The Top Door Lock Replacement The Gurus Have Been Doing 3 Things
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to change your locks when they begin to show signs that they are worn out. These signs include things like having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door locks is actually very easy. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the main security for your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, therefore you'll need to ensure your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your needs. If possible, look for a deadbolt that's made with case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to avoid unintentional drilling. To increase security, the interior side of the deadbolt should be mortised into the door frame.
During the process of installation, check that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you close and lock the door. If not, you can mortise the 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.
Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template showing how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in hardware if you are unsure what backset size you require for your doors. They can direct you to models that will work with your door and deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure that it is the right length. If your new deadbolt has a latch faceplate, screw it into place, too. It's also a good idea to attach the faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt and still have an effective latch. If you're given the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws used to mount the faceplate for the latch. This will ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened via a thumb-turn from inside some come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select an item that is commercial grade to ensure the highest security. These are typically tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is usually secured with screws on the sides but it could be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock it is essential to ensure you choose the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. You can either put the latch against your existing hardware or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's best to use the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure you get an appropriate latch that fits properly.
Some doors feature a hasp instead of latch. A hasp is made up of a strap with a slot punched into it that can be placed over the staple. The staple is then nailed to the frame of the door or door with a nail. When the door is shut, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into the frame. A hasp is usually used in commercial buildings because it's cheaper than deadbolts.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock will wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and be difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can break and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or rub it onto the interior side of the lock, and then operate the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob that will expose the interior components and let you see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, look for the two or three cylinder setscrews on the outside of the cylinder. Then tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is fixed to the door frame above the holes that accommodate the master key or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and enhances the locking mechanism. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a top-quality strike plate can also improve the longevity of the lock.
door lock replacement Repair My Windows And Doors are flat metal plates with a hole, or several holes cut into them. It is fastened, usually using screws, to the frame of a doorway to give the latch a place to rest in when it closes. The strike plate needs to be precisely aligned with the lockset to provide maximum security against burglaries.
If the strike plate on the door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door can close and latch correctly. The first step in replacing a strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to place 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 it, take the tape off. Then chisel it to ensure that the strike plate is flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a larger bolt to anchor the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, then the wood in the doorjamb may split during a kickin attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never had them before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a building and enhance its aesthetics. This could help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that accepts a specific key to shift pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock, as it performs the purpose that locks were made for to safeguard you, your family members, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
It is more difficult to change the lock than simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combo) and putting a brand new one in its place. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits that you can use to replace a lock on your own, it is recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key won't work properly and could cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible for you to open. A professional with experience can assist you in avoiding this by ensuring that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
Next, you will need to take off the faceplate and latch plate. You'll need an screwdriver to take out the screws that hold them in place. You might want to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the originals. This will help you save time. If you have to replace them, make sure not to overtighten the screws as this could weaken their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will be required to measure the door for the new lock. While many contemporary locksets will fit a standard thickness 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. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets tend to differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models can have an additional latch or bolt.