Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's an ideal time to replace them. This could be due to experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that isn't fitting.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to make sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If you can, select the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that has no exposed screwheads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the inner side of your deadbolt must be mortised into the door frame.
During the installation process make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate once you lock and close the door. If it doesn't use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and put the deadbolt back in place. When you lock and close your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the hole of the deadbolt.
Before installing the new deadbolt, check that it is the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks have a template showing how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in hardware in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They can direct you to models that are compatible with your door and deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is the correct length, insert it into the hole in the door. If the new deadbolt comes with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place, too. It's also a good idea to attach the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Certain lock sets come with a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning latch. If you're able to choose that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to attach the latch faceplate. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible via a thumb-turn from inside, while others have two cylinders that allow both keyed and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure the highest security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is typically secured by screws on the side but it could be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door lock it is essential to make sure you get the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can either put the latch up against the hardware you have already installed or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide range of brands. However, it is recommended to select the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.
Some doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot it to be able to be inserted over the staple. The staple is then attached to the door door frame with a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into place. Commercial buildings use a hasp because it is less expensive than locks.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock will wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will be damaged and it is important to replace it too.
If your lock is squeezing it is possible to try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with an screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and let you observe what's going on inside the.
Once you've removed the knobs, find the two or three cylinder setscrews along the edge of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to the locking system. upvc door lock replacement is placed to the holes that are used for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It keeps intruders out by making sure that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the life of locks as well as increase security.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole or several holes cut into them. It is fastened, usually with screws, onto the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to rest in when it closes. It is important that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate on the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door will close and latch correctly. The first step in replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. One way to check this is to place a piece of tape across the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch then take off the tape. Then chisel the area to make the strike plate aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area is removed it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to fix the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kicking attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also install the new strike plate onto a door that has never had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of a building and its appearance. This can help a property owner draw in tenants looking for a safe living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The cylinder is the most important element of your door lock since it serves the purpose for which locks were designed - to protect your family, you, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
The procedure of replacing locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle lock. 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 combo) and putting a brand new one in its place. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's recommended to call an expert locksmith to ensure that the job is done properly.
Before you can install the new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the correct key for your home. A duplicate key won't perform as expected and could cause the lock's failure which makes it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by making sure you have a an actual, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and then the latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll require a screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be similar to the original ones, you might want to keep them in place to speed up the process. If you need to replace them, make sure you don't overtighten screws as this can cause them to lose their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. While most modern locksets can fit on a standard thickness of door, it's recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid a headache when you go to the hardware store. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets will often differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models may have an additional bolt or latch.