What Is Door Lock Replacement And How To Use What Is Door Lock Replacement And How To Use
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's recommended to replace them. The signs could include things like difficulty turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is good to know that installing new hardware for your door locks is actually quite simple. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It's stronger and more 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 needs. If you can, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel and has no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to prevent drilling that isn't authorized. To ensure security, the inside of the deadbolt should be mortised into the door frame.
When you install the deadbolt make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you shut and lock the door. If it does not, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate and then install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the deadbolt's hole.
Before you install your new deadbolt, check whether it's the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks include an illustration of how high the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to speak with an expert in hardware for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require for your doors. They should be able to point you in the direction of models that work with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it's the right length. Screw the latch faceplate in the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It's an excellent idea for you to attach the faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws as the faceplate for your latch and it's crucial that the two bolts are positioned in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only through a thumb-turn and others come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. No matter which kind you pick, it's a good idea to buy a commercial grade lock for the best security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you shut or open the door. It's typically held in place by screws on the side of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or to the inside of the jamb. It is essential to replace a door latch with the correct one for the hardware you have. You can either put the latch against the existing hardware or check the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to stick with the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you receive the latch that fits correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot inside it to be able to be inserted 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 down on the staple and locks it into the position. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp since it is cheaper than a lock.
Locks wear out over time like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle may break, making it necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, and then turn the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and let you see what is happening inside.
Once you've removed the knobs, look for the two or three cylinder setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the back case which must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to a locking system. It is attached above the holes for the deadbolts or 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. Apart from enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also increase the life of locks.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame, typically using screws, to give the latch something to sink into as it closes. The strike plate has to be aligned precisely with the lockset in order to give the greatest protection 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 in replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then testing the latch. If the latch doesn't work, remove the tape. Then chisel the area to create a flush with the doorjamb.
Once the area is removed, it is important to use a longer screw to fix the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that they are securely fixed to the stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a damaged or worn out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This can help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safer living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that accepts a specific key that allows pins to be moved into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary element of your door lock as it performs the purpose for which locks were designed to safeguard your family, you, and your possessions. This is the reason that people often get their locks rekeyed instead of replaced.
The procedure of replacing a lock is more complex than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle-lock combination. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock is installed. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it's recommended to call a locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the right key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock to fail and make it impossible to open. A skilled professional can assist you in avoiding this by ensuring that you have a working, genuine key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you will require the help of a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the originals. This will cut down on time. If you are required to replace them, be careful not to tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.
After removing the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. Repair My Windows And Doors is important to know the door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. While many locksets today will fit in a standard door's thickness, it's best to get them in advance. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can have an enlarged bolt or latch.