Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. This could be due to having trouble turning the lock, or a key that does not fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, therefore you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your needs. If you can, select deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be inserted into the door frame to improve security.
When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate after you close and lock the door. If not, you can mortise the bolt into the strike plate using the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the deadbolt's hole.
Before installing the new deadbolt, check that it matches the size of the old one. Most door locks come with a template that shows you how far over the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's best to talk to an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure what backset measurement is right for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that will work with your door and deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is of the correct length, insert it into the hole of the door. Screw the latch faceplate in place if your new deadbolt has one. It's also a good idea for you to screw the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt while still having an operational latch. If you're using this type of lock, the dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as the latch faceplate and it is essential to ensure that both bolts fit properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible through a thumb-turn some come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and unkeyed access. Regardless of what kind you pick, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock to ensure the highest security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles 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 fastened by screws on the side, but can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch it is important to make sure you get the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch against the hardware you have already installed or examine the label on a new. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it's best to select a brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit perfectly.
Certain doors come with a havep instead of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot inside it to be able to be inserted over a staple. The staple is then fastened to the door frame or door with a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into the frame. Commercial buildings use a hasp since it is cheaper than a lock.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time, just like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or be difficult to turn. This may require replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can break and it is necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is squeezing, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray some on the key or sprinkle it onto the inside of the lock, then move the lock several times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob that will expose the internal components and let you see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, look for the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning them clockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the back of the 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 and master key systems bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a high-quality strike plate can also increase the longevity of locks.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat, metal plate with a hole 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 as it closes. It is important that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset to provide the best protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door can close and latch correctly. The first step in replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do 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 catch, you must remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled out it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kickin attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never had them before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building as well as its aesthetics. This could help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that takes a particular key that allows pins to be moved into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is also the most crucial component of your door lock since it fulfills the purpose that locks were made to protect you, your family and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a economical option than replacing them.
It is more difficult to replace a lock than to simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combo) and installing a new one in its place. While there are plenty of replacement door lock Repair My Windows And Doors -friendly kits available that can be used to replace a lock on your own but it is highly recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done properly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not function 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, then the latch plate. You'll need a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. It is possible to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the original ones. This will help you save time. If you must replace them, make sure not to overtighten the screws since this can affect their grip on the door.
After removing the plates you will need measure for the new locks. It is crucial to know the door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. While many locksets can be used today to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's best to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks, commercial models might come with a larger latch or bolt.