Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to show signs that they are worn out. These indicators include having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to set up new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to make sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If you can, opt for deadbolts made of case hardened steel and no screw heads exposed on the outside to avoid unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the interior side of your deadbolt must be secured to the door frame.
During the installation process make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate when you close and lock the door. If not, mortise the bolt in the strike plate using a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the deadbolt's hole.
Before installing the new deadbolt, ensure that it is the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks come with a design that tells you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's best to talk to an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is right for your doors. They can guide you to models that will work with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it's the right length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a faceplate for the latch, screw it into place as well. It's an excellent idea for you to attach the latch faceplate with the recommended screws 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 working latch. If you have the option that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to install the faceplate for the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts come with a single cylinder that's only accessible from inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. It is recommended to select a lock that is commercial grade for the highest security. They're typically tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing 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's typically held in place by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace a door latch with the correct one for your existing hardware. You can check by putting the latch up to the hardware you have already, or you can look on the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it is generally recommended to stick with the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you purchase a latch that will fit perfectly.
Some doors have the appearance of 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 the staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door using nails. When the door is shut the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into the position. Repair My Windows And Doors employ a hasp because it is cheaper than locks.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or be difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will be damaged and it is important to replace it as well.
If your lock is sticking it is possible to try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or squirt it on the key, and then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with an screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and let you see what is going on inside the.
After removing the knobs, tighten the two or three screws on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is connected to the door frame above the holes that accommodate the master key or deadbolt bolt of the system, reinforces and improves the security of a locking mechanism. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a good strike plate can also improve the durability of locks.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat plate of metal with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame, typically using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate be carefully aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door can close and latch correctly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to place a piece of tape across the bolt hole and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then, chisel the hole to make the strike plate level with the doorjamb.
After the area has been removed it is essential to use a more powerful screw to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud in the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in 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 install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This could help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that accepts a particular key that allows pins to be moved into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock because it fulfills the function for which locks were designed to safeguard you, your family members, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
The replacement of a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the existing deadbolt or handle lock. The entire lock must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle if 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 the door lock. However, it's best to contact a locksmith to ensure the work is done correctly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can stop this from happening by ensuring that you have a a working, real key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will need a screwdriver. You might want to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will help you save time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to tighten too much the screws as this could cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. While most modern locksets can be able to fit a standard width of door, it's best to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you visit the hardware store. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models can come with a slightly larger bolt or latch.