Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

When the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear, it's usually a good idea to replace them. These signs can 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 actually quite simple. You only need to follow these steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is your primary security for your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that operates the lock, so you'll want to make sure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If you can, select deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that has no exposed screwheads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be secured to your door frame to enhance security.

When you install the deadbolt, check that your new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate when you close and lock the door. If not, make a mortise bolt into 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 meets the deadbolt's hole.

Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. Most door locks come with a design that tells you how far above the doorknob that the bolt should be, but it's always best to consult an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is right for your doors. They can direct you to models that are compatible with your door and deadbolt opening.

Screw 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 faceplate for the latch, screw it into the frame and secure it, too. It's a good idea to attach the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws, as well.

Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt and still have an effective latch. If you're able to choose, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the faceplate for the latch. This will give you the best security.

Some deadbolts come with one cylinder that is only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other have a double glazed door lock replacement cylinder which permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade to ensure the highest 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 part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the composite door replacement lock. It is usually fastened by screws on the side but it could be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. When Replacing Lock On Upvc Door a door latch, it's important to ensure that you purchase the right one to match the hardware you have. You can check by holding the latch up to your existing hardware or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's generally best to stick with the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you receive a latch that will fit properly.

Certain doors have a hasp instead of latch. A hasp is straps with slots punched in it that can be placed over a staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or upvc door locks replacement with the help of a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into the position. Commercial buildings use a hasp as it is less expensive than locks.

Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time, just like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can begin to "stick" and be difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle may break, making it necessary to replace it too.

If your lock is sticking it is possible to try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or squirt it on the key, and then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with the help of a screwdriver. This will expose all the parts and let you observe what's happening inside the.

After removing the knobs and tightening the two or three screws on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also 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, attached to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the deadbolt or master key system bolt, reinforces and upgrades the locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring 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 life of locks as well as increase security.

A typical strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with holes or sets of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame, usually with screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is important that the strike plate be carefully aligned with the lockset to provide the best protection against burglaries.

If the strike plate on the door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door will latch and close properly. The first step when replacing a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. One way to check this is to lay a piece of tape across the bolt hole, and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch, remove the tape and chisel the area so that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.

After the area has been chiseled it is crucial to use a longer bolt to anchor the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud in the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, making the door vulnerable.

A professional locksmith can swiftly replace the strike plate that has become worn or damaged. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with them before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building as well as its aesthetics. This could help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living environment and greater peace of mind.

Keys

The key cylinder in your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inside handle can rotate. The cylinder is the most important component of your door lock because it fulfills the function that locks were made for to safeguard you, your family members, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them.

The replacement of locks is more difficult than simply replacing the existing handle-lock combo or deadbolt. A complete change in the lock requires taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock on your own however, it is recommended you consult a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.

Before you can install a new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the correct key for your house. A duplicate key will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible for you to open. A trained professional can help you avoid this by making sure you have a real, working key for your home.

The next step is to take off the faceplate, and then the latch plate. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure them. If the new plates will be identical to the original ones, you may wish to keep them in place to save time. If you need to replace them, replacing lock on upvc door be careful not to tighten too much the screws as this could weaken their grip on the door.

After taking off the plates, you'll need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. It is important to know the dimensions of your door before visiting the hardware store. While many locksets today will fit in a standard door's thickness, it is best to have them in advance. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may come with a larger bolt or latch.