Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to replace your locks when they begin to display signs of being worn out. This could be due to things like difficulty turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, therefore you'll need to ensure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , opt for the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that has no exposed screwheads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt must be mortised into your door frame to increase security.
During installation, make sure that the bolt of your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If it does not use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate, and then put the deadbolt back in place. When you close and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the deadbolt's hole.
Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks come with an illustration of how high the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to consult an expert in hardware in case you aren't sure of the backset size you require for your doors. They should be able to point you to models that are compatible with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is of the correct length, insert it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a latch faceplate, screw it into the frame and secure it, too. It's an excellent idea to screw the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning 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 for your latch and it's crucial that the two fit together correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible via a thumb-turn from inside, while others have two cylinders that allow keys and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select a lock that's commercial grade for maximum security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles 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 typically held in place by screws on the side of the lock, but it can also be attached to the strike plate or the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to ensure you choose the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can either put the latch against the existing hardware or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's generally best to choose the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure you get a latch that will fit correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a havep instead of a latch. A hasp is a strap with a slot it that allows it to be placed over a staple. The staple is then fastened to the door or door frame using a nail. When the door is shut and the strap is pulled, it pulls the staple down and locks it in position. Commercial buildings employ a hasp since it is cheaper than the lock.
Locks can wear out over time, just like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will be damaged and it is important to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob that will expose the inside components and let you see what's going on inside the.
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 must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks come with an additional set of cylinder screws on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is attached to the holes that are used for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a top-quality strike plate can also improve the durability of a lock.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame, typically using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. The strike plate needs to be precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of the door is damaged you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door will latch and close properly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then testing the latch. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then chisel the area to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.
After the area is chiseled out it is essential to use a longer screw to secure the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure they are securely secured to a stud behind the trim board. If you don't use the longer screws, the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kicking attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also put a new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a building and enhance its aesthetics. This can help a property owner draw in tenants looking for a safe living space and 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 turn. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock as it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to protect you, your family members and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a economical option than replacing them.
It is more difficult to replace the lock than simply switch 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 when you have a knob lock combination) 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 recommended to speak with an expert locksmith to ensure that the work is done correctly.
It is important that you have the correct key before you can install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible for you to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a an authentic, functioning key for your house.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. You will need an screwdriver to take out the screws that hold them in place. It is possible to keep them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. This will save you time. If you have to replace them, don't overtighten screws, as this can cause them to lose their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. While most modern locksets can be able to fit a standard width of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid a headache when you arrive at the hardware store. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets will often differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models may have an additional bolt or latch.