Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they begin to display signs of being worn out. The signs could include things like difficulty turning the lock or the lock not fitting a key. fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you need 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 which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to make sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If you can, select a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inner side of your deadbolt must be mortised into the door frame.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If not, you can mortise the bolt in the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the hole of the deadbolt.
Before installing the new deadbolt, make sure that it is the same size of the previous one. 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 if you are unsure what backset size you require for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that will work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure it's the right length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place, too. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the screws recommended by experts, as well.
Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you're given the option that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts have only a single cylinder accessible from the inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others have a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. Whatever kind you pick it's best to buy a commercial-grade lock for the highest level of security. They are tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It's usually held in place by screws on the side of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace a door lock with the right one for your existing hardware. You can either hold the latch up against your existing hardware or look up the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide range of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit perfectly.
Some doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot inside it to be able to be inserted over the staple. The staple is then fastened to the door frame or door with a nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into place. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it is less expensive than a deadbolt.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or become difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle may fail, requiring to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, you can try using some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or dust it on the inside of the lock. Then use the lock a few times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can remove the knob using an screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and allow you to observe what's happening inside.
After removing the knobs then tighten the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to the locking system. upvc door locking mechanism replacement is affixed to the holes that are used for deadbolts or master key system bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also improve the durability of a lock.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically using screws, to the frame of a doorway to give the latch a place to sink into when it is closed. The strike plate needs to be aligned precisely with the lockset in order to give the greatest protection against burglaries.
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 correctly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. A simple way to do 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 doesn't catch then take off the tape. Then chisel it to make the strike plate aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area is removed it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length in order to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that has been damaged or worn. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never had them before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of the building and its aesthetics. This will help property owners attract tenants who are seeking a secure living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is the most important part of your door lock as it carries out the function that locks were created to protect you, your family members and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
It is more complicated to change the lock than simply change the handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combo) and then installing a new one in its place. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's recommended to call an expert locksmith to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Before you can install an entirely new lock and cylinder it is essential to have the right key for your home. A duplicate key won't function properly and may even cause the lock to fail, making it impossible for you to open. A professional can help prevent this by ensuring you have a working, real 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 which hold them in place. It is possible to leave them in place if new plates are identical to the originals. This will cut down on time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to overtighten the screws because doing so can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you'll be required to measure the door to determine the proper size of the lock. Although many modern locksets will fit a standard thickness of door, it's recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you arrive at the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks commercial models might come with a larger bolt or latch.