Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to replace your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. The signs could include things like difficulty turning the lock or the lock not fitting a key. fit.
Fortunately, putting in new hardware for your door is actually very easy. All you have to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, so you'll need to ensure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your needs. If possible, choose a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that has no visible screwheads on its exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To increase security, the inner side of your deadbolt must be mortised into the door frame.
During the process of installation, check that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate after you close and lock the door. If it does not, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate, and then re-install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the hole of the deadbolt.
Check whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template that tells you how high 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 will be able to direct you in the direction of models that are compatible with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it is the correct length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place as well. It's a good idea screw the latch faceplate to the frame using the recommended screws, and also.
Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt while still having an operational latch. If you're able to use this feature, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as the faceplate for your latch, and it's important that the two bolts are positioned in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible by thumb-turn from the inside and others come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. Whatever kind you pick it's best to buy a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close 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 typically secured by screws on the side, but can be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to make sure you get the right one that is compatible with your existing hardware. You can check 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, however it's best to choose the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you get the latch that fits properly.
Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot inside it to fit over the staple. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door with the help of a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into place. Commercial buildings employ a hasp since it is cheaper than locks.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, locks can wear out from repeated 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 will break and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can use some graphite inside 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 also use a screwdriver to remove the knob and reveal the interior components and let you see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten them by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed along with the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is attached to the door frame above the holes that house the deadbolt or master key system bolt, reinforces and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. In pop over to this website to increasing security, a high-quality strike plate can also improve the life of a lock.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole, or several holes cut into them. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to sink into when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door will close and latch properly. To replace a strikeplate, first check that it is aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to place a piece of tape across the bolt hole and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape. Then, chisel the hole to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been removed it is crucial to use a larger screw to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches long in order to ensure they are securely fixed to the stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kick-in attack by a burglar and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn out. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of the building and its aesthetics. This could aid property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The cylinder is the most important part of your door lock as it performs the purpose for which locks were created - to protect you, your family, and your belongings. It is for this reason that people frequently prefer to have their locks reset instead of being replacing them.
It is more complicated to replace a lock than to simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. A complete change in the lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is recommended to call a locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key will not perform as expected and could cause the lock to fail, making it impossible for you to open. A professional can stop this from happening by making sure you have a an actual, working key for your house.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and latch plate. You will require a screwdriver for the removal of the screws that hold them in place. If the new plates are going to be identical to the previous ones, you may wish to hold them in place to save time. If you need to replace them, be careful not to tighten the screws too much as this could affect their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. It is crucial to know the door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available can be used today to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's better to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a bigger bolt or latch.