This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Door Lock Replacement
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they begin to display signs of being worn out. This could be due to having trouble turning the lock, or having a key that isn't fitting.
It is simple to set up new door hardware. You only need to follow these simple steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock. So, you will want to ensure that your new deadbolt meets your needs. If possible, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. The interior side of the deadbolt must be secured to your door frame to increase security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If not, you can mortise the bolt in the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the hole of the deadbolt.
Before installing your new deadbolt, ensure that it is the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks have a template showing how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert in hardware in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able point you to models that are compatible with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is of the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place as well. It's a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame using the screws recommended by experts, and also.
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 working latch. If you're using this type of lock the dummy bolt must be installed with the same screws as your latch faceplate and it is essential to ensure that both bolts fit properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts have one cylinder that is only accessible from the inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others have a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed access. No matter which kind you pick it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. These are typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of opening and closing 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's usually held in place 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. When replacing a door lock it is important to make sure you get the right one to match your existing hardware. You can either put the latch up against the existing hardware or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's generally best to choose the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you receive a latch that will fit correctly.
Some doors feature a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it that is able to be positioned over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door with a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls back on the staple and locks in the position. A hasp is typically employed in commercial buildings since it is cheaper than deadbolts.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock will wear out from 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 it too.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or sprinkle it onto the interior side of the lock, then operate the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob that will expose the inside components and allow you to observe what's going on inside.
After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is placed to the holes for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also improve the durability of the lock.
A typical strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with holes or sets 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 has to be aligned precisely with the lockset in order to give the greatest 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 can shut and latch properly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first ensure that it is aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch doesn't work then take off the tape. Then, chisel the hole to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.
Once the area is chiseled out, it is important to use a larger screw to secure the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into the stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the doorjamb's wood may split during a kickin attack by an burglar, leaving 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 a door that has never had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase a building's security and improve appearance. This can help a property owner draw in tenants looking for a safe living environment and peace of mind.
replace upvc door lock mechanism inside your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inner handle can turn. The cylinder is the most important component of your door lock, as it performs the purpose that locks were made for to safeguard your family, you, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
The replacement of a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle-lock combination. The entire lock must be replaced by taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combo) and installing a new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to change a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you contact a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is a duplicate won't work and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering 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 then the latch plate. You will require an screwdriver to take out the screws that hold them in place. You might want to keep them in place if the new plates are similar to the originals. This will help you save time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to tighten the screws too much since this can weaken their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you will be required to measure the door for the new lock. It is crucial to know your door's dimensions before visiting the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available today will fit in a standard door's thickness, it's best to purchase them ahead of time. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes from deadbolt locksets. Commercial models can have an enlarged latch or bolt.