A spring latch in a doorknob is a convenience, not a barrier — it can be slipped in seconds. A deadbolt is different: a solid bolt thrown deep into a reinforced strike, which is why every exterior door in your home deserves one, installed so the door frame carries the load with it.
Eagle Locksmith Virginia Beach installs deadbolts on doors that never had them, replaces worn ones, and upgrades the strike and screws most builders skimped on — because a strong bolt in a weak frame is only half a lock.
Single or Double Cylinder?
Single-cylinder deadbolts — key outside, thumb-turn inside — suit most doors. Double-cylinder models key both sides, which helps on doors with glass an attacker could reach through, but they demand a key to exit, so we'll talk through the safety trade-off for your household before fitting one.
- Single-cylinder deadbolts for most exterior doors
- Double-cylinder options for glass-panel doors, discussed honestly
- Keypad deadbolt alternatives that skip the dilemma entirely
The Strike Is Half the Job
Kicks defeat strikes, not bolts. We fit heavy strike plates anchored with long screws that reach the wall stud, so the frame — not a half-inch of trim — absorbs the force. It's the cheapest real security upgrade on most doors, and it's included in how we fit a deadbolt.
- Reinforced strike plates as standard
- Long screws anchored into the stud
- Door fit and latch engagement checked and adjusted
Fresh Installs and Upgrades
Adding a deadbolt to a door that lacks one means drilling clean, accurate holes — measured twice, bored once. Upgrading an existing bolt is quicker, and pairs naturally with rekeying so the whole door ends the visit on your one house key.
- New deadbolts bored and fitted on solid and hollow-core doors
- Worn or builder-grade bolts replaced
- Keyed to match your existing house key on request