Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear, it's an ideal time to replace the locks. These signs can include things like difficulty turning the lock or the lock not fitting a key. fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you should ensure that your new deadbolt is sturdy enough to meet your needs. If you can, opt for a deadbolt that's made with case hardened steel and has no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to avoid unauthorized drilling. To ensure security, the inside of your deadbolt must be secured to the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate as you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt in the strike plate with a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you shut and lock the door, too.
Verify that the new deadbolt matches the old one prior to installing it. Most door locks come with a template that tells you how high above the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's always best to consult an expert at the hardware store if not sure what backset measurement is right for your doors. They can guide you towards models that will work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is of the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. If the new deadbolt comes with a faceplate for the latch, 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 come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt and still have an operational latch. If you have the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws used to install the faceplate for the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened by thumb-turn from the inside, while others come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and non-keyed access. Whatever type you select, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They are usually tested to last for 250,000 cycles of opening and closing 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 is usually secured with screws on the side however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door lock, it's important to ensure that you purchase the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can verify this by holding the latch up to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it is generally recommended to choose the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure you get the latch that fits properly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap with a slot it that allows it to be placed over a staple. The staple is then fastened to the door frame or door by nail. When the door is shut and the strap is pulled, it is pulled down and locks it in place. A hasp is usually employed in commercial buildings since it is cheaper than a deadbolt.
Locks can wear out over time, just like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or be difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior handle or doorknob will break, and it is necessary to replace it too.
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 few times to work in the graphite. You can remove the knob using an screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and let you see what is going on inside the.
Once you've removed all the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews along the edge of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back case that must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, attached to the door frame above the holes that accommodate the deadbolt or master key bolt of the system, reinforces and upgrades a locking mechanism. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the durability of locks and enhance security.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat plate of metal with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame usually using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If the strike plate on the door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door can close and latch correctly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first make sure that it is correctly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch it, take the tape off. Then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is crucial to use a larger bolt to secure the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not use the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb could split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith is able to quickly replace the strike plate that has become worn or damaged. They can also install a new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a property and improve its appearance. This could assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that takes a particular key that allows pins to be moved into place so the inner handle can be turned. replacement upvc door lock is the most crucial part of your door lock because it fulfills the function that locks were made for - to protect you, your family members, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
The process of replacing the lock is more complicated than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle lock. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly tools that you can use to change a lock yourself however, it is recommended you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure that the job is done properly.
Before installing an entirely new lock and cylinder it is crucial to have the right key for your house. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can stop this by ensuring you have a working, real key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will need a screwdriver. If the new plates will be identical to the previous ones, you may wish to secure them to save time. If you must replace them, make sure not to overtighten the screws as this could cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you'll need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before you go to the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available today will fit a standard door thickness, it's better to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes from deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a bigger latch or bolt.