Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's a good idea to replace the locks. These signs include things like experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that isn't fitting.
Fortunately, putting in new hardware for your door is actually quite simple. It is all you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, so you'll want to make sure your new deadbolt is strong enough for your needs. If you can, opt for deadbolts that are made of case-hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be inserted into the door frame to increase security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt of your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If it does not then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole in the strike plate, and then install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the deadbolt's hole.
Before installing the new deadbolt, make sure whether it's the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks have an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to consult an expert in the field in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They should be able to point you in the direction of models that work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure that it is the right length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a latch faceplate, screw it into place as well. It is a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame using the recommended screws and also.
Some lock sets have the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws that are used for your faceplate for your latch, and it's important that the two fit together properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts have one cylinder that is only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. Regardless of what type you select it's best to buy a commercial-grade lock for the best security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It's usually held in place by screws on the side of the lock, but it may also be fastened to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door lock it is important to ensure that you purchase the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can either hold the latch against the hardware you have already installed or look up the label on 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 you receive a latch that will fit correctly.
Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot it to be able to be inserted over the staple. The staple is then fastened to the door or door frame by nail. When the door is closed the strap is pulled down and secures it into position. A hasp is typically employed in commercial buildings since it's less expensive than a deadbolt.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob or handle will simply break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob, which will reveal the interior components and allow you to be able to see what's going on inside.
After removing the knobs, tighten the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case, which must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is fixed to the door frame above the holes that house the deadbolt or master key bolt system, strengthens and enhances a locking mechanism. It assists in keeping intruders away by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the life of locks as well as enhance security.
A typical strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch a place to sink into when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to offer maximum protection against break-ins.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. One way to check this is to put a piece of tape across the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't catch, you should remove the tape and then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is vital to use a stronger bolt to secure the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely secured to a stud in the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer and the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace a strike plate that has been damaged or worn. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of a building and its appearance. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk could assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a specific key that allows pins to be moved into place so the inner handle can be turned. The cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock as it carries out the function that locks were designed to perform - safeguarding your family, you and your belongings. This is the reason that many people choose to get their locks rekeyed rather than replacing them.
It is more difficult to replace locks than to switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combo) and putting a brand new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to replace a lock yourself however, it is recommended you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done right.
It is important that you have the correct key before you can install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can stop this from happening by ensuring that you have a an authentic, functioning key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will require a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the original ones. This will cut down on time. If you need to replace them, make sure not to overtighten the screws as this could weaken their grip on the door.
After taking off the plates, you'll be required to measure the door for the new lock. While most modern locksets can fit a standard thickness of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid frustration when you arrive at the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets tend to differ in size from deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can have an additional latch or bolt.