Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's generally an ideal time to replace them. These indicators include having trouble turning the lock, or a key that does not fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. It is all you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock. So, you will want to make sure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your requirements. If possible, opt for deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the exterior to prevent unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inside of the deadbolt should be drilled into the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt of your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If it does not use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and put the deadbolt back in place. Make sure that the doorknob's latch meets the deadbolt hole when you close and lock the door, too.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with a design that tells you how high above the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's best to talk to an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is right for your doors. They can direct you to models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. If your new deadbolt has an opening faceplate, you can screw it into place, too. It's a good idea screw the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws in addition.
Some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functioning latch. If replace upvc door lock Repair My Windows And Doors have this option the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws as your faceplate of the latch and it is essential that the two fit together properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened via a thumb-turn from inside, while others come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and unkeyed access. It's best to choose an item that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. They are usually tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It's usually secured by screws located on the sides of the lock, but it can also be attached to the strike plate or the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch it is essential to ensure you choose the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can check by holding the latch up to your existing hardware, or by looking at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide range of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit correctly.
Certain doors come with a hasp in place of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap with a slot it to be able to be inserted over staples. The staple is then fixed to the frame of the door or door with the help of a nail. When the door is shut and the strap is pulled, it is pulled down and locks it in place. Commercial buildings use a hasp as it is less expensive than the lock.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, locks can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or be difficult to turn. This may require replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will break and it is necessary to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or rub it on the inside of the lock, and then operate the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob, which will reveal the interior components and let you see what's happening inside.
After taking the knobs off then tighten the three or two setscrews on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, fixed to the door frame, above the holes that accommodate the master key or deadbolt system bolt, reinforces and upgrades a locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is secured in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the durability of locks and improve security.
A typical strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with holes or sets of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame, typically using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. The strike plate must be precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch doesn't catch, remove the tape. Then chisel the area to create a level with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is crucial to use a longer bolt to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches long in order to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws or the wood inside the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a damaged or worn out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase a building's security and improve aesthetics. This will help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe and secure living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that takes a particular key to move pins into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary part of your door lock, because it fulfills the function for which locks were created - to protect you, your family, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
The procedure of replacing the lock is more complicated than simply swapping out the existing handle-lock combo or deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it's recommended to speak with a locksmith to make sure the job is done properly.
Before you install a new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the correct key for your home. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock's failure and make it impossible for you to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by making sure you have a a working, real key for your house.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will need a screwdriver. It is possible to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will cut down on time. If you need to replace them, make sure you don't overtighten screws as this can weaken their grip.
After removing the plates you will need to measure the new locks. While most modern locksets can fit a standard thickness of door, it's recommended to know the measurements of your door in advance to avoid any confusion when you go to the hardware store. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets can differ in size from deadbolt locksets. Commercial models may have a slightly larger latch or bolt.