Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's usually recommended to replace them. These signs include things like having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that does not fit.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door locks is actually quite simple. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, so you'll need to ensure your new deadbolt is sturdy enough to meet your needs. If you can, opt for deadbolts made of case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop unintentional drilling. To ensure security, the interior side of the deadbolt should be mortised into the door frame.
During the process of installation Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate once you shut and lock the door. If it isn't use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and re-install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob meets the deadbolt's hole.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks have an illustration of how high the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to consult an expert in the field if you are unsure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that will work with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is of the correct length, insert it into the hole of the door. Screw the latch faceplate in place if your new deadbolt comes with one. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame with the recommended screws and also.
Some lock sets include a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which 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 attach the faceplate of the latch. This will ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts have only a single cylinder accessible from inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder which allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. Whatever type you select it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They're tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of closing and opening 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 is usually secured with screws on the sides however it can be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. It is essential to replace the door latch with the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can check by holding the latch up to your existing hardware or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to use the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you receive the latch that fits correctly.
Some doors feature an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot in it to fit over the staple. The staple is then attached to the door or door frame using a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls back on the staple and locks into the position. Hasps are typically used in commercial buildings because it is less expensive than a deadbolt.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, locks can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or become difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle may break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or dust it on the inside of the lock. Then move the lock several times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob and reveal the interior components and allow you to be able to see what's happening inside.
After removing the knobs, tighten the two or three setscrews on the edge of the cylinder 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, 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 placed to the holes that are used for deadbolts or master key system bolts. It assists in keeping intruders away by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught by the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also enhance the life of a lock.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to rest in when it is closed. It is important that the strike plate is carefully aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole in 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 doesn't catch, remove the tape and then chisel the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been removed it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are securely anchored into the stud behind the trim board. If you don't use the screws that are longer, the doorjamb's wood could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. Repair My Windows And Doors can also install new strike plates on doors that have never had them before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a building and enhance its aesthetics. This will help property owners attract tenants who are seeking a secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock since it carries out the function that locks were created to protect your family, you and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
The procedure of replacing a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the existing deadbolt or handle-lock combination. The entire lock must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combo) and putting a brand new one in its place. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly tools that you can use to replace a lock on your own however, it is recommended you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done right.
It is crucial to have the right key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not function properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A skilled 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. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. You might want to keep them in place if new plates are identical to the original ones. This will cut down on time. If you need to replace them, be careful not to tighten too much the screws because doing so can affect their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. Although many modern locksets will fit a standard thickness of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes from deadbolt locks, commercial models might have a larger bolt or latch.