Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's an ideal time to replace the locks. This could be due to experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to set up new door hardware. It is all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the primary defense of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch that opens the lock. So, you will want to ensure that your new deadbolt meets your needs. If possible, look for deadbolts made of case hardened steel and has no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inside of your deadbolt should be drilled into the door frame.
During the process of installation Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate after you shut and lock the door. If it does not, use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate, and then put the deadbolt back in place. When you close and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob meets the hole of the deadbolt.
Before installing the new deadbolt, ensure whether it's the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks come with an example of how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to consult a hardware expert if you are unsure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They can guide you in the direction of models that work with your door and the 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 has a faceplate for the latch, screw it into place as well. It is a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, and also.
Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you're using this type of lock the dummy bolt must be installed with the same screws as your faceplate for your latch and it is essential to ensure that both bolts fit correctly to ensure maximum security.
patio door lock replacement feature one cylinder that is only accessible from the inside with an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It's typically held in place by screws on the side of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the jamb. It's important that you replace a door latch with the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can check by putting the latch up to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it's best to select a brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp in place of the latch. A hasp consists of straps with slots punched into it that fits over a staple. The staple is then nailed to the frame of the door or door using a nail. When the door is closed and the strap is pulled, it pulls the staple down and locks it in place. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp as it is less expensive than a lock.
Locks can wear out over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or become difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can fail and it is essential to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob that will expose the inside components and let you observe what's going on inside the.
After taking the knobs off then tighten the two or three setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is affixed to the holes that are used for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It assists in keeping intruders away by ensuring that the lock's latch is secured in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also improve the life of locks.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually using screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it closes. It is important that the strike plate is precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door is able to shut and latch properly. To replace a strikeplate first check that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to place tape over the bolt hole and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't catch, remove the tape. Then chisel it to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled out it is crucial to use a longer screw to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud behind the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb could break during a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also put the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of the building and its aesthetics. This can help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock because it fulfills the function for which locks were created - to protect your family, you, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
The replacement of the lock is more complicated than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle-lock combination. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have a knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock can be installed. There are many DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it is recommended to speak with a locksmith to make sure the work is done correctly.
Before installing an entirely new lock and cylinder, it is important to have the correct key for your house. A key that is a duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A trained professional can assist you in avoiding this by making sure that you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will require the help of a screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be identical to the original ones, you may want to secure them to save time. If you are required to replace them, be careful not to overtighten screws as this can reduce their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. It is important to know the door's dimensions before visiting the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available are designed to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's best to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks commercial models might have a larger bolt or latch.