10 Unexpected Door Lock Replacement Tips
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to display signs of being worn out. These signs can include things like having trouble turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is good to know that installing new hardware for your door is actually very easy. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to make sure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your needs. If possible, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inner side of your deadbolt should be drilled into the door frame.
When you install the deadbolt make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If not, 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 deadbolt's hole.
Before you install your new deadbolt, ensure that it matches the size of the previous one. The majority of door locks come with a template that tells you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be, but it's always best to consult an expert at the hardware store if not sure what backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They will be able to direct you in the direction of models that work with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place and secure it, too. It's a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, in addition.
Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having an operational latch. If you have the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws used to mount the faceplate for the latch. This will ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature only a single cylinder accessible from inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed entry. It is best to select the lock that's commercial grade for the highest 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 is typically secured by screws on the sides, but can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace a door latch with the correct one that matches your existing hardware. replace lock upvc door www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can check by holding the latch up to your existing hardware, or by looking at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it is generally recommended to stick with the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you receive a latch that will fit properly.
Certain doors come with a havep instead of the latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot in it to fit over a staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door with nails. When the door is shut, the strap pulls the staple down and locks it into place. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp because it is less expensive than the lock.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or be difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will be damaged and it is important to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with a screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to know what's happening inside the.
After removing the knobs, tighten the three or two setscrews on the outside of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case that 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 ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a high-quality strike plate can also enhance the durability of a lock.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually using screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If the strike plate on a door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door will latch and close correctly. The first step in replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to put tape over the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a larger bolt to secure 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 use the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, leaving 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 had them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of the building and its aesthetics. This could assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that takes a particular key to move pins into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock as it fulfills the purpose that locks were designed to protect you, your family members and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective option than replacing them.
The replacement of a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the existing deadbolt or handle lock. 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. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly kits available that you can use to replace a lock on your own but it is highly recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done properly.
Before installing a new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the correct key for your house. A key that is duplicate won't work 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.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. You'll need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws which hold them in place. It is possible to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you are required to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could reduce their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you'll be required to measure the door to determine the proper size of the lock. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before you go to the hardware store. Although many locksets can be used today to fit in a standard door's thickness, it's best to have them in advance. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes than deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can come with a slightly larger latch or bolt.