How Door Lock Replacement Rose To Become The #1 Trend In Social Media
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's usually recommended to replace them. This could be due to having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that isn't fitting.
Fortunately, putting in new hardware for your door locks is actually very easy. It is all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock, therefore you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough for your needs. If possible, look for deadbolts made of case hardened steel and has no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to prevent unintentional drilling. The inside of the deadbolt must be secured to your door frame to increase security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt of the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If not, make a mortise bolt into the strike plate with a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Check whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks have an example of how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to consult an expert in the field in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able point you to models that work with your door and deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure it is the correct length. Screw the latch faceplate in the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It's also a good idea to screw the latch faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt so you can install the deadbolt with a key and still have a working latch. If you have the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws used to install the latch faceplate. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only through a thumb-turn some have two cylinders that allow both keyed and non-keyed access. No matter which type you select it's best to buy a commercial-grade lock for the highest level of security. They're tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you open or close the door. It's usually held in place by screws on the side of the lock, but it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door latch it is essential to ensure you choose the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can verify this by putting the latch next to the hardware you have already, or you can look on the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide range of brands. However, it's recommended to select the same brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit correctly.
Certain doors come with a hasp instead of the latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which can be placed over the staple. The staple is then attached to the door or door frame using a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls back on the staple and locks into the frame. Commercial buildings use a hasp since it is cheaper than locks.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time, just like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may 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, use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray some on the key or rub it onto the interior side of the lock, and then use the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob, which will reveal the interior components and let you be able to see what's going on inside.
After removing the knobs and tightening the three or two setscrews on the outside of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the back of the case, which must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, connected to the door frame above the holes that accommodate the master key bolt or deadbolt bolt of the system, reinforces and enhances a locking mechanism. It assists in keeping intruders away by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also enhance the life of a lock.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually with screws, onto the doorway's frame to give the latch a place to sink into when it is closed. It is essential that the strike plate is properly aligned with the lockset to offer maximum protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate on the door is damaged you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that the door can close and latch properly. The first step in replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. One way to check this is to place tape over the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch it, take the tape off. Then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate is level with the doorjamb.
Once the area is removed, it is important to use a larger screw to anchor the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer, the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kicking attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a strike plate that's become worn or damaged. They can also put the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to improve a building's security and improve appearance. replace upvc door lock mechanism could assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that accepts a particular key to move pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is also the most crucial component of your door lock since it performs the job that locks were designed to perform - safeguarding you, your family and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
The replacement of a lock is more complex than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle lock. A complete change in the lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combo) and putting a brand new one in its place. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is recommended to speak with a locksmith to ensure the work is done correctly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is a duplicate won't work and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a an actual, working key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure them. You might want to leave them in place if new plates are identical to the originals. This will cut down on time. If you need to replace them, make sure not to tighten too much the screws since this can affect their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need measure for the new locks. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before visiting the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available can be used today to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's better to purchase them ahead of time. Be aware that doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locksets. Commercial models can have an enlarged bolt or latch.