Door Lock Replacement Tips From The Top In The Industry
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to display signs of being worn out. The signs could include issues with turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
Fortunately, putting in new door lock hardware is surprisingly easy. You only need to follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the primary security for your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to make sure that your new deadbolt meets your needs. If possible, opt for deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To ensure security, the inside of your deadbolt must be secured to the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If it doesn't, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate, and then put the deadbolt back in place. When you shut and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob matches the deadbolt's hole.
Verify that the new deadbolt matches the old one prior to installing it. Most door locks come with a template that shows you how far above the doorknob that the bolt should be, but it's best to talk to an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is appropriate for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that work with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it is the correct length. Screw the latch faceplate in place if your new deadbolt is equipped with one. It's an excellent idea to attach the faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Certain lock sets come with the option of 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, 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 correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside with an open thumb, while other have a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. It is recommended to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure the highest security. They are usually tested to last for 250,000 open and close cycles 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 held in place by screws on the side of the lock, however it can also be attached 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 your existing hardware. You can either hold the latch against the hardware you have already installed or check the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to stick with the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you purchase an appropriate latch that fits correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp in place of a latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot it to fit over a staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door using a nail. When the door is shut, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks in the frame. Commercial buildings use a hasp as it is less expensive than a lock.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock will wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle may break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If repairmywindowsanddoors is stuck, you can apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or sprinkle it onto the interior side of the lock, then use the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can remove the knob using the help of a screwdriver. This will reveal all the components and allow you to know what's going on inside.
After taking the knobs off then tighten the two or three screws on the outside of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the rear of the case. These 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 bolt or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and enhances the locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the durability of locks as well as enhance security.
A typical strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to give the latch a place to rest in when it closes. It is crucial that the strike plate be carefully aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. One way to check this is to lay tape over the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't catch, you should remove the tape and chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is vital to use a longer bolt to anchor the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely secured to a stud in the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer and the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also put the new strike plate onto doors that have never had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase a building's security and improve appearance. This could help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock since it performs the job that locks were made to protect you, your family and your possessions. This is the reason that people frequently prefer to have their locks reset instead of replaced.
The procedure of replacing the lock is more complicated than simply replacing the existing handle-lock combo or deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that you can use to replace a lock on your own however, it is recommended you consult a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done right.
Before installing the new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the right key for your home. A key that is duplicate will not function properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A skilled professional can assist you in avoiding this by making sure you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you'll require the help of a screwdriver. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you may want to secure them to make it easier. If you have to replace them, make sure you don't tighten screws too much as this could cause them to lose their grip.
After removing the plates you will need measure for 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 in advance to avoid a headache when you go to the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets will often differ in size from deadbolt locksets. Commercial models can have an enlarged latch or bolt.