Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to change your locks when they begin to show signs that they are worn out. These signs can include things like difficulty turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that activates the lock, so you'll need to ensure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If you can, choose a deadbolt that's made with case hardened steel and no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop drilling that isn't authorized. The interior side of the deadbolt must be inserted into the door frame to increase security.
When you install the deadbolt, check that your new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate after you shut and lock the door. If it isn't, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate and then re-install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with a design that tells you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is right for your doors. They should be able to point you to models that are compatible with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure that it is the right length. Screw the latch faceplate in place if your new deadbolt is equipped with one. It's an excellent idea to screw the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt while still having an operational latch. If you're using this type of lock, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws as the latch faceplate and it is essential that the two fit together properly for maximum security.
front door locks replacement huntingdon repairmywindowsanddoors have a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others have a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed access. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. They're typically tested to withstand 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's typically held in place by screws that are located on the side of the lock, but it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the door jamb. It is essential to replace the door latch with the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can either put 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 your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit correctly.
Some doors have an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot in it to fit over a 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 in the position. Commercial buildings use a hasp as it is cheaper than the lock.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle will simply break, making it necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is squeezing, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or dust it onto the interior side of the lock, then operate the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can remove the knob using the help of a screwdriver. This will expose all the parts and allow you to see what is happening inside the.
Once you've removed the knobs, find the cylinder's two or three setscrews along the edge of the cylinder and tighten them by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case, which must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, fixed to the door frame above the holes that accommodate the deadbolt or master key bolt of the system, reinforces and upgrades a locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by making sure that the lock's latch is caught by the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also increase the longevity of locks.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is affixed to the door frame usually with screws, to give the latch something to sink into as it closes. The strike plate has to be aligned precisely with the lockset to ensure maximum protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door will shut and latch properly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel the area so that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area is removed, it is important to use a longer screw to fix 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 or the wood inside the doorjamb could split during 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 out. They can also put the new strike plate onto a door that has never had one before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building and its aesthetics. This will help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the inside handle can turn. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock since it serves the purpose that locks were made for to safeguard your family, you, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
The process of replacing a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the existing handle-lock combo or deadbolt. A complete change in the lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it is best to contact a locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A skilled professional can assist you in avoiding this by ensuring that you have a real, working key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you will need an screwdriver. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you might want to keep them in place to speed up the process. If you have to replace them, take care not to tighten the screws too much since this can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. While most modern locksets can fit a standard thickness of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes than deadbolt locks commercial models might have a bigger latch or bolt.