How Door Lock Replacement Arose To Be The Top Trend In Social Media
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to replace your locks when they start to display signs of being worn out. These indicators include having trouble turning the lock, or having a key that isn't fitting.
The good news is that installing new door lock hardware is surprisingly easy. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your primary defense of your door against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you'll want to make sure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If possible, choose a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt should also be secured to your door frame to improve security.
During the process of installation Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate once you lock and close the door. If it doesn't, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate, and then install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.
Check whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. Most door locks come with a template that shows you how far above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is appropriate for your doors. They will be able point you to models that will work with your door and deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it is the correct length. If your new deadbolt has an opening faceplate, you can screw it into the frame as well. It's also a good idea for you to attach the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
repairmywindowsanddoors include the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a working latch. If you're able to choose that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to install the latch faceplate. This will ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts have one cylinder that is only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed entry. It is best to select a lock that is commercial grade for the highest security. They've been tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you open or close the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the side however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to ensure that you purchase the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch against your existing hardware or look up the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it's best to select a brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp in place of a latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot inside it to be able to be inserted over staples. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door with the help of a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into place. Commercial buildings utilize a hasp since it is less expensive than the lock.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or be difficult to turn. This may require replacement of the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle may break, making it necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck it is possible to try using some graphite in the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or rub it onto the inside of the lock. Then move the lock several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob and reveal the interior components and let you see what's happening inside.
After taking the knobs off, tighten the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. It is also recommended to remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder screws 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 the locking system. It is affixed above the holes for the deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It assists in keeping intruders away by making sure that the lock's latch is caught by the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance 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 secured, typically using screws, to the frame of a doorway to give the latch a place to rest in when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If the strike plate on the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door will latch and close correctly. When replacing a strikeplate, you must first make sure that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.
Once the area is removed, it is important to use a more powerful screw to secure the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely secured to a stud in the trim board. If you do not use the longer screws or the wood inside the doorjamb could split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith is able to quickly replace a strike plate that's become worn or damaged. They can also put a new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building and its appearance. This could help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the inner handle can turn. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock because it carries out the function that locks were created to protect your family, you and your belongings. It is for this reason that many people choose to get their locks rekeyed instead of replacing them.
It is more complicated to change a lock than to simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. While there are a number of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to change a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done right.
Before you can install the new cylinder and lock it is crucial to have the right key for your house. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by making sure you have a an actual, working key for your house.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and then the latch plate. You will need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws which hold them in place. You might want to keep them in place if new plates are similar to the originals. This will help you save time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to overtighten screws as this can cause them to lose their grip.
After taking off the plates, you'll have to determine the proper measurement for the new lock. While many contemporary locksets will fit a standard thickness of door, it is important to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid frustration when you arrive at the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may come with a larger bolt or latch.