How Much Security Does a Deadbolt Really Add? (A Locksmith’s Honest Breakdown)

Homeowners often hear, “Just add a deadbolt — problem solved.”
But if you ask a professional locksmith, the answer isn’t that simple. Deadbolts can dramatically improve your security… or they can become a useless piece of metal that offers almost no real protection.

So let’s break it down honestly — the way a locksmith would explain it during a home inspection. We’ll look at what deadbolts actually do, what they can’t do, when they’re worth the upgrade, and when your money is better spent elsewhere.

This isn’t a deadbolt sales pitch. It’s the real debate.

The Most Overrated Smart Lock Features (and What Actually Matters)

Do Deadbolts Really Make a Difference? Absolutely — But Only If Installed Properly

A high-quality deadbolt does increase door security because it extends a thick metal bolt deep into the door frame, making it much harder to force open.
But here’s the twist:

The strength of a deadbolt is only as good as the door and frame supporting it.

If your door frame is weak, rotted, thin, or held together with short screws, even the best deadbolt can fail in seconds.
Brothers Locksmith sees this all the time — homeowners proudly show their brand-new Grade 1 deadbolt, but the strike plate is hanging on with tiny half-inch screws.

So yes, a deadbolt adds real security… but only when the full system is reinforced.

The Pro-Deadbolt Argument: Why Locksmiths Still Recommend Them

Even with all the limitations, a properly installed deadbolt has undeniable advantages. Here’s the locksmith side of the debate.

A Deadbolt Can Withstand Far More Force Than a Spring Lock

Most standard doorknobs or latch locks are ridiculously easy to bypass because the angled latch can be pushed back with:

• a credit card
• a bump key
• a tool inserted between the door and frame

A deadbolt, however, fully extends and locks the door in place.
It can withstand:

• repeated kicking
• shoulder hits
• prying attempts
• torque attacks

It’s not unbreakable, but it dramatically increases the effort needed.

It Stops the Quick, “Opportunistic” Break-Ins

Most burglars want the fastest, quietest method.
A spring-latch door? Perfect.
A deadbolted door? Annoying.

Even a basic deadbolt forces an intruder to make noise, use tools, and risk being seen. Most give up instantly.

It Works Even If Power or Wi-Fi Goes Out

Unlike smart locks or keypads, a mechanical deadbolt doesn’t rely on:

• electricity
• batteries
• apps
• software

This makes it reliable during outages or emergencies — something homeowners rarely think about until tech fails.

It Adds a Psychological Layer of Security

Burglars check for deadbolts.
Homes without them are immediately categorized as “easy access.”
Installing a deadbolt sends the message that you’ve taken basic precautions — and that’s sometimes enough to make someone skip your home entirely.

Deadbolts Are Only Strong If the Strike Plate and Frame Are Reinforced

This is the biggest industry secret:
Most break-ins through a deadbolted door don’t happen because the deadbolt failed — the frame did.

If you install a $60 deadbolt but keep:

• a cheap strike plate
• a weak frame
• tiny screws
• a hollow door

…you might as well not have installed a deadbolt at all.

Brothers Locksmith almost always replaces the strike plate with a reinforced security plate and 3-inch screws because that’s what actually stops kick-ins.

Deadbolts Don’t Stop Break-Ins Through Other Entry Points

Some homeowners install a deadbolt and assume they’re invincible.
But burglars simply shift tactics:

• breaking side windows
• using the backyard door
• entering through the garage
• prying open old sliding doors

A deadbolt is powerful — but only for one door.

Some Deadbolts Can Be Picked Easily

Cheaper deadbolts often use simple pin-and-tumbler mechanisms that can be:

• picked
• bumped
• raked

…in seconds by anyone with basic skills.
This is why locksmiths recommend Grade 1, pick-resistant cylinders or smart deadbolts with encrypted tech.

They Don’t Fix Door Misalignment or Seasonally Warped Frames

If your door swells in the summer or scrapes the frame in winter, deadbolts become unreliable.
A misaligned bolt is harder to lock — and easy for a burglar to exploit.

Sometimes homeowners blame the lock when the problem is actually the door structure.

So… Is a Deadbolt Worth It? Here’s the Balanced Answer

A deadbolt is absolutely worth it, but only when combined with these conditions:

✔ A reinforced strike plate

✔ A solid door (preferably solid-core or metal)

✔ Proper installation in a sturdy frame

✔ Pick-resistant or high-security cylinder

✔ At least a Grade 2, ideally Grade 1 deadbolt

When all five are present, a deadbolt becomes one of the strongest residential defenses you can have.

When they’re not?
The deadbolt becomes more of a symbol than an actual barrier.

 Are They Better or Worse?

Smart deadbolts add convenience, logs, and alerts — but they’re not automatically more secure.

Pros:

• No lost keys
• You get intrusion alerts
• Auto-locking prevents “forgot to lock the door” moments
• Access can be shared without physical keys

Cons:

• Motorized bolts can fail during misalignment
• Batteries can die
• Cheap models can be hacked
• Wi-Fi issues can lock you out or prevent locking

From a locksmith’s point of view, the best option is often a hybrid smart deadbolt — one with both electronic features and a high-grade mechanical core.

Situations Where a Deadbolt Won’t Help Much

There are times when upgrading your deadbolt shouldn’t be your top priority. Examples include:

• severely warped doors
• thin or cracked frames
• hollow-core exterior doors
• glass panels close enough to reach inside
• sliding doors that need different security systems
• extremely old hardware incompatible with modern deadbolts

In these cases, Brothers Locksmith usually suggests frame reinforcement or door replacement before upgrading the lock.

Where Deadbolts Truly Shine: The Locksmith Verdict

Despite its flaws, the deadbolt remains a cornerstone of home security. When installed properly, it forces burglars to work harder, take longer, make noise, and risk being noticed.

A deadbolt will not turn your home into a fortress — but it will:

• drastically reduce quick break-ins
• overcome the weaknesses of handle locks
• secure the door more deeply into the frame
• strengthen your overall security system

It’s not “perfect.”
But it’s essential.

Conclusion: A Deadbolt Is Only as Strong as the System Around It

Deadbolts matter. They add real security. But they are not a standalone solution.
If your frame is weak, your screws are tiny, or the lock is low grade, a burglar will overpower it quickly.

This is why homeowners often call Brothers Locksmith for a full entryway assessment—not just a deadbolt swap. Sometimes the advice is to upgrade the lock; other times, it’s to reinforce the frame, adjust the door alignment, or add a secondary security layer.

The deadbolt is powerful, but it’s only one part of the bigger security puzzle.
When done right, though?
It becomes the strongest part.