What Is Door Lock Replacement And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to show signs of wear and tear it's generally a good idea to replace the locks. This could be due to having trouble turning the lock, or having a key that does not fit.
It is good to know that installing new hardware for your door is actually quite simple. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch that opens the lock. Therefore, you'll want to make sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your requirements. If you can, choose deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and no screw heads exposed on the outside to prevent drilling that isn't authorized. To ensure security, the interior side of the deadbolt should be drilled into the door frame.
During the process of installation Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate after you lock and close the door. If not, make a mortise bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the deadbolt's hole.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks include a template showing how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it is always best to consult a hardware expert for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require for your doors. They will be able to direct you in the direction of models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. Screw the latch faceplate into the hole if the new deadbolt has one. It's a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the screws recommended by experts, in addition.
Some sets of locks come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt that allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws that are used for your latch faceplate, and it's important that the two fit together properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with one cylinder that is only accessible from the inside using the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed entry. It is recommended to select an item that's commercial grade for maximum security. They've been tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the sides but it could be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to make sure you get the right one to match the hardware you have. You can verify this by putting the latch up to your existing hardware, or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's generally best to choose the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you receive an appropriate latch that fits perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a havep instead of a latch. A hasp consists of straps with slots punched in it that can be placed over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door door frame with a nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into the position. Hasps are typically used in commercial structures because it's cheaper than a deadbolt.
Locks can wear out over time like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can break and it is necessary to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust or squirt it on the key, and then turn the lock a couple of times to incorporate the graphite. You can remove the knob using an screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and let you observe what's going on inside.
After you've removed the knobs, look for the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten them by turning clockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back case that must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to the locking system. It is placed to the holes that are used for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the life of locks as well as improve security.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is anchored, typically using screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to rest in when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate is properly aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If the strike plate of the door is damaged you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. One way to check this is to put a piece of tape across the bolt hole, and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch then take off the tape. Then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is crucial to use a larger bolt to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud behind the trim board. If you don't use the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kicking attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that has become worn or damaged. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the part of your lock that takes a particular key that allows pins to be moved into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock because it fulfills the purpose that locks were made to do - protecting you, your family members and your possessions. This is the reason that many people choose to get their locks rekeyed instead of replacing them.
The replacement of a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the current handle-lock combo or deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and putting a brand new one in its place. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's recommended to speak with a locksmith to ensure the work is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by making sure you have a a working, real key for your house.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, then the latch plate. You'll need an screwdriver to take out the screws which hold them in place. If the new plates will be identical to the previous ones, you may want to secure them to make it easier. If you have to replace them, take care not to tighten the screws too much since this can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you will need measure for the new locks. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before you go to the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available can be used today to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's best to have them in advance. Be aware that doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locksets. repairmywindowsanddoors can come with an additional latch or bolt.