7 Effective Tips To Make The Best Use Of Your Door Lock Replacement
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they begin to show signs that they are worn out. This could be due to things like having trouble turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to set up 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 more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your needs. If you can, opt for deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to stop drilling that isn't authorized. The interior side of the deadbolt must be inserted into the door frame to improve security.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate as you shut and lock the doors. If not, make a mortise bolt in the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you shut and lock the door, too.
Verify that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template showing how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert in the field if you are unsure what backset size you require for your doors. They should be able to point you to models that are compatible with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it's the right length. If the new deadbolt comes with a latch faceplate, screw it in place as well. It's an excellent idea to attach the faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt so you can install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws that are used for your latch faceplate and it's crucial that the two fit together properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with one cylinder that is only accessible from the inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. It's best to choose an item that's commercial grade for the highest security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is typically secured by screws on the side, but can also be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. It is crucial to replace the door latch with the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can either put the latch against the existing hardware or look up the label on a new. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's recommended to select the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.
Some doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of a 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 door or door frame with a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls the staple down and secures it into place. Hasps are typically used in commercial structures because it's less expensive than deadbolts.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time, just like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Other times the exterior handle or doorknob will break, making it necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, you can put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or dust it onto the interior side of the lock, and then use the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and let you see what is happening inside.
After removing the knobs then tighten the two or three setscrews on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back of the case that must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, connected to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the master key bolt or deadbolt bolt of the system, reinforces and upgrades a locking mechanism. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also increase the life of a lock.
A typical 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 an area to rest in when it is closed. The strike plate must be precisely aligned with the lockset to provide maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door can close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate you must first ensure that it is aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to put a piece of tape across the bolt hole, and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.
Once the area is removed, it is important to use a larger screw to secure the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a robbery attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. replace upvc door lock can also install the new strike plate onto doors that have never had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of the building and its appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that accepts a specific key that allows pins to be moved into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The cylinder is the most important component of your door lock, since it serves the purpose for which locks were designed to safeguard you, your family, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
It is more difficult to change locks than to swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. There are many DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's best to contact a locksmith to make sure the job is done properly.
Before installing the new cylinder and lock it is crucial to have the correct key for your house. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by making sure you have a an authentic, functioning key for your house.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and then the latch plate. You will require a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you may want to hold them in place to save time. If you are required to replace them, be careful not to tighten screws too much as this could reduce their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. While most modern locksets can be able to fit a standard width of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you visit the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes than deadbolt locksets. Commercial models may have an enlarged bolt or latch.