What To Do To Determine If You're Prepared For Door Lock Replacement
Door Lock Replacement – What You Need to Know It's a good idea for you to replace your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These signs include things like 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 quite simple. All you have to do is follow these simple steps. Deadbolt The deadbolt is the primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If possible, look for deadbolts made of case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop drilling that isn't authorized. To enhance security, the inside of your deadbolt must be mortised into the door frame. During the process of installation make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate after you shut and lock the door. If it does not use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate and re-install the deadbolt. Make sure that the doorknob's latch meets the deadbolt hole when you close and lock the door, too. Before you install your new deadbolt, check that it is the same size of the previous one. Most door locks come with a design that tells you how far over the doorknob the bolt should be, but it is always recommended to speak with an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They can guide you towards models that will work with your doors and existing deadbolt opening. Install the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure that it is the right length. If the new deadbolt comes with a latch faceplate, screw it into the frame and secure it, too. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame with the screws recommended by experts, in addition. Certain lock sets have a decorative or “dummy” bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you're able to choose, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to attach the faceplate for the latch. This will give you the best security. Some deadbolts can only be opened through a thumb-turn some have two cylinders that allow both keyed and non-keyed access. Whatever type you select it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. They've been tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before being sold to homeowners. Latch The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It is usually secured with screws on the side, but can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace the door latch with the correct one that matches your current hardware. You can either hold the latch up against the hardware you have already installed or examine the label on a new. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit properly. Certain doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot in it to be able to be inserted over a staple. The staple is then nailed to the door frame or door with nails. When the door is shut the strap pulls the staple down and secures it into place. front door locks replacement waltham-abbey repairmywindowsanddoors is usually used in commercial buildings because it is less expensive than a deadbolt. Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to “stick” and be difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can 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 incorporate the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob that will expose the inside components and allow you to be able to see what's going on inside the. After removing the knobs, tighten the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed as well as the faceplate. Strike Plate The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is attached above the holes for the deadbolts or master key system bolts. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a high-quality strike plate can also increase the longevity of the lock. Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is secured, typically by screws, to the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with a place to sink into when it is closed. The strike plate must be precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum protection against burglaries. If the strike plate of the door is damaged you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door will latch and close properly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. One way to check this is to place tape over the bolt hole and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch then take off the tape. Then chisel the area to create a level with the doorjamb. After the area is chiseled out, it is important to use a more powerful screw to secure the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are anchored securely into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb may split during a kick-in attack by a burglar, and leave the door vulnerable. A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also install the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance a building's security and improve aesthetics. This could aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living environment and more peace of mind. Keys The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a specific key to shift pins into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock, since it serves the purpose for which locks were created to protect you, your family, and your possessions. It is for this reason that people often prefer to have their locks reset instead of being replacing them. It is more difficult to change a lock than to simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock is installed. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's recommended to call a locksmith to ensure the job is done properly. It is crucial to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key won't work properly and could cause the lock's failure, making it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by making sure you have a a working, real key for your house. The next step is to take off the faceplate, then the latch plate. You will need an screwdriver to take out the screws that secure them. If the new plates will be identical to the original ones, you may want to keep them in place to save time. If you must replace them, be careful not to tighten the screws too much since this can cause them to lose their grip on the door. After removing the plates you will need measure for the new locks. Although many modern locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you go to the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets tend to differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models can have a slightly larger latch or bolt.