What Is The Reason Door Lock Replacement Is Right For You
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to change your locks when they start to show signs that they are worn out. These signs can include issues with turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to set up new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's 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 requirements. If you can, choose deadbolts that are made of case-hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to prevent unintentional drilling. The inside of the deadbolt must be secured to your door frame to increase security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If it doesn't then use a chisel made of wood to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate, and then put the deadbolt back in place. When you close and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.
Check whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks have an example of how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in the field if you are unsure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They should be able to point you towards models that are compatible with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is the right length, you can screw it into the hole of the door. Screw the faceplate of the latch into the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It's also a good idea to screw the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.
Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt, while having an operational latch. If you have the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the faceplate for the latch. repairmywindowsanddoors will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts have one cylinder that is only accessible from the inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder which permits both keyed and non-keyed access. It's best to choose the lock that is commercial grade for maximum security. They've been tested to withstand up to 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 sides but it could be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch it is essential to ensure you choose the right one to match the hardware you have. You can test this by putting the latch up to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.
Certain doors come with a hasp in place of a latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched into it that fits over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door using nails. When the door is shut, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into the frame. Hasps are typically used in commercial structures because it is cheaper than deadbolts.
Locks wear out over time, just like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes the internal mechanism will start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can fail and it is essential to replace it as well.
If your lock is squeezing, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob and reveal the internal components and allow you to observe what's happening inside.
After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Tighten them by turning clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to the locking system. It is placed to the holes that are used for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also improve the life of locks.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat, metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically with screws, onto the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to rest in when it is closed. It is essential that the strike plate is carefully aligned with the lockset to provide the best protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. To replace a strikeplate you must first make sure that it is aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel out the area to ensure that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is essential to use a stronger bolt to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are anchored securely into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb may split during a kick-in attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith is able to quickly replace a strike plate that has been damaged or worn. They can also install the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of the building and its appearance. This can help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the primary part of your door lock, as it performs the purpose for which locks were created to protect you, your family members, and your possessions. This is the reason that many people choose to get their locks rekeyed rather than replacing them.
It is more difficult to replace the lock than simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have a knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock is installed. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is recommended to call a locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
It is important that you have the right key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not function properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by making sure that you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll need a screwdriver. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you may want to hold them in place to speed up the process. If you need to replace them, make sure not to tighten too much the screws because doing so can affect their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you'll be required to measure the door to determine the proper size of the lock. It is important to know the door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. While many locksets can be used today to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's best to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks commercial models might come with a larger latch or bolt.