What Is Door Lock Replacement? History Of Door Lock Replacement In 10 Milestones
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's usually recommended to replace them. This could be due to having trouble turning the lock, or a key that isn't fitting.
It is simple to set up new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch which activates the lock. So, you'll want to make sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If you can, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop drilling that isn't authorized. To enhance security, the inside of your deadbolt must be secured to the door frame.
During Repair My Windows And Doors , ensure that the bolt of your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate as you close and lock the doors. If it does not use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and re-install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.
Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template that shows you how far over the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is right for your doors. They should be able to point you in the direction of models that are compatible with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it's the right length. Screw the latch faceplate in the hole if the new deadbolt has one. It's a good idea attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws in addition.
Some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a working latch. If you're using this type of lock, the dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws that are used for your latch faceplate, and it's important to ensure that both bolts fit in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts have a single cylinder that's only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other have a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure the highest security. These are typically tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles 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's usually held in place by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it may also be fastened to the strike plate or to the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door lock, it's important to ensure you choose the right one to match your existing hardware. You can verify this by putting the latch next to your existing hardware or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it is generally recommended to use the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you receive the latch that fits correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of a strap with a slot punched into it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door or door frame by nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls the staple down and locks it into position. A hasp is typically used in commercial structures because it's cheaper than a deadbolt.
Locks wear out over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle will simply break, and it is necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, you can use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray some on the key or dust it onto the inside of the lock, then use the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob that will expose the inside components and let you be able to see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, look for the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning clockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, attached to the door frame above the holes that house the master key or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the durability of locks and enhance security.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it is closed. The strike plate must be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to give the greatest protection against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door can close and latch correctly. The first step in replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to lay a piece of tape in the bolt hole, and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then, chisel the hole to make the strike plate aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is essential to use a larger bolt to fix the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't use the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb may split during a kickin attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace the strike plate that has been damaged or worn out. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This could help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that takes a particular key to shift pins into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary part of your door lock, since it serves the purpose for which locks were designed to protect you, your family, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
The process of replacing locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the existing deadbolt or handle lock. Changing the entire lock requires 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. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to replace a lock yourself, it is recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not function properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a a working, real key for your house.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will require an screwdriver. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you might want to secure them to save time. If you must replace them, make sure not to overtighten the screws since this can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. It is essential to know the door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. While many locksets today will fit on a standard door's thickness, it's best to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks commercial models might have a bigger bolt or latch.