Door Lock Replacement Tools To Enhance Your Everyday Life
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's generally recommended to replace them. The signs could include things like difficulty turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.
It is good to know 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 defense of your door against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, therefore you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your requirements. If you can, select deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. repairmywindowsanddoors of the deadbolt needs to be inserted into the door frame to increase security.
During the process of installation, check that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you close and lock the door. If it doesn't, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate and then put the deadbolt back in place. When you close and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the hole of the deadbolt.
Check that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template that tells you how high above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert at the hardware store if not sure what backset measurement is appropriate for your doors. They can guide you in the direction of models that will work with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring that it is the right length. Screw the latch faceplate in place if your new deadbolt has one. It's also a good idea for you to attach the faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt while still having an operational latch. If you're using this type of lock, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws that are used for your faceplate of the latch and it is essential to ensure that both bolts fit correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using an open thumb, while other have a double cylinder which allows keyed and unkeyed entry. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of opening and closing 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 on the side of the lock, but it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. It is essential to replace a door lock with the correct one for the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch up against the existing hardware or examine the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to use the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you purchase an appropriate latch that fits correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp in place of the latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched into it that is able to be positioned over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door or door frame using a nail. When the door is closed and the strap is pulled, it is pulled down and locks it in place. A hasp is typically used in commercial buildings because it is less expensive than deadbolts.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism will start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will be damaged and it is important to replace it too.
If your lock is sticking to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob that will expose the inside components and let you observe what's going on inside.
After you've removed the knobs, find the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Then tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate should be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case, which must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is affixed to the holes for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It assists in keeping intruders away by making sure that the latch of the lock is secured in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the durability of locks and increase security.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame typically using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. The strike plate has to be aligned precisely with the lockset to provide maximum protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate on a door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door will close and latch properly. The first step in replacing a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. One way to check this is to place a piece of tape in the bolt hole and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't work, remove the tape. Then, chisel the hole to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a stronger bolt to secure the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely secured to a stud in the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kicking attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith can swiftly replace the strike plate that has become worn or damaged. 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 enhance the security of a building and enhance its aesthetics. This can assist property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inside handle can rotate. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock as it fulfills the purpose that locks were designed to perform - safeguarding your family, you and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
It is more complicated to change locks than to swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combo) and then installing a new one in its place. There are many DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is best to contact a locksmith to ensure the work is done correctly.
Before you install the new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the right key for your home. A key that is a duplicate will not work properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A trained professional can assist you in avoiding this by making sure that you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will need the help of a screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be identical to the previous ones, you might want to hold them in place to speed up the process. If you need to replace them, make sure you don't tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.
After taking off the plates, you'll need to measure for the new lock. Although many modern locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it's best to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks commercial models might have a bigger bolt or latch.