Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to display signs of being worn out. These signs can include issues with turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
It is good to know that installing new door lock hardware is actually very easy. You only need to follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, therefore you'll need to ensure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If you can, opt for deadbolts that are made of case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to prevent unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inner side of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate as you shut and lock the doors. If it doesn't then use a chisel made of wood to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and then re-install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch aligns with the hole in the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Before installing the new deadbolt, make sure that it is the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks include an illustration of how high the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it is always best to consult an expert in the field if you are unsure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able point you to models that work with your door and deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure it is the correct length. front door locks replacement of the latch into place if your new deadbolt is equipped with one. It's also a good idea to screw the latch faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets have the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a working 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 ensure the highest security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened by thumb-turn from the inside and others come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. Whatever type you select, it's a good idea 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 when you open or close the door. It's usually secured by screws that are located on the side of the lock, but it may also be fastened to the strike plate or the inside of the door jamb. It's important that you replace a door latch with the correct one for the hardware you have. You can either put the latch up against your existing hardware or check the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide range of brands. However, it's best to select a brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit perfectly.
Some doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it, which can be placed over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door with a nail. When the door is closed, the strap will pull the staple down and locks it in position. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp because it is less expensive than locks.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, locks can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can break and it is necessary to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or dust it on the inside of the lock. Then use the lock a few times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob and reveal the inside components and let you observe what's happening inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, find the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed along with the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to a locking system. It is affixed above the holes for the deadbolts or master key system bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also increase the longevity of a lock.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with holes, or several holes cut into them. It is affixed to the door frame typically using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is crucial that the strike plate is properly aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door is able to shut and latch properly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to lay tape over the bolt hole and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out 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 larger bolt to secure the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into the stud behind the trim board. If you do not use the longer screws and the wood in the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also put a new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of the building and its aesthetics. This will help property owners attract tenants who are seeking a secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock, as it performs the purpose for which locks were designed to protect your family, you, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
The replacement of the lock is more complicated than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle-lock combination. The entire lock must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combo) and installing a new one in its place. While there are a number of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock on your own however, it is recommended you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
Before installing an entirely new lock and cylinder, it is important to have the correct key for your home. A duplicate key won't perform as expected and could cause the lock to fail, 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 take off the faceplate and latch plate. You will require a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. If the new plates will be identical to the previous ones, you may wish to hold them in place to speed up the process. If you are required to replace them, make sure you don't overtighten screws as this can weaken their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will be required to measure the door for the new lock. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door prior to visiting the hardware store. While many locksets can be used today to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's better to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may come with a larger latch or bolt.