7 Practical Tips For Making The Most 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 start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These signs can include things like having trouble turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock. So, you'll want to make sure that your new deadbolt meets your requirements. If you can, opt for a deadbolt that's made with case hardened steel and no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop drilling that isn't authorized. To enhance security, the inner side of your deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
During the process of installation make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If not, mortise the bolt in the strike plate using the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob meets the deadbolt hole when you shut and lock the door, too.
Before installing the new deadbolt, ensure whether it's the same 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 is always recommended to speak with an expert in the field for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require for your doors. They will be able point you to models that are compatible with your door and deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure it's the right length. Screw the latch faceplate in the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It's a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, as well.
Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt, while having an effective latch. If you're able to choose that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws used to mount the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts have a single cylinder that's only accessible from inside with a thumb-turn, while others come with a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed access. No matter which type you select, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening 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'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 the inside of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace a door lock with the correct one that matches your current hardware. You can either hold the latch up against the hardware you have already installed or examine the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's generally best to choose the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you get the latch that fits properly.
Certain doors come with a havep instead of the latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot punched in it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fastened to the door frame or door by nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into place. A hasp is usually used in commercial buildings because it's less expensive than a deadbolt.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will 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 squeezing, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or squirt it on the key, then turn the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and let you see what is happening inside the.
After taking the knobs off and tightening the two or three setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is attached above the holes for the deadbolts or master key system bolts. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught by the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the longevity of locks as well as improve security.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is affixed to the door frame usually using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. It is essential that the strike plate is properly aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against break-ins.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door will shut and latch properly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside 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 closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch, remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
Once the area is chiseled out it is crucial to use a longer screw to fix the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into the stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws 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 swiftly 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 upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of the building and its aesthetics. This will help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inside handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock since it serves the purpose that locks were made for to protect you, your family members, and your belongings. Rekeying upvc replacement door locks is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
It is more difficult to change a lock than to simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have a knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock can be installed. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly tools that you can use to replace a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done properly.
Before installing 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 and make it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this by ensuring you have a working, real key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you'll need the help of a screwdriver. If the new plates will be identical to the previous ones, you may wish to keep them in place to make it easier. If you need to replace them, don't overtighten screws as this can weaken their grip.
After removing the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. Although many modern locksets will 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 arrive at the hardware store. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a larger latch or bolt.