Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's generally an ideal time to replace the locks. These indicators include having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that isn't fitting.
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 security for your door against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, so you should ensure that your new deadbolt is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If possible, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inner side of the deadbolt should be mortised into the door frame.
During the installation, ensure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If it doesn't use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate and put the deadbolt back in place. Make sure the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you lock and close the door, too.
Before you install your new deadbolt, make sure whether it's the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks have a template showing how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it is always best to consult a hardware expert in case you aren't sure of the backset size you require for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure that it is the right length. Screw the latch faceplate in the hole if the new deadbolt has one. It's an excellent idea to attach the faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets include a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you have the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to install the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only through a thumb-turn and others come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and unkeyed access. No matter which kind you pick it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. They are usually tested to last for 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It's usually secured by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it may also be fastened to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. It is essential to replace a door latch with the right one for your existing hardware. You can test this by holding the latch up to your existing hardware, or by looking at the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's best to select a brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit correctly.
Some doors feature an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot punched in it that can be placed over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the door or door frame with a nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls back on the staple and locks it into the position. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp as it is cheaper than a lock.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle will simply break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is squeezing to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or dust it onto the inside of the lock, then move the lock several times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob, which will reveal the internal components and let you observe what's going on inside.
After taking the knobs off, tighten the two or three setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case that 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 placed to the holes for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also enhance the durability of the lock.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with a place to sink into when it is closed. The strike plate needs to be aligned precisely with the lockset to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door will shut and latch properly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to put a piece of tape across the bolt hole and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area is chiseled out, it is important to use a more powerful screw to anchor the strike plate. replace door lock should be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a damaged or worn out strike plate. They can also put an entirely new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This can assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the inside handle can rotate. The cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock since it fulfills the purpose that locks were made to do - protecting you, your family and your belongings. It is for this reason that people often get their locks rekeyed instead of being replaced.
The procedure of replacing locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle-lock combination. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock can be installed. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits that you can use to change a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure that the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the right key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could 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 house.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you will require the help of a screwdriver. It is possible to keep them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will help you save time. If you have to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could reduce their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. It is essential to know the door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. While many locksets today will fit a standard door thickness, it is best to get them in advance. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may come with a larger latch or bolt.