Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to exhibit signs of wear and tear, it's usually a good idea to replace them. This could be due to things like difficulty turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the primary security for your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you should ensure that the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If possible, look for a deadbolt that's made with case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to avoid unintentional drilling. The inside of the deadbolt should also be secured to your door frame to enhance security.
During the installation, ensure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If not, make a mortise bolt into the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you shut and lock the door, too.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks include an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in hardware for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require for your doors. They can direct you to models that are compatible with your door and deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure that it is the right length. Screw the faceplate of the latch into the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame with the recommended screws, as well.
Some lock sets come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt and still have an operational latch. If you're using this type of lock, the dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws that are used for your faceplate for your latch, and it's important to ensure that both bolts fit properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using the thumb-turn, whereas others have a double cylinder which allows keyed and unkeyed access. It's best to choose the lock that is commercial grade for maximum security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening 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's usually held in place by screws that are located on the side of the lock, but it can also be attached to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door lock it is important to ensure you choose the right one to match your existing hardware. You can check by putting the latch up to your existing hardware, or look at the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it is generally recommended to stick with the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure that you purchase a latch that will fit properly.
Some doors feature an ahasp instead of a latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which can be placed over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door or door frame using a nail. When the door is shut, the strap is pulled down and locks it into place. Hasps are typically used in commercial buildings because it is cheaper than deadbolts.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, locks can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or become difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the handle or doorknob will break, and it is necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is sticking it is possible to try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob, which will reveal the interior components and allow you to see what's happening inside.
After you've removed the knobs, locate the two or three cylinder setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the back case that must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is affixed to the holes that are used for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It helps keep intruders out by making sure that the latch of the lock is caught by the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also improve the durability of the lock.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame, usually with screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. The strike plate must be aligned precisely with the lockset in order to give maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door will shut and latch properly. The first step when replacing a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to lay a piece of tape in the bolt hole and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't work then take off the tape. Then, chisel the hole to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is crucial to use a longer bolt to secure the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This could help property owners draw in tenants seeking a secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inside handle can turn. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock, because it fulfills the function for which locks were designed to protect your family, you, and your possessions. It is for this reason that people often have their locks rekeyed instead of being replaced.
The replacement of the lock is more complicated than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle-lock combination. Repair My Windows And Doors must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as 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 tools that can be used to replace a lock yourself however, it is recommended you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done right.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key won't perform as expected and could cause the lock's failure, making it impossible for you to open. A professional can prevent this by ensuring you have an actual, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate, then the latch plate. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. If the new plates are going to be similar to the original ones, you may want to secure them to make it easier. If you must replace them, take care not to tighten the screws too much since this can weaken their grip on the door.
After removing the plates you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. While most modern locksets can be able to fit a standard width of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you arrive at the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a larger bolt or latch.