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 recommended to replace them. These signs can include issues with turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is good to know that installing new hardware for your door is actually very easy. double glazed door lock replacement have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock, therefore you'll want to make sure your new deadbolt is strong enough for your needs. If possible, choose a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the outside to prevent unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt must be mortised into your door frame to improve security.
When you install the deadbolt, check that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate after you lock and close the door. If not, mortise the bolt in the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob meets the deadbolt hole when you shut and lock the door, too.
Before installing your new deadbolt, ensure that it is the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks come with an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it is always best to consult a hardware expert for advice if you're not sure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able point you to models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is the correct length, insert it into the hole of the door. Screw the faceplate of the latch into place if your new deadbolt is equipped with one. It's a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the screws recommended by experts, and also.
Certain lock sets come with a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functioning latch. If you're able to choose that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws used to attach the faceplate of the latch. This will ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible through a thumb-turn, while others come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and non-keyed access. It is best to select a lock that's commercial grade for maximum security. They are tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is usually secured with screws on the sides but it could also be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. It is essential to replace the door latch with the right one for your current 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 carries a variety of brands, but it is generally recommended to stick with the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you purchase the latch that fits correctly.
Some doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door with nails. When the door is closed, the strap pulls the staple down and locks it into place. Commercial buildings employ a hasp since it is cheaper than the lock.
Locks can wear out over time as does any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will fail and it is essential to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it on the key, and then turn the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob, which will reveal the interior components and let you observe what's going on inside the.
Once you've removed all the knobs, locate the two or three cylinder setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten them by turning clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the back case which must be removed, as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is connected to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the deadbolt or master key bolt system, strengthens and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It keeps intruders out by making sure that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the longevity of locks and improve security.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is fastened, usually using screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with a place to rest in when it is closed. It is essential that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to offer maximum protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate on 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 ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. One way to check this is to put a piece of tape in the bolt hole, and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't catch, you must remove the tape and chisel the area so that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is crucial to use a longer bolt to secure the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that they are anchored securely into a stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not use the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb may split during a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can quickly replace a strike plate that's become worn or damaged. 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 aesthetics. This will help property owners attract tenants who are seeking a secure living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that takes a particular key that allows pins to be moved into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The cylinder is the most important component of your door lock since it serves the purpose that locks were made for to safeguard you, your family members, and your possessions. It is for this reason that many people choose to have their locks rekeyed instead of being replaced.
It is more difficult to change a lock than to simply change the handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires 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. There are many DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is best to contact a locksmith to ensure the job is done properly.
Before you install a new cylinder and lock it is crucial to have the right key for your home. A key that is duplicate won't work and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A trained professional can help you avoid this by ensuring that you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate, then the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you will need a screwdriver. If the new plates will be identical to the previous ones, you may want to hold them in place to make it easier. If you must replace them, make sure not to tighten too much the screws as this could affect their grip on the door.
After you have removed the plates, you will need measure for the new locks. While most modern locksets can fit on a standard thickness of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid any confusion when you visit the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks commercial models might have a bigger bolt or latch.