Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's usually an ideal time to replace the locks. These indicators include experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit.
It is good to know that installing new door lock hardware is actually quite simple. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock. So, you'll want to make sure that your new deadbolt meets your needs. If you can, opt for deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to prevent unintentional drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt needs to be secured to your door frame to increase security.
During the installation, ensure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate when you close 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. When you shut and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the deadbolt's hole.
Before installing replace upvc door lock , ensure whether it's the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks include an example of how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to consult an expert in the field in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They can guide you towards models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it is the correct length. Screw the faceplate of the latch into place if your new deadbolt comes with one. It's an excellent idea to attach the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Certain lock sets come with a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning latch. If you're able to choose that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to install the faceplate of the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts have only a single cylinder accessible from the inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. It is recommended to select an item that's commercial grade for maximum security. They are usually tested to last for 250,000 open and close cycles 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 located on the sides of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the door jamb. It is essential to replace a door latch with the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can either put the latch up against the existing hardware or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it is generally recommended to stick with the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure you receive a latch that will fit properly.
Certain doors come with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot in it that allows it to be placed over staples. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door by nail. When the door is shut, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks in place. A hasp is typically used in commercial buildings because it's cheaper than a deadbolt.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob or handle will simply break, and it is necessary to replace it also.
If your lock is stuck to the key, you can try putting some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or dust it on the inside of the lock, then operate the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob that will expose the internal components and allow you to see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Then tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed along with the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to the locking system. It is placed above the holes for the deadbolts or 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 enhance the life of locks.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it is closed. It is important that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If the strike plate on a door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door can close and latch properly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. One way to check this is to lay a piece of tape across the bolt hole, and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape and then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is vital to use a larger bolt to fix the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely secured to a stud in the trim board. If you don't use the screws that are longer, the doorjamb's wooden frame may split during a kickin attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn. They can also put a new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of the building and its appearance. This could aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the 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 component of your door lock since it carries out the function that locks were made to protect you, your family members and your belongings. It is for this reason that people often have their locks rekeyed rather than replacing them.
It is more difficult to change the lock than simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. A complete change in the lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to change a lock yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
Before you install a new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the right key for your house. A duplicate key won't function properly and may even cause the lock's failure, making it impossible for you to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by making sure you have a a working, real key for your house.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will need the help of a screwdriver. It is possible to keep them in place if new plates are similar to the original ones. This will help you save time. If you need to replace them, make sure you don't overtighten screws, as this can cause them to lose their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will need to measure for the new lock. It is essential to know the door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available can be used today to fit in a standard door's thickness, it's better to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a larger latch or bolt.