Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to exhibit signs of wear and tear, it's recommended to replace them. This could be due to having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that isn't fitting.
It is simple to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll be sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If possible, look for deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop unintentional drilling. The inside of the deadbolt should also be secured to your door frame to improve security.
During the process of installation Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate once you shut and lock the door. If it isn't use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate and install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch meets the deadbolt hole when you shut and lock the door, too.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks include an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to consult a hardware expert in case you aren't sure of the 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.
Install the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it is the correct length. If the new deadbolt comes with a latch faceplate, screw it in place and secure it, too. It's a good idea attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, and also.
Certain lock sets come with a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you have the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the faceplate for the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible via a thumb-turn from inside, while others come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. Regardless of what type you select it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It's usually held in place by screws located on the sides of the lock, but it can also be attached to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. It is essential to replace a door lock with the correct one for your current hardware. You can check by putting the latch up to your existing hardware, or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it is generally recommended to stick with the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you get a latch that will fit correctly.
Certain doors come with a hasp in place of a latch. A hasp is straps with slots punched into it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door using nails. When the door is closed and the strap is pulled, it will pull the staple down and locks it into place. A hasp is usually employed in commercial buildings since it is cheaper than a deadbolt.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock will wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. upvc door replacement lock could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can be damaged and it is important to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob, which will reveal the internal components and allow you to observe what's going on inside.
After removing the knobs, tighten the two or three setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is placed to the holes that are used for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the longevity of locks and improve security.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with holes or sets of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically using screws, to the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with a place to rest in 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 the strike plate of a door is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door is able to shut and latch properly. The first step in replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to put tape over the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch, you should remove the tape and then chisel the area so that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been removed it is crucial to use a longer screw to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that they are securely fixed to the stud behind the trim board. If you don't use the longer screws, the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kickin attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a damaged or worn out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This could aid property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock since it serves the purpose for which locks were designed - to protect you, your family, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
It is more complicated to change locks than to switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock is installed. While there are a number of DIY-friendly tools that you can use to replace a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
Before installing a new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the correct key for your home. A key that is duplicate won't work and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this by ensuring you have an authentic, functioning key for your home.
Next, you will need to take off the faceplate and latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll need the help of a screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be similar to the original ones, you may want to keep them in place to make it easier. If you need to replace them, make sure not to tighten the screws too much because doing so can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need measure for the new locks. It is essential to know your door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available today will fit in a standard door's thickness, it is best to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may come with a larger bolt or latch.