Door Lock Replacement 101 The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's a good idea to replace them. This could be due to having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that isn't fitting.
Fortunately, putting in new door lock hardware is actually very easy. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, therefore you'll want to make sure your new deadbolt is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If you can, select a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that does not have visible screwheads on its exterior to prevent unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the inside of your deadbolt must be mortised into the door frame.
During the installation process make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate after you lock and close the door. If not, make a mortise bolt in the strike plate with a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks come with a design that tells you how high above the doorknob that the bolt should be. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is right 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. Screw the latch faceplate in the hole if the new deadbolt is equipped with one. It is a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws as well.
Certain lock sets come with some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you're able to use this feature the dummy bolt must be installed with the same screws as the latch faceplate, and it's important that the two bolts are positioned correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade for 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 that retracts the bolt when you shut or open the door. It's typically held in place by screws on the side of the lock, however it may also be fastened to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door latch it is essential to make sure you get the right one to match your existing hardware. You can test this by putting the latch up to the hardware you have already, or by looking at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then nailed to the frame of the door or door with a nail. When the door is shut, the strap is pulled down and locks it in position. Commercial buildings use a hasp because it is cheaper than a lock.
Repair My Windows And Doors wear out over time, just like any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or become difficult to turn. This may require 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, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust or squirt it on the key, and then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can remove the knob using a screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to observe what's going on inside the.
After removing the knobs then tighten the two or three setscrews on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder screws on the rear of the case. These must be removed, along with the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to the locking system. It is affixed to the holes for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. 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 high-quality strike plate can also improve the longevity of the lock.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat, metal plate with holes or sets of holes cut into it. It is anchored, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch a place to rest in when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against break-ins.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is vital to use a larger bolt to secure the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb could break during a robbery 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 have never had them before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building and its appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The cylinder is the most important element of your door lock because it fulfills the function for which locks were designed to protect you, your family members, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective option than replacing them.
It is more complicated to change a lock than to simply swap out the existing 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 a door lock. However, it is recommended to call a locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
Before installing a new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the correct key for your home. A key that is duplicate won't work and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this by ensuring you have a working, real key for your home.
Next, you will need to take off the faceplate and latch plate. You will need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws that secure them. You might want to keep them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you have to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.
After removing the plates you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. While most modern locksets can fit on a standard thickness of door, it's recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you go to the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets will often differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models may have an additional bolt or latch.