Door Lock Replacement 101 It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door begin to show signs of wear and tear it's usually a good idea to replace the locks. These signs can include issues with turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the primary security for your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock. So, you will be sure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your requirements. If possible, choose a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the outside to stop drilling by anyone else. To increase security, the interior side of the deadbolt should be mortised into the door frame.
During the process of installation Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate once you lock and close the door. If it does not, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and then put the deadbolt back in place. Make sure the latch on the doorknob aligns with the hole in the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks have a template showing how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to speak with an expert in hardware for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require for your doors. They will be able to direct you towards models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is of the proper length, screw it into the hole in the door. If the new deadbolt comes with an opening faceplate, you can screw it into the frame as well. It's a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, in addition.
Certain lock sets have an attractive or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having an operational latch. If you're given the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws that are used to install the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts feature only a single cylinder accessible from inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others have a double cylinder which allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. No matter which type you choose it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you shut or open the door. It's usually secured by screws on the side of the lock, but it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch it is important to ensure that you purchase the right one to match your existing hardware. You can either put the latch up against your existing hardware or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it is generally recommended to stick with the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure you receive the latch that fits correctly.
Certain doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot it to be able to be inserted over a staple. The staple is then nailed to the frame of the door or door with a nail. When the door is closed the strap is pulled down and locks it into position. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp as it is less expensive than locks.
Locks can wear out over time as does 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 doorknob or handle will simply break, making it necessary to replace it also.
If your lock is stuck, you can use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray some on the key or sprinkle it on the inside of the lock, and then move the lock several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob and reveal the inside components and allow you to be able to see what's going on inside the.
After taking the knobs off and tightening the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to 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, attached to the door frame above the holes that house the master key or deadbolt bolt of the system, reinforces and enhances the locking mechanism. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also enhance the life of locks.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole, or several holes cut into them. It is secured, typically using screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with a place to sink into when it closes. The strike plate needs 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 your door can close and latch properly. The first step in replacing a strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is crucial to use a stronger bolt to fix the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud which is behind the trim board. If upvc door locks replacement don't install the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb could split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a damaged or worn out strike plate. They can also install the new strike plate onto a door that has never had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a building and enhance its aesthetics. This could aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a particular key that allows pins to be moved into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock since it performs the job that locks were designed to perform - safeguarding your family, you and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
It is more complicated to replace a lock than to simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it's recommended to speak with a locksmith to ensure the job is done properly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not function properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this by ensuring you have an authentic, functioning key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and then the latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll require a screwdriver. You might want to leave them in place if the new plates are similar to the original ones. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, take care not to tighten the screws too much as this could affect their grip on the door.
After taking off the plates, you will be required to measure the door for the new lock. Although many modern locksets will fit on a standard thickness of door, it is recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you arrive at the hardware store. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets can differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models can have an additional bolt or latch.