Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door start to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's an ideal time to replace them. These signs include things like experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that isn't fitting.
It is good to know that installing new door lock hardware is surprisingly easy. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary security for your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that operates the lock, therefore you'll want to make sure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If you can, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to avoid unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inside of the deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
During the process of installation make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate after you close and lock the door. If it isn't, use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate and install the deadbolt. Make sure the doorknob's latch aligns with the hole in the deadbolt when you lock and close the door, too.
Before installing the new deadbolt, ensure that it matches the size of the old one. Most door locks come with a design that tells you how high above 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 will be able point you to models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it's the right length. If the new deadbolt comes with a faceplate for the latch, screw it in place and secure it, too. It is a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame using the recommended screws, as well.
Some lock sets have the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you're given the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws that are used to attach the faceplate of the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts come with a single cylinder that's only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed entry. It's best to choose an item that is commercial grade to ensure the highest security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is typically secured by screws on the side, but can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace the door latch with the correct one for the hardware you have. You can either put the latch up against your existing hardware or check the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to choose the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you purchase an appropriate latch that fits properly.
Some doors have an ahasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap with a slot it to be able to be inserted over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door using a nail. When the door is shut, the strap will pull the staple down and locks it in position. A hasp is typically used in commercial structures because it's cheaper than a deadbolt.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or be difficult to turn. This may require 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 squeezing to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or dust it onto the interior side of the lock, then move the lock several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob and reveal the internal components and allow you to be able to see what's going on inside the.
Once you've removed the knobs, find the two or three cylinder setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back of the case that must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is attached to the holes for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the life of locks and enhance security.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually by screws, to the frame of a doorway to give the latch an area to rest in when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset to offer maximum protection against break-ins.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole of 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, remove the tape. Then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate is flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a longer bolt to fix the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kicking attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a strike plate that has become worn or damaged. They can also put a new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of a building as well as its appearance. This could help property owners draw in tenants seeking a secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that accepts a particular key to move pins into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the most important part of your door lock because it carries out the function that locks were designed to do - protecting your family, you and your possessions. It is for this reason that people often prefer to have their locks reset instead of replaced.
It is more complicated to change a lock than to simply change the handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combo) and installing a new one in its place. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it is best to contact an expert locksmith to ensure that the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. please click the following website that is duplicate will not function properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by making sure you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, then the latch plate. You will require a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. You may want to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. This will cut down on time. If you have to replace them, take care not to tighten the screws too much as this could weaken their grip on the door.
After taking off the plates, you'll be required to measure the door to determine the proper size of the lock. While most modern locksets can fit a standard thickness of door, it is recommended to know the measurements of your door in advance to avoid a headache when you visit the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes from deadbolt locksets, and commercial models may have an additional bolt or latch.