Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to replace your locks when they begin to show signs that they are worn out. These indicators include experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that operates the lock, so you should ensure that the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your needs. If possible, opt for the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to prevent unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt must be mortised into your door frame to increase security.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate while you shut and lock the doors. If not, make a mortise bolt in the strike plate using the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure the doorknob's latch meets the deadbolt hole when you lock and close the door, too.
Check whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in the field for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require for your doors. They should be able to point you to models that will work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring that it is the right length. If your new deadbolt has a faceplate for the latch, screw it into place, too. It's a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, as well.
Some sets of locks come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt while still having a functional 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 have one cylinder that is only accessible from the inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. It is recommended to select the lock that's commercial grade for the highest security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 open and close cycles 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 is usually secured with screws on the side however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. It is crucial to replace the door latch with the right one for your current hardware. You can either put the latch up against your existing hardware or examine the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's recommended to select the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit correctly.
Some doors have an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot in it that allows it to be placed over staples. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door with a nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into the position. A hasp is usually used in commercial structures because it's less expensive than a deadbolt.
Locks wear out over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will be damaged and it is important to replace it too.
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 few times to incorporate the graphite. You can remove the knob using the help of a screwdriver. This will reveal all the components and allow you to observe what's going on inside the.
After you've removed the knobs, find the two or three cylinder setscrews on the outside of the cylinder and tighten them by turning clockwise. You should also remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case, which must be removed, along with the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is fixed to the door frame, above the holes to accommodate the deadbolt or master key system bolt, reinforces and improves the security of a locking mechanism. It assists in keeping intruders away by making sure that the latch of the lock is secured in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the life of locks and increase security.
discover this info here are flat metal plates with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is affixed to the door frame, typically using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into when it closes. The strike plate needs to be aligned precisely with the lockset to ensure the greatest protection against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. The first step in replacing a strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been removed it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to anchor the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into the stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wood could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn out. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with them before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase a building's security and improve aesthetics. This can help a property owner attract tenants who are looking for a safe living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a particular key that allows pins to be moved into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock because it fulfills the function for which locks were created - to protect your family, you, and your belongings. This is the reason that people frequently prefer to have their locks reset rather than replacing them.
It is more complicated to replace locks than to change the handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have a knob and lock combination) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to replace a lock yourself however, it is recommended you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done right.
Before installing the new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the right key for your house. A key that is duplicate will not function properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A skilled professional can help you avoid this by making sure you have a working, genuine key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. You will require an screwdriver to take out the screws that secure them. You may want to keep them in place if plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could cause them to lose their grip.
After removing the plates you will need measure for the new locks. It is essential to know the door's dimensions before visiting the hardware store. Although many locksets are designed to fit a standard door thickness, it is best to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may come with a larger latch or bolt.