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Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's usually a good idea to replace them. These signs can include things like having trouble 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. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, therefore you'll want to make sure your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your requirements. If you can, choose deadbolts made of case hardened steel and has no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to prevent drilling that isn't authorized. To increase security, the interior side of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate as you close and lock the doors. If not, you can mortise the bolt into the strike plate using the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you lock and close the door, too.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template that shows you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure what backset measurement is right for your doors. They can direct you to models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is of the correct length, insert it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt has a latch faceplate, screw it into the frame, too. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the screws recommended by experts, in addition.
Some sets of locks come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having an effective latch. If you're using this type of lock the dummy bolt must be installed with the same screws that are used for your faceplate of the latch, and it's important that the two fit together correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts have only a single cylinder accessible from inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. It is recommended to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure the highest security. They are tested to withstand up to 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 typically held in place by screws on the side of the lock, however it can also be attached to the strike plate or the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to ensure you choose the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can either hold the latch up against the hardware you have already installed or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it is generally recommended to choose the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure that you get a latch that will fit correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a havep instead of the latch. A hasp is straps with slots punched in it, which is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the frame of the door or door with nails. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks in place. Commercial buildings employ a hasp because it is less expensive than the lock.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will fail and it is essential to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, you can put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray 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 remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and allow you to see what is happening inside.
After removing the knobs then tighten the three or two setscrews on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is placed to the holes for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It assists in keeping intruders away by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the life of locks and improve security.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with holes, or several holes cut into them. It is affixed to the door frame, typically using screws, to give the latch something to sink into as it closes. It is important that the strike plate is carefully 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 the door can close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch then take off the tape. Then, chisel the hole to create a flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been removed it is essential to use a longer screw to secure the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely secured to a stud behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, then the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of the building and its appearance. This can assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
lock replacement upvc door in your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the inside handle can rotate. The cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock since it performs the job that locks were designed to perform - safeguarding you, your family members and your belongings. It is for this reason that many people choose to have their locks rekeyed instead of being replaced.
The replacement of the lock is more complicated than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle lock. Changing the entire lock requires taking 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 a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is recommended to call a locksmith to ensure the work is done correctly.
Before you install a new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the right key for your house. A duplicate key will not work properly and could cause the lock's failure which makes it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by making sure that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you'll need an screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if the new plates are similar to the original ones. This will cut down on time. If you must replace them, make sure not to tighten too much the screws because doing so can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. While many contemporary locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it is best to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks commercial models might have a bigger latch or bolt.