How Long Do Deadbolts Last?

A quality Grade 1 or 2 deadbolt lasts 15–25 years in normal residential use. Builder-grade Grade 3 hardware tends to fail in 7–12 years.

Replace your deadbolt when: the key sticks even after lubrication, the thumb-turn feels gritty or sloppy, the bolt no longer extends fully into the strike, or there's visible rust at the keyway.

North Carolina humidity is hard on cheap finishes. If the finish is bubbling or peeling around the cylinder, water has gotten inside and the internal components are next.