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Deadbolts

Deadbolt installation and upgrades

Last reviewed April 2026 · Swift Key San Diego

A properly installed deadbolt with a 3-inch strike-plate screw reinforcement is the single best security upgrade you can make to a home. We install new deadbolts on doors that don't have one, upgrade builder-grade to Grade-1 hardware, and cut the door when a bore hole isn't there yet. Most installs run 30 to 45 minutes.

(858) 808-6055 Request a quote
Locksmith installing a new deadbolt with reinforced strike plate on a residential door

What's included in this service?

  • Install new deadbolts on doors without one (full door prep)
  • Upgrade builder-grade deadbolts to ANSI Grade-1 or Grade-2
  • Install 3" screw strike plates (replaces factory 3/4" screws)
  • Add a second deadbolt to sliding glass doors or French doors
  • Install double-cylinder deadbolts (where fire code permits)
  • Electronic deadbolt and smart deadbolt installation

When do you need this service?

  • Door has a knob lock only — no deadbolt
  • Current deadbolt is wobbly, loose, or old
  • Recent break-in attempt or neighborhood concern
  • Moving in and want to start with new, keyed-alike hardware
  • Upgrading insurance premiums (some policies credit Grade-1 deadbolts)
  • Adding security to rental property between tenants

What do homeowners ask about Deadbolts?

Service area

Where do we offer Deadbolts in San Diego County?

We provide deadbolts in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.

Central Deadbolts in San Diego Dense mix of craftsman homes, downtown condos, and new-build towers — every kind of lock hardware rotates through on a weekly basis.
North Coastal Deadbolts in Oceanside High PCS turnover near Camp Pendleton generates steady rekey demand; rental properties cycle tenants faster than most areas.
North Coastal Deadbolts in Carlsbad Mix of master-planned communities, corporate campuses, and Legoland-adjacent vacation homes — residential and commercial work both run steady.
North County Inland Deadbolts in Escondido Large single-family homes and gated communities — most have 3–5 exterior cylinders we key alike on rekey calls.
East County Deadbolts in El Cajon Mix of older homes, newer developments, and multi-family housing — lockout and rekey volume is one of our highest county-wide.
South County Deadbolts in Chula Vista Eastern developments (Otay Ranch, Eastlake) run modern hardware; western Chula Vista has older cylinders we service often.
See deadbolts in all 48 cities
Deadbolts in AlpineDeadbolts in BonitaDeadbolts in BonsallDeadbolts in Borrego SpringsDeadbolts in BoulevardDeadbolts in CampoDeadbolts in CarlsbadDeadbolts in Chula VistaDeadbolts in CoronadoDeadbolts in Del MarDeadbolts in DescansoDeadbolts in DulzuraDeadbolts in El CajonDeadbolts in EncinitasDeadbolts in EscondidoDeadbolts in FallbrookDeadbolts in GuatayDeadbolts in Imperial BeachDeadbolts in JacumbaDeadbolts in JamulDeadbolts in JulianDeadbolts in La MesaDeadbolts in LakesideDeadbolts in Lemon GroveDeadbolts in Mount LagunaDeadbolts in National CityDeadbolts in OceansideDeadbolts in Palomar MountainDeadbolts in Pine ValleyDeadbolts in PotreroDeadbolts in PowayDeadbolts in RamonaDeadbolts in RanchitaDeadbolts in Rancho BernardoDeadbolts in Rancho PeñasquitosDeadbolts in Rancho Santa FeDeadbolts in San DiegoDeadbolts in San MarcosDeadbolts in San YsidroDeadbolts in Santa YsabelDeadbolts in SanteeDeadbolts in Shelter ValleyDeadbolts in Solana BeachDeadbolts in Spring ValleyDeadbolts in TecateDeadbolts in Valley CenterDeadbolts in VistaDeadbolts in Warner Springs
Keep reading

What should you know about Deadbolts?

Locks & Hardware

How to choose a Grade-1 deadbolt for your San Diego home

What the ANSI/BHMA grades actually mean, which Grade-1 deadbolts are worth buying, and why the strike plate matters as much as the lock.

Locks & Hardware

What San Diego burglary data actually shows — and what it means for your locks (2026 analysis)

San Diego residential burglary patterns, entry methods, and time-of-day trends based on FBI UCR, California DOJ Open Justice, and San Diego Police crime data. Plus what the data says about which hardware upgrades actually move the needle.

Lockouts & Emergencies

After a break-in: your first 24 hours (San Diego guide)

What to do in the first 24 hours after a burglary — securing the property, documentation, rekey, insurance claims. A practical checklist for San Diego homeowners.

Real feedback

Homeowners who hired us for this

Locked keys in the car at Target parking lot on a Sunday afternoon. Called and the tech was there in 25 minutes. Used some kind of inflatable wedge and a rod — no damage to the door. Paid what they quoted, no surprises.

Maria G. Car Lockout · Chula Vista

Just bought our first house and wanted all the locks rekeyed. Four doors, keyed alike, done in under an hour. The tech explained everything and even showed us how a rekey works. Way cheaper than replacing all the locks like we thought.

Jason B. Lock Rekey · Oceanside

My late father's safe had been sitting locked for ten years — we had no combination. Swift Key opened it non-destructively, then helped me change the combo so I could actually use it. Took about 90 minutes. Professional and careful with the safe.

Patricia W. Safe Opening · La Mesa
Serving San Diego County

Need deadbolts in San Diego County?

Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.

(858) 808-6055 Request a quote