Five Door Lock Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

If the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's usually an ideal time to replace them. These signs include things like experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that does not fit.

It is simple to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these simple steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is the main defense of your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, so you should ensure that the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If possible, look for a deadbolt that's made with case hardened steel and has no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to prevent drilling that isn't authorized. To increase security, the inside of the deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.

During the process of installation, check that your new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If not, you can mortise the bolt in the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. Make sure the doorknob's latch meets the deadbolt hole when you close and lock the door, too.

Before installing your new deadbolt, check whether it's the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks come with an illustration of how high the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it is always best to consult an expert in hardware in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. replacement upvc door locks can guide you to models that will 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 the hole if the new deadbolt has one. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the recommended screws in addition.

Some lock sets have some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt so you can put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning latch. If you're able to choose that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws used to mount the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.

Some deadbolts come with one cylinder that is only accessible from inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed access. Whatever kind you pick it's a good idea to buy a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They are usually tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.

Latch

The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you shut or open the door. It is typically secured by screws on the sides, but can also be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock, it's important to ensure that you purchase the right one that is compatible with your existing hardware. You can either put the latch up against the existing hardware or examine the label on a new. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it is recommended to select the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit perfectly.

Some doors have a hasp instead of latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot punched in it, which fits over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door using nails. When the door is shut, the strap pulls the staple down and secures it in place. Hasps are typically used in commercial structures because it is less expensive than a deadbolt.

Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. This could 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, you can apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or rub it on the inside of the lock. Then move the lock several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also remove the knob with an screwdriver, which will reveal all the components and allow you to see what is happening inside the.

Once you've removed all the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the back case which must be removed, as well as the faceplate.

Strike Plate

The strike plate, fixed to the door frame, above the holes to accommodate the master key or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and enhances a locking mechanism. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the life of locks and enhance security.

A standard strike plate looks like a flat, metal plate with holes or sets of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame typically using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into when it closes. The strike plate needs to be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to give the greatest protection against burglaries.

If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door will close and latch correctly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be flush with the doorjamb.


After the area is cut out, it is important to use a more powerful screw to fix the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, the doorjamb's wooden frame may split during a kickin 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 the new strike plate onto a door that has never had one before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This could assist property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living environment and more peace of mind.

Keys

The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock as it performs the job that locks were created to protect you, your family and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective option than replacing them.

It is more complicated to replace the lock than simply change the 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. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.

Before you install the new cylinder and lock it is crucial 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, making it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a an actual, working key for your home.

The next step is to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will require a screwdriver. It is possible to leave them in place if the new plates are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to tighten too much the screws since this can affect 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. While most modern locksets can fit on a standard thickness of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid frustration when you arrive at the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locksets, and commercial models may have a slightly larger bolt or latch.