Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to replace your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These signs include things like experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch which activates the lock. So, you will be sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your requirements. If possible, opt for the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt must be inserted into the door frame to increase security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate with a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob meets the deadbolt hole when you lock and close the door, too.
Before you install your new deadbolt, ensure that it matches the size of the old one. The majority of door locks come with a template that shows you how high above the doorknob that the bolt should be, but it's best to talk to an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They can direct you to models that work with your door and deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is of the right length, you can screw it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt has an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place as well. It's a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame using the recommended screws in addition.
Some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functional latch. If you have this option, a dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws that are used for your faceplate for your latch and it is essential to ensure that both bolts fit in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using a thumb-turn, while others come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. Whatever kind you pick it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They've been tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the door. It's usually held in place by screws that are located on the side of the lock, but it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. It is essential to replace a door latch with the correct one for the hardware you have. You can either put the latch against the hardware you have already installed or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's generally best to stick with the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure you purchase a latch that will fit properly.
Certain doors have an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot it to be able to be inserted over the staple. The staple is then fastened to the door door frame with a nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into place. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it's less expensive than deadbolts.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock will wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or become difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can fail and it is essential to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust or squirt it on the key, then turn the lock a few times to draw in the graphite. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to know what's happening inside.
Once you've removed the knobs, locate the two or three cylinder setscrews on the outside of the cylinder and tighten them by turning clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have an additional set of cylinder screws 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 affixed above the holes for the deadbolts or master key system bolts. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught by the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the durability of locks as well as improve security.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is attached to the door frame usually using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate is precisely aligned with the lockset in order to offer maximum protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate on a door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door can close and latch properly. To replace a strikeplate, first check that it is properly aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to lay a piece of tape across the bolt hole and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch it, take the tape off. Then chisel it to ensure that the strike plate is flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a stronger bolt to fix the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud behind the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb may split during a robbery attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a damaged or worn-out 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 improve the security of a building and its aesthetics. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock since it fulfills the purpose that locks were designed to do - protecting you, your family members and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
The replacement of the lock is more complicated than simply swapping out the current handle-lock combo or deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combo) and then installing a new one in its place. There are many DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is recommended to call a locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by ensuring that you have a working, genuine key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. You will require a screwdriver for the removal of the screws that hold them in place. It is possible to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the originals. This will save you time. If you must replace them, take care not to overtighten the screws as this could weaken 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 crucial to know the door's dimensions before visiting the hardware store. While many locksets today will fit a standard door thickness, it is best to purchase them ahead of time. Be aware that doorknob locksets can differ in size from deadbolt locksets. upvc door locks replacement can come with an enlarged bolt or latch.