work.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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Things You'll Need

  • Slide bolt with screws
  • Drill
  • Screw head bit
  • Safety goggles
  • Hammer
  • Bevelled chisel
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil

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About This Article

Barry Zakar
Reviewed by:
Barry Zakar
Handyman
This article was reviewed by Barry Zakar. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. This article has been viewed 55,960 times.
35 votes - 69%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: December 27, 2021
Views: 55,960
Categories: Locks and Keys
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 55,960 times.

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