Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door start to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's generally a good idea to replace them. These indicators include having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
Fortunately, putting in new hardware for your door locks is actually very easy. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, therefore you should ensure that your new deadbolt is sturdy enough for your needs. If you can, choose deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to prevent unauthorized drilling. To ensure security, the inside of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate as you shut and lock the doors. If not, you can mortise the bolt in the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch aligns with the hole in the deadbolt when you lock and close the door, too.
Before you install your new deadbolt, ensure that it is the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks have an example of how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert in the field for advice if you're not sure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that are compatible with your door and deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is of the right length, you can screw it into the hole in the door. If the new deadbolt comes with an opening faceplate, you can screw it into place and secure it, too. It's an excellent idea to attach the faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt so you can install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functional latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws as the faceplate for your latch, and it's important to ensure that both bolts fit in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature one cylinder that is only accessible from inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. No matter which type you choose it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. They are tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are 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 sides however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. It is essential to replace a door lock with the correct one for your current hardware. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can either put the latch against the hardware you have already installed or look up the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to use the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you get a latch that will fit properly.
Certain doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot in it to be able to be inserted over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door door frame using a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls the staple down and locks it into the frame. A hasp is typically used in commercial buildings because it is cheaper than a deadbolt.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can fail and it is essential to replace it too.
If your lock is squeezing to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or rub it onto 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 allow you to observe what's going on inside the.
After removing the knobs then tighten the two or three screws on the outside of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must 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 way to strengthen and upgrade to a locking system. It is placed to the holes for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also increase the life of the lock.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat, metal plate with holes or sets of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame usually with screws, which gives the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is crucial that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If the strike plate on the door is damaged you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door will latch and close properly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch doesn't work then take off the tape. Then chisel it to create a aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is crucial to use a larger bolt to fix the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely secured to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not use the longer screws and the wood in the doorjamb could break during a kick-in attack by a burglar, and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a property and improve its appearance. This could help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the inside handle can turn. The key cylinder is the most important part of your door lock since it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to protect your family, you and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
It is more complicated to change the lock than simply change the handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have a knob and lock combination) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that you can use to replace a lock on your own, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure that the job is done properly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A trained professional can help you avoid this by making sure you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you'll need an screwdriver. If the new plates will be identical to the original ones, you might want to hold them in place to save time. If you need to replace them, be careful not to overtighten the screws since this can affect their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you'll have to determine the proper measurement for the new lock. It is crucial to know your door's dimensions before visiting the hardware store. While many locksets are designed to fit a standard door thickness, it is best to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a bigger latch or bolt.