5 Door Lock Replacement Projects For Any Budget
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These indicators include experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the main security for your door against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your requirements. If possible, look for a deadbolt that's made with case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop drilling that isn't authorized. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be inserted into the door frame to improve security.
During installation, make sure that the bolt of your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If it isn't then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole in the strike plate and put the deadbolt back in place. When you close and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the deadbolt's hole.
Before installing the new deadbolt, make sure that it matches the size of the old one. The majority of door locks come with an illustration of how high the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to consult an expert in hardware in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able to direct you to models that are compatible with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is of the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. Screw the faceplate of the latch into place if your new deadbolt comes with one. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame with the screws recommended by experts, and also.
Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt and still have an operational latch. If you're using this type of lock, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as your faceplate of the latch, and it's important that the two bolts are positioned properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only through a thumb-turn, while others have two cylinders that allow both keyed and unkeyed access. It's best to choose an item that is commercial grade for maximum security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing 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 usually 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 lock it is important to make sure you get the right one to match your existing hardware. You can check by holding the latch up to your existing hardware, or by looking at the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide range of brands. However, it's best to select a brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit correctly.
Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot punched in it that fits over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door using the help of a nail. When the door is closed the strap will pull the staple down and secures it into position. A hasp is usually used in commercial structures because it's cheaper than a deadbolt.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock will wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can begin to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will break and it is necessary to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or dust it onto the interior side of the lock, then operate the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and let you know what's happening inside the.
After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back case that must be removed along with the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is attached to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the deadbolt or master key bolt of the system, reinforces and improves the security of a locking mechanism. It assists in keeping intruders away by making sure that the lock's latch is secured in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also improve the life of the lock.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with holes or sets of holes cut into it. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with a place to sink into when it closes. The strike plate has to be precisely aligned with the lockset to provide the greatest protection against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape. Then chisel the area to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.
After the area is cut out, it is important to use a longer screw to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb may split 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 install an entirely new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the most crucial part of your door lock as it performs the purpose for which locks were designed - to protect you, your family, and your possessions. This is the reason that many people choose to prefer to have their locks reset instead of being replaced.
The procedure of replacing a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle-lock combination. A complete change in the lock requires taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to change a lock yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to make sure the job is done properly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock to fail, making it impossible for you to open. upvc door locks replacement www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk with experience can assist you in avoiding this by making sure that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
Next, you will need to take off the faceplate and latch plate. You will require a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. You might want to leave them in place if new plates are identical to the originals. This will help you save time. If you need to replace them, be careful not to overtighten screws, as this can cause them to lose their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. While many contemporary locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks and commercial models may come with a larger latch or bolt.