how-to
High Security Deadbolt Installation Cost: What to Expect
Last Updated: November 9, 2026
Quick Summary
A high security deadbolt installation cost is the total you pay for the lock hardware, the labor to fit it, and any service fees, which typically runs from about $150 to $450 for most jobs. The exact figure depends on whether you are doing a straight swap, a replacement needing door prep, or a brand-new installation, so get an itemized written quote.
- Ask for hardware, labor, and service fees listed as separate line items.
- A straight swap typically totals $150-$350 installed, depending on hardware and labor.
- Replacement with door prep typically totals $180-$450 installed.
- Hardware for a high security lock typically runs $80-$250 or more.
- Confirm whether the trip fee is waived if you approve the work.
Table of Contents
- What a High Security Deadbolt Installation Cost Covers
- Itemized Price Breakdown: Hardware, Labor, and Service Fees
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Deadbolt Lock?
- High Security Features and How They Affect Price
- Locksmith or Handyman: Who Should Install Your Deadbolt?
- Step-by-Step: How a High Security Deadbolt Gets Installed
- Using a High Security Deadbolt Installation Cost Calculator to Plan Your Budget
- Get an Itemized Quote for Your Lubbock Door
- Frequently Asked Questions
What a High Security Deadbolt Installation Cost Covers
A high security deadbolt installation cost is the total price you pay to get a stronger deadbolt fitted and working on your door. That total usually includes the lock hardware, the labor to install it, and any service fees. Many homeowners assume the lock is the whole bill, but the lock is often only part of it.
Before you call anyone, know what your quote should include. A clear estimate lists each piece separately. That way you can compare prices fairly and avoid surprises at the door.
- The deadbolt itself, including the cylinder and strike plate
- Labor to remove the old lock and fit the new one
- Any service call or travel fee
- Extra work, such as door prep or repairing the door frame
Itemized Price Breakdown: Hardware, Labor, and Service Fees
A high security deadbolt quote has four moving parts, and each one behaves differently. Ask for every line separately so you can see where the money goes.
Hardware. This is the lock body, cylinder, bolt, strike plate, and keys. Pricing depends on the lock grade, features, and the specific job, so the most reliable figure comes from a written quote. The hardware line should name the brand, model, grade (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 for high security), and whether keys are included.
Labor. Installation labor is usually billed per lock or per hour, and the time required depends on whether the existing bore holes can be reused or the door must be prepared. Ask whether the rate is flat per door or hourly, and whether a second lock at the same address is discounted.
Service call or trip fee. Some locksmiths charge a separate dispatch fee for arriving on site. Confirm whether the fee is waived if you approve the work, and whether it doubles for after-hours or weekend calls.
Door prep and extras. New bore holes, backset changes, strike reinforcement, frame repair, or a second deadbolt can each add to the total. These should be quoted as separate line items, not folded into labor.
| Cost Item | Typical Range | What to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | $80-$250+ per high security lock | Brand, model, ANSI/BHMA grade, key control |
| Labor | $50-$150 per lock | Flat or hourly; multi-lock discount |
| Service/trip fee | $25-$100 | Waived on approval? After-hours surcharge? |
| Door prep/extras | $20-$100+ per item | Bore, backset, strike, frame repair itemized |
Watch out: A quote that bundles hardware and labor into one number makes it impossible to tell whether you are paying for a Grade 1 lock or a builder-grade lock with a high-security label. Ask for the model number in writing.
We recommend requesting a written, itemized estimate before any work begins. Anytime Unlock and George's Key Shop provides quotes, so you can see each line before you agree.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Deadbolt Lock?
Replacement cost depends on which of three jobs you actually need. Ask the technician to identify the scenario before quoting.
Scenario 1: Straight swap (existing holes line up). The old deadbolt comes out and a new one goes into the same bore and backset. This is generally the least involved job, and the total depends on the hardware chosen and the labor required.
Scenario 2: Replacement with door prep. The new lock does not match the existing holes, the backset is different, or the strike no longer aligns. Re-boring or strike adjustment adds to the cost, plus the hardware and labor above.
Scenario 3: New installation (no existing deadbolt). The door has only a knob or nothing at all. The technician must measure, bore the door and frame, and fit the strike. Labor depends on the measuring, boring, and fitting required for the door.
| Job Type | Labor | Hardware | Typical Installed Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight swap | $50-$120 | $80-$250+ | $150-$350 |
| Replacement + door prep | $80-$200 | $80-$250+ | $180-$450 |
| New installation | $100-$200 | $80-$250+ | $200-$450 |
Labor
Costs can vary by door and by timing. After-hours or emergency calls and travel charges may add to the total, so confirm these in your quote.
Watch out: A quote that treats a new installation the same as a swap is a red flag. Boring a door takes time, tools, and judgment about the frame, and the price should reflect that.
