Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to show signs that they are worn out. These indicators include having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door locks is surprisingly easy. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the primary security for your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that activates the lock. So, you will want to make sure that your new deadbolt meets your requirements. If possible, choose the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the outside to stop drilling by anyone else. The interior side of the deadbolt should also be mortised into your door frame to increase security.
When you install the deadbolt make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate when you close and lock the door. If it isn't, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate, and then put the deadbolt back in place. Make sure the latch on the doorknob meets the deadbolt hole when you lock and close the door, too.
Check that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template that shows you how far above the doorknob that the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is right for your doors. They can guide 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 it's the right length. Screw the faceplate of the latch into place if your new deadbolt has one. It's also a good idea to attach the faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets have the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functioning latch. If you're able to choose to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws used to install the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened through a thumb-turn and others have two cylinders that allow both keyed and non-keyed access. It's best to choose the lock that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the side however it can also be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door latch it is essential to ensure you choose the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch against your existing hardware or examine the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to stick with the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure that you receive an appropriate latch that fits properly.
Certain doors have an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot in it to be able to be inserted over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door with the help of a nail. When the door is closed the strap will pull the staple down and locks it in the frame. Commercial buildings employ a hasp because it is cheaper than the lock.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock will wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can fail and it is essential to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, you can put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust it or squirt it on the key, then turn the lock a few times to draw in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob, which will reveal the interior components and let you observe what's going on inside.
Once you've removed all the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. 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 case that must be removed along with the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is affixed to the holes for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the life of locks and increase security.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with a hole, or several holes cut into them. It is attached to the door frame, usually with screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. The strike plate needs to be aligned precisely with the lockset in order to give maximum protection against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to put tape over 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 the area so that the striker will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a longer bolt to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the doorjamb's wood could split during a kicking attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith is able to quickly replace a strike plate that has been damaged or worn. Repair My Windows And Doors can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with 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 is the component of your lock that accepts a specific key to shift pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock because it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to perform - safeguarding you, your family members and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.
It is more difficult to change locks than to swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to change a lock yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.
It is essential to have the right key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key won't perform as expected and could cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by ensuring that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. You will need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws that hold them in place. You might want to keep them in place if plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. This will help you save time. If you need to replace them, make sure you don't tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. It is crucial to know your door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. Although many locksets are designed to fit on a standard door's thickness, it's best to have them in advance. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a larger bolt or latch.