Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door start to exhibit signs of wear and tear, it's recommended to replace them. These signs include things like having trouble turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your requirements. If you can, opt for a deadbolt that's made with case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to prevent unauthorized drilling. To ensure security, the inner side of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame.
During the installation, ensure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate as you shut and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the deadbolt's hole.
Before you install your new deadbolt, check that it matches the size of the previous one. Most door locks come with a design that tells you how far over the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's best to talk to an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They will be able to direct you in the direction of models that will work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it is the correct length. If your new deadbolt has a faceplate for the latch, screw it into the frame as well. It's a good idea screw the latch faceplate to the frame using the recommended screws in addition.
Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt while still having an effective latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws that are used for your latch faceplate and it is essential that the two fit together correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible through a thumb-turn some come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. It's best to choose a lock that is commercial grade for the highest security. They're typically tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It's typically held in place by screws on the side of the lock, but it may also be fastened to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock it is important to make sure you get the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. You can verify this by putting the latch up to your existing hardware, or by looking at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's best to use the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you receive an appropriate latch that fits properly.
Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot it that allows it to be placed over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the door door frame using a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls the staple down and locks it in the frame. Commercial buildings employ a hasp because it is cheaper than locks.
Locks can wear out over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or become difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the handle or doorknob will break, making it necessary to replace it also.
If your lock is stuck, put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to draw in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with an screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and allow you to observe what's going on inside.
After you've removed the knobs, find the two or three cylinder setscrews on the outside of the cylinder and tighten them by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is placed to the holes for deadbolts or master key system bolts. replacement lock for upvc door keeps intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is caught by the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also improve the durability of locks.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
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 close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate, first check that it is aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to place a piece of tape in the bolt hole, and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then, chisel the hole to make the strike plate aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a longer bolt to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are anchored securely into the stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, then the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kickin attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also put a new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of a building as well as its aesthetics. This could help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is the primary part of your door lock, because it fulfills the function that locks were made for - to protect you, your family members, and your possessions. This is the reason that people frequently get their locks rekeyed instead of being replaced.
The process of replacing locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle-lock combination. The old hardware, cylinder and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. There are many DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's best to contact an expert locksmith to ensure that the work is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key won't perform as expected and could cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by making sure you have a a working, real key for your house.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you will need the help of a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if new plates are similar to the original ones. This will help you save time. If you are required to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could cause them to lose their grip.
After removing the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. It is essential to know the door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. Although many locksets today will fit a standard door thickness, it's better to get them in advance. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locksets and that commercial models may have a slightly larger bolt or latch.