For current pricing on your specific door, request a written quote from Anytime Unlock and George's Key Shop. A technician can confirm which scenario applies before any work starts.
High Security Features and How They Affect Price
High security deadbolts cost more because they resist drilling, picking, and forced entry. The features you choose change the price. More features usually means more hardware cost and sometimes more labor time.
Common features include:
- Hardened steel bolts that resist cutting tools
- Pick-resistant cylinders with complex key patterns
- Restricted keyways that limit who can copy your key
- Reinforced strike plates that spread force across the frame
Watch out: A high security lock fitted into a weak door frame gives less protection. Ask whether the frame needs reinforcement before you pay for upgrades.
Think about what you need most. A basic high security deadbolt suits most homes. Add extra features only if your door or neighborhood calls for them.
Locksmith or Handyman: Who Should Install Your Deadbolt?
A locksmith is a suitable choice for high security locks. Locksmiths are trained to fit these cylinders and work with the door carefully. High security hardware often requires specific tools and knowledge.
Check these points before you hire anyone:
- Ask whether they have experience with high security deadbolts
- Confirm the total cost in writing
- Ask about any warranty coverage on the lock and the labor
- Ask how quickly they can come out if you are locked out
If you are unsure, a locksmith is the safer bet for a security lock. You can learn what to expect from a reliable residential locksmith before you book.
Step-by-Step: How a High Security Deadbolt Gets Installed
A proper installation follows the same basic steps every time. Knowing them helps you spot a rushed or careless job. The steps are below.
- Inspect the door. Check that the door is sturdy and the frame is solid.
- Remove the old lock. Take out the existing hardware carefully.
- Measure and prep. Confirm the bore hole and backset match the new lock.
- Install the cylinder and bolt. Fit the new hardware into the door.
- Mount the strike plate. Attach it to the frame with long screws.
- Test the lock. Lock and unlock it several times to confirm smooth action.
- Hand over the keys. Check that you receive every key and the installation record.
A good technician explains each step and tests the lock before leaving. If something seems off, ask questions before they go.
Using a High Security Deadbolt Installation Cost Calculator to Plan Your Budget
A cost calculator can help you plan, but it only gives a rough number. Enter the lock grade, the number of doors, and whether you need a replacement or a new install. Then compare the result with a written quote from a technician.
Use the calculator as a starting point, not a final price. Local labor rates, travel distance, and door condition all change the real cost. Set aside a little extra in your budget for surprises.
Here is a simple way to plan:
- List every door that needs a new lock
- Decide which features you need
- Estimate a range using a calculator
- Get at least two written quotes to compare
Get an Itemized Quote for Your Lubbock Door
Getting an itemized quote is the best way to know your real cost. Ask for hardware, labor, and any service fees listed separately. Then check that nothing is hidden in the total.
Anytime Unlock and George's Key Shop is the oldest locksmith company in Lubbock, established in 1971. The team offers mobile service and can explain each line of your quote before any work begins. Their experienced technicians are available around the clock, so you can get help when you need it.
Ready to compare your options? Call for a quote and get a clear, written estimate for your door.
Get a clear picture of your options with Anytime Unlock and George's Key Shop. Our team is ready to help with high security deadbolt installation in Lubbock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a high-security deadbolt?
A high security deadbolt installation cost depends mainly on the lock hardware and the labor to fit it. Pricing varies with the lock grade, whether the door needs preparation or reinforcement, and any service or travel fees. Because rates depend on the specific job, the most reliable number comes from an itemized quote. Anytime Unlock and George's Key Shop can provide a quote for your door, so you can see hardware, labor, and any additional charges before work begins. Request a quote to get pricing for your door.
How much does it cost to replace a deadbolt lock?
Replacing a deadbolt is usually priced differently from a new installation because the old hardware must be removed and the new strike and bore hole checked for fit. Costs depend on whether the replacement is a standard or high-security model and whether the existing door frame needs adjustment. Ask for the replacement quote to list removal, hardware, and fitting as separate lines so you can compare options clearly.
What affects the labor cost to install a deadbolt?
Labor cost rises with door condition, the number of locks being fitted, access, and whether the job is scheduled after hours. A door that needs realignment, a new bore hole, or reinforcement takes longer than a straightforward swap. Restricted keyways and key control requirements can also add time. A clear description of your door type and the lock you want lets a locksmith estimate labor more accurately.
Is it cheaper to install a deadbolt yourself or hire a locksmith?
Installing a standard deadbolt yourself can save labor costs if the door is already prepared and the bore holes line up. High-security deadbolts often require precise alignment, drilling, and strike plate work, and a mistake can damage the door or weaken security. Hiring a locksmith costs more upfront but includes proper fitting, testing, and key control. Weigh the cost of a possible redo against the labor fee.
