Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's usually a good idea to replace them. The signs could include issues with turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
Fortunately, putting in new door lock hardware is surprisingly easy. It is all you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that activates the lock. So, you will want to ensure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your requirements. If possible, opt for the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To enhance security, the interior side of the deadbolt should be mortised into the door frame.
When you install the deadbolt, check that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate after you close and lock the door. If not, make a mortise bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the doorknob's latch aligns with the hole in the deadbolt when you lock and close the door, too.
Before you install your new deadbolt, check that it is the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks include a template showing how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in hardware if you are unsure what backset size you require for your doors. They will be able to direct you in the direction of models that work with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure it is the correct length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it into place as well. It is a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame using the recommended screws and also.
Certain lock sets have an attractive or "dummy" bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt, while having an effective latch. If you're given the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws used to attach the faceplate for the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible via a thumb-turn from inside, while others have two cylinders that allow both keyed and non-keyed access. It's best to choose the lock that is commercial grade for the highest security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the door. It is usually secured with screws on the sides however it can also be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace the door latch with the right one for your existing hardware. You can test this by holding the latch up to your existing hardware, or by looking at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it is recommended to select the same brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.
Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot in it to be able to be inserted over staples. The staple is then attached to the door or door frame with a nail. When the door is closed and the strap is pulled, it is pulled down and secures it into place. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp as it is less expensive than the lock.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. door lock replacement repairmywindowsanddoors could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the handle or doorknob will break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is squeezing to the key, you can try putting some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust or squirt it on the key, and then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and allow you to observe what's happening inside.
After you've removed the knobs, find the two or three cylinder setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is attached to the door frame, above the holes to accommodate the master key bolt or deadbolt bolt of the system, reinforces and upgrades the locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also improve the durability of locks.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole, or several holes cut into them. It is secured, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to rest in when it closes. The strike plate needs to be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to give maximum protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door can close and latch properly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. One way to check this is to place a piece of tape across the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is crucial to use a longer bolt to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches long to ensure that they are anchored securely into the stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave 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. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of a building as well as its appearance. This will help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a particular key to move pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock because it carries out the function that locks were created to do - protecting you, your family and your belongings. It is for this reason that people frequently get their locks rekeyed instead of being replaced.
It is more difficult to replace locks than to change the 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 can be installed. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it is recommended to call a locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can stop this from happening by ensuring that you have a an actual, working key for your house.
The next step is to take off the faceplate, then the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you will require an screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will cut down on time. If you must replace them, take care not to tighten the screws too much since this can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you'll be required to measure the door for the new lock. Although many modern locksets will fit on a standard thickness of door, it is recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you arrive at the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models can have an additional bolt or latch.