10 Door Lock Replacement Tips All Experts Recommend
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 usually a good idea to replace them. These signs include things like having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that does not fit.
It is simple 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 safer than the latch that activates the lock. So, you will be sure that your new deadbolt meets your requirements. If possible, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To increase security, the inside of the deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate as you shut and lock the doors. If it doesn't, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and put the deadbolt back in place. Make sure the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Make sure that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks come with an illustration of how high the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert in the field for advice if you're not sure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able point you to models that are compatible with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. Screw the latch faceplate in place if your new deadbolt comes with one. It's an excellent idea for you to screw the latch faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets include some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a working latch. If you're using this type of lock, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws that are used for your faceplate for your latch and it is essential that the two bolts are positioned properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible by thumb-turn from the inside some come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. Whatever kind you pick it's best to buy a commercial-grade lock for the highest level of security. They are tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you open or close the door. It's typically held in place by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door latch it is essential to ensure you choose the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can test this by putting the latch next to the hardware you have already, or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's best to use the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you purchase the latch that fits perfectly.
Certain doors have a hasp instead of latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot in it that allows it to be placed over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the frame of the door or door with a nail. When the door is shut and the strap is pulled, it will pull the staple down and locks it in position. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp because it is less expensive than locks.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle will simply break, making it necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to incorporate the graphite. You can also remove the knob with the help of a screwdriver. This will expose all the parts and let you observe what's happening inside the.
After removing the knobs then tighten the two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case that must be removed, along with the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is fixed to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the master key or deadbolt system bolt, reinforces and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the longevity of locks as well as improve security.
A typical strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame, usually using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. The strike plate has to be aligned precisely with the lockset to provide the greatest protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate on the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that the door will close and latch properly. The first step to replace 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, and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then chisel it to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a longer bolt to secure the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud in the trim board. If you do not use the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace the strike plate that has been damaged or worn out. They can also install a new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance a building's security and improve appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inside handle can turn. The cylinder is the most important element of your door lock as it performs the purpose for which locks were designed - to protect you, your family, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective option than replacing them.
The replacement of locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the existing deadbolt or handle lock. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have a knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to change a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Before you can install a new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the correct key for your house. A duplicate key won't function properly and may even cause the lock's failure which makes it impossible for you to open. A trained professional can help you avoid this by ensuring that you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate, and then the latch plate. You will require a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold them in place. replacement door lock repairmywindowsanddoors may want to leave them in place if new plates are similar to the original ones. This will save you time. If you are required to replace them, be careful not to overtighten screws, as this can weaken their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will have to determine the proper measurement for the new lock. While many contemporary locksets will fit a standard thickness of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid a headache when you go to the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locksets. Commercial models can have a slightly larger bolt or latch.