How Much Can Door Lock Replacement Experts Earn?
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to show signs that they are worn out. This could be due to issues with turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
The good news is that installing new door lock hardware is surprisingly easy. All you have to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary security for your door against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch which activates the lock. So, you will want to ensure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your needs. If you can, select a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to prevent unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt must be mortised into your door frame to increase security.
During the installation, ensure that the bolt of the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate as you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob meets the deadbolt's hole.
Check that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. Most door locks come with a template that shows you how far above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert at the hardware store if not sure what backset measurement is right for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that will work with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring that it is the right length. Screw the latch faceplate into place if your new deadbolt is equipped with one. It's also a good idea to attach the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
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, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to attach the faceplate for the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened through a thumb-turn, while others have two cylinders that allow keys and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. These are typically tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing 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 usually secured by screws that are located on the side of the lock, but it can also be attached to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. It's important that you replace a door latch with the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can either put the latch up against the existing hardware or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's generally best to stick with the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you purchase the latch that fits perfectly.
Some doors have an ahasp instead of a latch. A hasp is straps with slots punched in it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door with nails. When the door is shut the strap pulls the staple down and locks it into the frame. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it's less expensive than deadbolts.
Locks wear out over time as does any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can fail and it is essential to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck to the key, you can try putting some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or dust it on the inside of the lock, then move the lock several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob, which will reveal the internal components and allow you to see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, find the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder and tighten them by turning them clockwise. You should also remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed along with the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, fixed 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 out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a good strike plate can also improve the longevity of the lock.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is attached to the door frame typically using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is important that the strike plate is precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If the strike plate of the door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door can close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate, you must first make sure that it is aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to lay a piece of tape in the bolt hole, and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be flush with the doorjamb.
Once the area is removed it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to fix the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud in the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith is able to quickly replace a strike plate that has been damaged or worn out. cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism can also install a new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of a building as well as its appearance. 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 internal handle can turn. The cylinder is also the most crucial component of your door lock as it performs the job that locks were created to do - protecting your family, you and your belongings. It is for this reason that many people choose to prefer to have their locks reset rather than replacing them.
It is more difficult to change the lock than simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock can be installed. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to make sure the job is done properly.
Before you install a new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the correct key for your house. A duplicate key won't function properly and may even cause the lock to fail and make it impossible to open. A professional can stop this from happening by making sure you have a an actual, working key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you will require a screwdriver. You might want to keep them in place if the new plates are similar to the original ones. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, make sure you don't tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.
After removing the plates, you'll be required to measure the door for the new lock. It is crucial to know the door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. Although many locksets are designed to fit a standard door thickness, it's best to have them in advance. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets tend to differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models can come with a slightly larger bolt or latch.