Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to replace your locks when they begin to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These signs include things like having trouble turning the lock, or a key that isn't fitting.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the main defense of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, therefore you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough for your needs. If possible, opt for the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the outside to stop drilling by anyone else. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be mortised into your door frame to improve security.
During the installation process make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate after you shut and lock the door. If it doesn't use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate, and then re-install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.
Check whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. Most door locks come with a design that tells you how far above the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's always best to consult an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure what backset measurement is right for your doors. They will be able to direct you towards models that are compatible with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is the correct length, insert it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place and secure it, too. It's an excellent idea for you to attach the latch faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt, while having an operational latch. If you're able to use this feature the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws as the latch faceplate, and it's important to ensure that both bolts fit in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature only a single cylinder accessible from the inside using a thumb-turn, while others come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. It is recommended to select the lock that is commercial grade for maximum security. They've been 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 is usually secured with screws on the side however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock it is important to ensure that you purchase the right one that is compatible with your existing hardware. You can either put the latch against your existing hardware or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's generally best to choose the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you receive an appropriate latch that fits correctly.
Certain doors have an ahasp instead of a latch. A hasp is an elastic strap with a slot punched in it that is able to be positioned over a staple. The staple is then fastened to the door door frame with a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into place. A hasp is typically used in commercial structures because it is less expensive than deadbolts.
Locks can wear out over time as does any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior handle or doorknob will break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray some on the key or sprinkle it on the inside of the lock, and then use the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also remove the knob with an screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to see what is going on inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, find the two or three cylinder setscrews along the edge of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is fixed to the door frame above the holes that accommodate the deadbolt or master key bolt of the system, reinforces and enhances the locking mechanism. 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 top-quality strike plate can also improve the life of a lock.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with holes, or a series of holes, cut into them. replace lock upvc door is affixed to the door frame, usually using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate is properly aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel the area so that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
Once the area is chiseled out it is essential to use a larger screw to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long in order to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws or the wood inside the doorjamb could split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar, and make 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 increase the security of a property and improve its appearance. This can help a property owner draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the internal handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the most important component of your door lock because it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to do - protecting your family, you and your belongings. This is the reason that many people choose to prefer to have their locks reset instead of replacing them.
It is more difficult to replace the lock than simply change the handle and deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's recommended to speak with an expert locksmith to ensure that the job is done properly.
Before you install a new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the correct key for your home. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by making sure you have a real, working 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 will need the help of a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you are required to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could reduce their grip.
After removing the plates, you'll need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. While most modern locksets can fit on a standard thickness of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid any confusion when you arrive at the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes than deadbolt locksets. Commercial models may have an enlarged latch or bolt.