Five Door Lock Replacement Lessons From The Professionals
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to show signs of wear and tear, it's a good idea to replace them. This could be due to things like having trouble turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
Fortunately, putting in new door lock hardware is actually quite simple. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the main defense of your door against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, so you'll need to ensure your new deadbolt is strong enough for your needs. If possible, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. The interior side of the deadbolt must be inserted into the door frame to improve security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate while you shut and lock the doors. If it isn't use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole in the strike plate and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob aligns with the hole in the deadbolt when you close and lock 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 an example of how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to consult an expert in the field if you are unsure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They can direct you to models that are compatible with your door and deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it is the correct length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a latch faceplate, screw it in place, too. It's an excellent idea to attach the faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you're given the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws that are used to install the faceplate of the latch. This will ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature a single cylinder that's only accessible from inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder which permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. Whatever type you choose, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They're tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the side but it could be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. It is crucial to replace a door latch with the correct one for your existing hardware. You can verify this by holding the latch up to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit properly.
Certain doors come with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of a strap with a slot punched in it, which is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door with a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls back on the staple and locks into the position. Commercial buildings employ a hasp because it is cheaper than a lock.
Locks wear out over time, just like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can be damaged and it is important to replace it as well.
If simply click the next document is stuck to the key, you can try putting some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to draw in the graphite. You can remove the knob using an screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to observe what's going on inside the.
After removing the knobs and tightening the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case, which must be removed, along with the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is attached to the holes for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is secured in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a high-quality strike plate can also improve the longevity of a lock.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame usually using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. The strike plate needs to be aligned precisely with the lockset to ensure the greatest protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door will latch and close properly. To replace a strikeplate, first check that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch doesn't catch, you should remove the tape and then chisel the area so that the striker will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area is chiseled out, it is important to use a more powerful screw to fix the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are anchored securely into a stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kickin attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that's been damaged or worn. 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 enhance the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This can help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is a part of your lock that accepts a particular key that allows pins to be moved into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock because it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to do - protecting you, your family members and your possessions. This is the reason that many people choose to get their locks rekeyed instead of replaced.
It is more difficult to change a lock than to simply change the handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock is installed. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a lock on your own, it is recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done properly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A skilled professional can help you avoid this by making sure you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, then the latch plate. You'll need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws which hold them in place. If the new plates will be identical to the previous ones, you may want to keep them in place to save time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to tighten too much the screws as this could affect their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. Although many modern 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 any confusion when you visit the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes than deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can come with a slightly larger latch or bolt.