Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is 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 things like difficulty turning the lock or finding 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's stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, therefore you'll need to ensure your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your requirements. If possible, choose the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. The inside of the deadbolt should also be mortised into your door frame to enhance security.
During the installation, ensure that the bolt of your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt in the strike plate with a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.
Make sure 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 placed above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult a hardware expert in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They can guide you towards models that will work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is the correct length, insert it into the hole of the door. Screw the latch faceplate into the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It's an excellent idea to attach the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets have some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you have this option the dummy bolt must be installed with the same screws as your faceplate of the latch and it is essential to ensure that both bolts fit correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with one cylinder that is only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. Regardless of what type you choose it's best to buy a commercial grade lock for the best security. They're tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before they are 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 fastened by screws on the side however it can also be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace the door latch with the right one for the hardware you have. You can test this by putting the latch next to your existing hardware or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, replace lock on upvc door Repair My Windows And Doors is best to select a brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit correctly.
Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of latch. A hasp is made up of a strap with a slot punched into it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door or door frame using a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into the position. Commercial buildings use a hasp because it is less expensive than the lock.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock will wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle may break, and it is necessary to replace it also.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust it or squirt it on the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to incorporate the graphite. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob, which will reveal the interior components and allow you to see what's going on inside.
After removing the knobs and tightening the three or two setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to a locking system. It is affixed to the holes that are used 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 bolt or latch is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also enhance the life of the lock.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with a hole, or several holes cut into them. It is secured, typically by screws, to the frame of a doorway to give the latch an area to sink into when it closes. The strike plate has to be aligned precisely with the lockset to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole 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 doesn't work, remove the tape. Then chisel it to create a level with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a larger bolt to secure the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into the stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't use the longer screws, the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kickin attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of a building and its appearance. This can assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a specific key to move pins into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary element of your door lock as it performs the purpose for which locks were designed - to protect you, your family members, and your possessions. It is for this reason that people often get their locks rekeyed rather than replaced.
The procedure of replacing a lock is more complex than simply replacing the existing handle-lock combo or deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder and handle (if you have a knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock can be installed. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's best to contact a locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A skilled professional can assist you in avoiding this by making sure you have a working, genuine key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you will need a screwdriver. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you may want to hold them in place to speed up the process. If you must replace them, take care 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 measure for the new locks. It is crucial to know your door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. Although many locksets are designed to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's better to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may have a bigger bolt or latch.