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 generally an ideal time to replace them. These signs include things like having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that does not fit.
It is simple to set up 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 is more durable and secure than the latch which activates the lock. So, you'll want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If you can, select the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To ensure security, the inner side of the deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you close and lock the door. If not, you can mortise the bolt into the strike plate with a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. Most door locks come with a template that tells you how far above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert at the hardware store if not sure which backset measurement is appropriate for your doors. They can guide you towards models that work 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 has one. It's an excellent idea to screw the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Some sets of locks come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt while still having an effective latch. If you're given the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws that are used to attach the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened by thumb-turn from the inside some come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and non-keyed access. Regardless of what type you choose it's a good idea to buy a commercial grade lock to ensure the highest security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 open and close cycles 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 usually secured with screws on the side, but can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock, it's important to ensure that you purchase the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can check by putting the latch next to the hardware you have already, or look at the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it is best to choose the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit perfectly.
repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot inside it to be able to be inserted over staples. The staple is then nailed to the frame of the door or door using nails. When the door is closed, the strap is pulled down and secures it into the frame. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp because it is cheaper than a lock.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, locks can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle may break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it on the key, then turn the lock a few times to draw in the graphite. You can remove the knob using the help of a screwdriver. This will reveal all the components and allow you to observe what's happening inside the.
After removing the knobs, tighten the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case, which must be removed, along with the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is connected to the door frame, above the holes that house the deadbolt or master key system bolt, reinforces and improves the security of a locking mechanism. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also increase the life of a lock.
A typical strike plate appears like a flat metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is fastened, usually using screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to rest in when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate is precisely aligned with the lockset to provide the best protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate of the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door can close and latch properly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then testing the latch. If the latch doesn't catch, you must remove the tape and then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is essential to use a larger bolt to fix the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud in the trim board. If you don't use the longer screws, then the wood in the doorjamb may split during a kickin attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn out. They can also put the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of the building and its appearance. This can help property owners attract tenants who want a safer living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock since it fulfills the purpose that locks were made to perform - safeguarding your family, you and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
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 a knob and lock combination) must be removed from the door before the new lock can be installed. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to replace a lock yourself however, it is recommended you contact a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done right.
Before installing an entirely new lock and cylinder it is essential to have the correct key for your house. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock to fail, making it impossible to open. A skilled professional can help you avoid this by ensuring that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll need an screwdriver. It is possible to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. This will help you save time. If you need to replace them, make sure you don't overtighten screws, as this can reduce their grip.
After removing the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. It is important to know your door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. While many locksets are designed to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's best to have them in advance. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a bigger bolt or latch.