Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's an ideal time to replace the locks. These signs include things like having trouble turning the lock, or a key that isn't fitting.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary defense of your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that operates the lock, therefore you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your requirements. If possible, opt for the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt should also be mortised into your door frame to increase security.
When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate after you shut and lock the door. If it isn't then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole in the strike plate and re-install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob matches the deadbolt's hole.
Verify that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks include an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to speak with an expert in the field in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able point you to models that are compatible with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure it is the correct length. Screw the faceplate of the latch into place if your new deadbolt is equipped with one. It is a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame with the screws recommended by experts, in addition.
Some lock sets come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt, while having an operational latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as your latch faceplate and it is essential that the two bolts are positioned properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened through a thumb-turn and others come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select the lock that is commercial grade for the highest security. They've been tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you shut or open the door. It's usually held in place by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door latch it is important to make sure you get the right one to match the hardware you have. You can either put the latch up against your existing hardware or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it is generally recommended to choose the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you get a latch that will fit perfectly.
Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of a latch. A hasp is an elastic strap with a slot punched into it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fastened to the door frame or door using a nail. When the door is shut, the strap is pulled down and secures it into place. A hasp is usually used in commercial buildings because it's cheaper than deadbolts.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob or handle may break, making it necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or sprinkle it on the inside of the lock. Then operate the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also remove the knob with a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and let you see what is happening inside the.
After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case, which must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, connected to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the master key or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and improves the security of a locking mechanism. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a high-quality strike plate can also enhance the life of the lock.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch a place to sink into when it is closed. The strike plate must be aligned precisely with the lockset in order to give maximum security against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door will shut and latch properly. The first step in replacing a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to place tape over the bolt hole and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is crucial to use a larger bolt to anchor the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into the stud that is behind the trim board. If upvc door locking mechanism replacement don't use the screws that are longer, the doorjamb's wood could split during a kickin attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that's become worn or damaged. They can also put a new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This could help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock since it performs the job that locks were designed to protect you, your family and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
It is more difficult to change the lock than simply change the handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and putting a brand new one in its place. While there are a number of DIY-friendly tools that you can use to change a lock yourself however, it is recommended you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
Before you can install the new cylinder and lock it is crucial to have the correct key for your house. A duplicate key will not perform as expected and could cause the lock's failure, making it impossible for you 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 remove the screws holding them in place, you'll need an screwdriver. You may want to keep them in place if the new plates are identical to the originals. This will help you save time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to overtighten screws as this can cause them to lose their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you'll have to determine the proper measurement for the new lock. It is essential to know the door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. While many locksets are designed to fit a standard door thickness, it's best to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may come with a larger bolt or latch.