Door Lock Replacement Tips From The Best In The Industry
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's recommended to replace them. This could be due to things like having trouble turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to set up 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 stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock. So, you will want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If possible, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To increase security, the interior side of your deadbolt must be secured to the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt of the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate when you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with 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 a template that shows you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's always best to consult an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure what backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They will be able point you to models that work with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is of the correct length, insert it into the hole in the door. If the new deadbolt comes with a faceplate for the latch, screw it into the frame as well. It's a good idea fix the latch faceplate onto the frame with the recommended screws, and also.
Certain lock sets come with a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functioning latch. If you have the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to install the faceplate for the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts come with only a single cylinder accessible from inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder which allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. It is recommended to select the lock that is commercial grade for maximum security. These are 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 sides however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock, it's important 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 offers a wide range of brands. However, it's recommended to select the same brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp consists of a strap with a slot punched in it that fits over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door door frame by nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls back on the staple and locks it into the position. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it's less expensive than deadbolts.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time as does any other mechanism that has moving parts. 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 fail and it is essential to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob that will expose the inside components and let you see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, look for the cylinder's two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is affixed to the holes that are used for deadbolts or master key system bolts. moved here helps keep intruders out by ensuring the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a top-quality strike plate can also increase the life of locks.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with holes, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is affixed to the door frame usually 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 on the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door will latch and close properly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch then take off the tape. Then chisel it to ensure that the strike plate is flush with the doorjamb.
After the area is cut out it is essential to use a more powerful screw to secure the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud in the trim board. If you do not use the longer screws or the wood inside the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with them before. Additionally, they could 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 and secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inside handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock as it performs the purpose that locks were made for - to protect you, your family, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
The replacement of the lock is more complicated 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. While there are a number of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock on your own, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to make sure the job is done properly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you can install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this by ensuring you have a working, real key for your house.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. You'll need a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold them in place. You may want to leave them in place if the new plates are similar to the originals. This will cut down on time. If you are required to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could cause them to lose their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you'll have to determine the proper measurement for the new lock. Although many modern locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it is best to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid a headache when you arrive at the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes than deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can come with an additional latch or bolt.