Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they start to show signs that they are worn out. This could be due to things like difficulty turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the main protection of your door 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 sturdy enough to meet your needs. If you can, select deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. The inside of the deadbolt must be inserted into the door frame to increase security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate while you shut and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch meets the deadbolt hole when you shut and lock the door, too.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template showing how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to consult a hardware expert for advice if you're not sure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able to direct you in the direction of models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure that it is the right length. Screw the faceplate of the latch into the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It's a good idea fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the screws recommended by experts, in addition.
Some lock sets include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you have this option, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws as your faceplate for your latch, and it's important that the two fit together in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only via a thumb-turn from inside some come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and non-keyed access. It is best to select a lock that's commercial grade for the highest security. They've been tested to withstand up to 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's usually held in place by screws that are located on the side of the lock, but it may also be fastened 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 current hardware. You can verify this by putting the latch up to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's generally best to use the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure you receive the latch that fits correctly.
Some doors have an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is an elastic strap with a slot punched in it that can be placed over a staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door with a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks into the frame. Hasps are typically used in commercial structures because it's less expensive than a deadbolt.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, locks can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can be damaged and it is important to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or rub it onto the interior side of the lock, then move the lock several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and allow you to observe what's going on inside.
After removing the knobs and tightening the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder screws on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, attached to the door frame above the holes that house the master key bolt or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and upgrades the locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a top-quality strike plate can also improve the durability of locks.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole, or several holes cut into them. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to give the latch an area to rest in when it is closed. It is important that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to offer maximum protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape. Then chisel the area to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been cut out, it is important to use a larger screw to secure the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, the doorjamb's wooden frame may split during a kickin attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn out. They can also put the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building and its aesthetics. This can assist property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that takes a particular key to shift pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the most important part of your door lock because it performs the job that locks were made to perform - safeguarding you, your family and your belongings. It is for this reason that people often get their locks rekeyed rather than replaced.
replace lock upvc door is more complicated to change locks than to swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have a knob and lock combination) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits available that you can use to replace a lock on your own but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done right.
It is important that you have the right key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock's failure and make it impossible for you to open. A professional can stop this from happening by making sure you have a an actual, working key for your house.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will require the help of a screwdriver. It is possible to keep them in place if new plates are similar to the originals. This will save you time. If you must replace them, be careful not to tighten the screws too much since this can weaken their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before you go to the hardware store. Although many locksets today will fit in a standard door's thickness, it's better to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may come with a larger bolt or latch.