Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's usually recommended to replace them. This could be due to experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door is actually quite simple. It is all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch which activates the lock. So, you'll want to ensure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your needs. If possible, opt for deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the exterior to prevent unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the interior side of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame.
When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If it isn't use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you shut and lock the door, too.
Before you install your new deadbolt, ensure that it matches the size of the old one. Most door locks come with a template that tells you how far above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at the hardware store if not sure which backset measurement is right for your doors. They should be able to point you towards models that will work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is the correct length, insert it into the hole in the door. If Repair My Windows And Doors is equipped with a latch faceplate, screw it in place, too. It's an excellent idea to attach the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets include a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a working latch. If you're given the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws used to attach the latch faceplate. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only via a thumb-turn from inside some have two cylinders that allow both keyed and non-keyed access. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure the highest security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you open or close the door. It is usually secured with screws on the side but it could also be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is essential to replace the door latch with the correct one for your existing hardware. You can test this by putting the latch next to the hardware you have already, or you can look on the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it is best to select a brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp in place of the latch. A hasp is an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the frame of the door or door using a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls the staple down and locks it in the frame. A hasp is usually used in commercial buildings because it is cheaper than a deadbolt.
Locks can wear out over time as does any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will break and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or dust it onto the inside of the lock, then use the lock a few times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob and reveal the internal components and allow you to be able to see what's going on inside.
After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten them by turning clockwise. You should also remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back of the case that must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, attached to the door frame, above the holes that house the master key or deadbolt system bolt, reinforces and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the longevity of locks as well as increase security.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame usually with screws, to give the latch something to sink into as it closes. It is important that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate on a door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door can close and latch correctly. To replace 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 adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a longer bolt to fix the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud in the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb could split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar, and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that has been damaged or worn out. They can also put a new strike plate on a door that has never had one before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to enhance a building's security and improve appearance. This could help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe and secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the internal handle can rotate. The cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock because it carries out the function that locks were designed to perform - safeguarding you, your family and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
It is more difficult to replace a lock than to simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to change a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock's failure and make it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by making sure that 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'll need the help of a screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be identical to the previous ones, you might want to hold them in place to save time. If you need to replace them, don't overtighten screws as this can reduce their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will have to determine the proper measurement for the new lock. It is important to know your door's dimensions before visiting the hardware store. Although many locksets are designed to fit in a standard door's thickness, it's better to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may have a bigger latch or bolt.