What Is Door Lock Replacement And How To Use It?
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to show signs of wear and tear, it's an ideal time 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. It is all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, therefore you should ensure that your new deadbolt is sturdy enough for your needs. If possible, look for deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and no screw heads exposed on the outside to prevent drilling that isn't authorized. To ensure security, the interior side of the deadbolt should be drilled into the door frame.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate as you close and lock the doors. If it does not then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole in the strike plate, and then install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the deadbolt's hole.
Before installing your new deadbolt, check that it is the same size of the old one. Most door locks come with a design that tells you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They should be able to point you in the direction of models that work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it's the right length. Screw the latch faceplate into the hole if the new deadbolt has one. It's an excellent idea for you to attach the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Certain lock sets have an attractive or "dummy" bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt while still having an effective latch. If you have this option, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws that are used for your faceplate of the latch and it is essential that the two fit together correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with only a single cylinder accessible from the inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed entry. Regardless of what replace door lock pick it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. They've been tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the door. It is usually secured with screws on the side however it can be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door lock it is essential to make sure you get the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch against your existing hardware or look up the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to use the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you purchase the latch that fits properly.
Some doors have an ahasp instead of a latch. A hasp consists of straps with slots punched in it that fits over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door with the help of a nail. When the door is shut the strap will pull the staple down and locks it into place. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it is cheaper than a deadbolt.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock will wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle will simply fail, requiring to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck it is possible to try using some graphite in the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or rub it on the inside of the lock, and then use the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can also remove the knob with a screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to observe what's going on inside.
After taking the knobs off and tightening the two or three setscrews on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case, which 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 for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a good strike plate can also improve the longevity of the lock.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually by screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to offer maximum protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate of the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door will latch and close correctly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned properly 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 it, take the tape off. Then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate is level with the doorjamb.
After the area is removed it is essential to use a longer screw to anchor the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud in the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws and the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kick-in attack by a burglar and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building as well as its aesthetics. This could help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that takes a particular key that allows pins to be moved into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock since it serves the purpose that locks were made for to protect you, your family, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
It is more difficult to change a lock than to simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combo) and installing a new one in its place. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a lock on your own but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done right.
It is essential to have the right key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not function properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A trained professional can help you avoid this by making sure you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you will need a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, take care not to overtighten the screws since this can affect their grip on the door.
After removing the plates you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. While many contemporary locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it is recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you visit the hardware store. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may come with a larger bolt or latch.