Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's generally an ideal time to replace the locks. This could be due to having trouble turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door is actually very easy. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the primary defense of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock. Therefore, you'll want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If possible, look for a deadbolt that's made with case hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to stop drilling that isn't authorized. The interior side of the deadbolt should also be secured to your door frame to improve security.
During the installation, ensure that the bolt on your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate when you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt in the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the deadbolt's hole.
Before installing the new deadbolt, check that it matches the size of the old one. 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 speak with a hardware expert for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require 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 of the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. If the new deadbolt comes with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place as well. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the screws recommended by experts, in addition.
Some lock sets include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning latch. If you're using this type of lock, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as the faceplate of the latch, and it's important to ensure that both bolts fit correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. No matter which type you choose, it's a good idea to buy a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They're 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's typically held in place by screws that are located on the side of the lock, but it may also be fastened to the strike plate or to the inside of the jamb. It's important that you replace a door latch with the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can either hold the latch up against the hardware you have already installed or look up the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's generally best to stick with the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure you purchase a latch that will fit perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp instead of the latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door by nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls back on the staple and locks into place. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp because it is less expensive than locks.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can break and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or dust it onto the interior side of the lock, then use the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob and reveal the internal components and let you be able to see what's going on inside the.
After taking the knobs off and tightening the two or three screws on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is connected to the door frame, above the holes that house the master key bolt or deadbolt system bolt, reinforces and upgrades a locking mechanism. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the longevity of locks and improve security.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole or several holes cut into them. It is fastened, usually using screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to rest in when it closes. It is important that the strike plate is carefully aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door will shut and latch properly. To replace a strikeplate first check that it is aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to lay a piece of tape across the bolt hole and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't catch then take off the tape. Then chisel the area to create a level with the doorjamb.
After dover door lock repairs has been chiseled it is essential to use a larger bolt to anchor the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into the stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a robbery attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith is able to quickly replace a strike plate that has become worn or damaged. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with them before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance a building's security and improve appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living space and 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 most important component of your door lock as it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to protect you, your family members and your belongings. This is the reason that people often have their locks rekeyed instead of being replacing them.
It is more difficult to replace a lock than to simply change the handle and deadbolt. A complete change in the lock requires taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combination) and putting a brand new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock yourself however, it is recommended you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure the job is done right.
It is crucial to have the right key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key will not perform as expected and could cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible to open. A trained professional 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 remove the screws that hold them in place, you will require the help of a screwdriver. It is possible to keep them in place if the new plates are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, be careful not to overtighten screws as this can reduce their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will be required to measure the door for the new lock. While many contemporary locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it is recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you visit the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes than deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can have an enlarged latch or bolt.