What Door Lock Replacement Is Your Next Big Obsession
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's an ideal time to replace the locks. This could be due to things like having trouble turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough for your needs. If you can, choose a deadbolt that's made with case-hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt must be mortised into your door frame to improve security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. 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 meets the deadbolt hole when you shut and lock the door, too.
Before installing the new deadbolt, ensure that it is the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks come with a template showing how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to consult a hardware expert if you are unsure what backset size you require for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is of the correct length, insert it into the hole of the door. Screw the faceplate of the latch into place if your new deadbolt comes with one. It's also a good idea for you to attach the faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning latch. If you're using this type of lock, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws that are used for your latch faceplate and it is essential that the two fit together properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with only a single cylinder accessible from the inside using an open thumb, while other have a double cylinder which allows keyed and unkeyed access. Regardless of what kind you pick it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. These are typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close 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, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock it is important to ensure that you purchase the right one that is compatible with your existing hardware. You can either put the latch against the existing hardware or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's recommended to select the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit correctly.
Certain doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp consists of straps with slots punched into it that can be placed over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the door or door frame by nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into place. A hasp is typically used in commercial structures because it is cheaper than deadbolts.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time, just like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can begin to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will break and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or sprinkle it on the inside of the lock. Then use the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can remove the knob using an screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to see what is happening inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case, which must be removed, along with the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is affixed to the holes that are used for deadbolts or master key system bolts. It keeps intruders out by making sure that the latch of the lock is caught in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a good strike plate can also increase the longevity of a lock.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole or several holes cut into them. It is attached to the door frame usually with screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. It is essential that the strike plate is precisely aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If a door's strike plate 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 when replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then testing the latch. If the latch doesn't catch, you must remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a stronger bolt to fix the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that they are anchored securely into the stud behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws or the wood inside the doorjamb could split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a strike plate that has 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 improve the security of the building and its appearance. This could help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the internal handle can rotate. The cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock because it performs the job that locks were created to perform - safeguarding your family, you and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
The process of replacing a lock is more complex than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle lock. The entire lock must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combo) and installing a new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits that you can use to replace a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done properly.
Before you can install the new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the correct key for your home. A key that is a duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. double glazed door lock replacement with experience can assist you in avoiding this by making sure that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and then the latch plate. You will require a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. It is possible to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the originals. This will save you time. If you are required to replace them, be careful not to overtighten screws as this can cause them to lose their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. It is essential to know the door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. While many locksets are designed to fit a standard door thickness, it's better to get them in advance. Be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can come with a slightly larger bolt or latch.