Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These indicators include having trouble turning the lock, or having a key that isn't fitting.
It is simple to set up new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, therefore you should ensure that the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If possible, look for deadbolts made of case hardened steel and no exposed screw heads on the outside to avoid drilling that isn't authorized. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be inserted into the door frame to enhance security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt of your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If it isn't then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate, and then re-install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob meets the deadbolt hole when you lock and close the door, too.
Make sure 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 the bolt should be. However, it's best to talk to an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is suitable for your doors. They can guide you in the direction of models that will work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is the correct length, insert it into the hole of the door. If your new deadbolt has a faceplate for the latch, screw it in place as well. It is a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, and also.
Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you have this option the dummy bolt must be installed with the same screws that are used for your latch faceplate and it's crucial to ensure that both bolts fit properly for maximum security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened through a thumb-turn, while others come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select the lock that's commercial grade for the highest security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 open and close cycles before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It's typically held in place by screws that are located on the side of the lock, however it can also be attached to the strike plate or to the inside of the jamb. It is crucial to replace a door lock with the correct one for the hardware you have. You can verify this by holding the latch up to your existing hardware or look at the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it is best to choose the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit properly.
Certain doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is an elastic strap with a slot punched in it that is able to be positioned over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door with the help of a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls the staple down and secures it in position. A hasp is usually employed in commercial buildings since it is less expensive than deadbolts.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle will simply fail, requiring to replace it too.
If your lock is squeezing to the key, you can try putting some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with an screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and allow you to see what is happening inside.
Once you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder and tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews located on the back of the case that must be removed, as is the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to a locking system. It is placed to the holes for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. replacement door lock helps keep intruders out by making sure that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the durability of locks and enhance security.
Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with holes, or several holes cut into them. It is anchored, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to rest in 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 the strike plate of the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door can close and latch correctly. The first step when replacing a strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to place a piece of tape in the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't catch, remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a larger bolt to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are securely fixed to the stud behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, the doorjamb's wood could split during a kicking attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also install a new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a building and enhance its aesthetics. This could help property owners draw in tenants seeking a secure living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that accepts a particular key to shift pins into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the primary element of your door lock as it performs the purpose that locks were made for to safeguard you, your family, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective option than replacing them.
It is more complicated to change a lock than to simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combo) and putting a brand 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 an expert locksmith to ensure that the work is done correctly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by making sure that you have a real, working key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll require the help of a screwdriver. It is possible to leave them in place if new plates are identical to the originals. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, take care not to tighten too much the screws as this could weaken their grip on the door.
After taking off the plates, you'll be required to measure the door to determine the proper size of the lock. Although many modern locksets will fit on a standard thickness of door, it is best to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid any confusion when you visit the hardware store. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes from deadbolt locks, commercial models might have a bigger bolt or latch.