Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they begin to display signs of being worn out. These indicators include experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door locks is surprisingly easy. It is all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock. Therefore, you'll be sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If possible, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to prevent unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt needs to be inserted into the door frame to enhance security.
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 it isn't use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the hole of the deadbolt.
Before installing the new deadbolt, check that it matches the size of the old one. The majority of door locks come with a design that tells you how far above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is appropriate for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that are compatible with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is of the proper length, screw it into the hole in the door. Screw the latch faceplate into the hole if the new deadbolt has one. It's also a good idea to screw the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functional latch. If you're able to choose, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the faceplate of the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible by thumb-turn from the inside some come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and non-keyed access. Regardless of what kind you pick, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. They are tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It's usually held in place by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it can also be attached to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. It is crucial to replace the door latch with the right one for your existing hardware. You can verify this by putting the latch next to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it is recommended to select the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp in place of the latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which fits over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door with nails. When the door is shut and the strap is pulled, it is pulled down and secures it into position. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp because it is less expensive than locks.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Other times the exterior handle or doorknob will 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, and then turn the lock a couple of times to draw in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with the help of a screwdriver. This will reveal all the components and allow you to observe what's going on inside.
After you've removed the knobs, find the cylinder with 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 come with an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case that 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 above the holes for the deadbolts or master key system bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is secured in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a high-quality strike plate can also improve the longevity of a lock.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame usually using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. The strike plate needs to be precisely aligned with the lockset to provide maximum security against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate you must first make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then chisel it to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.
After the area is removed it is crucial to use a longer screw to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar, and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism can also install an entirely new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance a building's security and improve aesthetics. This will help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe and secure living environment and greater 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 turn. The key cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock as it carries out the function that locks were made to protect you, your family members and your possessions. It is for this reason that many people choose to get their locks rekeyed instead of being replacing them.
It is more difficult to change locks than to swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder and handle (if you have a knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock is installed. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a lock yourself, it is recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key will not perform as expected and could cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by making sure you have a an actual, working key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you will need an screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be identical to the previous ones, you may wish to keep them in place to speed up the process. If you need to replace them, take care not to tighten too much the screws since this can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. While many contemporary locksets will fit a standard thickness of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid frustration when you visit the hardware store. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks commercial models might have a bigger bolt or latch.