Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

If the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's a good idea to replace the locks. These signs can include issues with turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.

Fortunately, putting in new door lock hardware is actually very easy. All you have to do is follow these steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch that opens the lock. So, you will be sure that your new deadbolt meets your requirements. If you can, opt for deadbolts that are made of case-hardened steel and has no screw heads exposed on the outside to stop unintentional drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt needs to be secured to your door frame to improve security.

During installation, make sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate as you shut and lock the doors. If it isn't, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole into the strike plate and then re-install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the deadbolt's hole.

Verify that the new deadbolt matches the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks include an example of how far the bolt should be above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in hardware if you are unsure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They can guide you in the direction of models that will work with your doors and existing deadbolt opening.

After ensuring your new bolt assembly is the right length, you can screw it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it into the frame and secure it, too. It's a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws as well.

Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt, while having an effective latch. If you have the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws used to install the latch faceplate. This will give you the best security.

Some deadbolts come with only a single cylinder accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other have a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. It is recommended to select the 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 they are sold to homeowners.

Latch

The latch is the part of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the sides however it can also be attached to the strike plate of the door 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 put the latch against the hardware you have already installed or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it's best to choose the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.

Certain doors come with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of a strap with a slot punched in it, which is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then nailed to the door frame or door with nails. When the door is shut and the strap is pulled, it will pull the staple down and secures it into place. A hasp is typically employed in commercial buildings since it is cheaper than deadbolts.

Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism will start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will break and it is necessary to replace it too.

If your lock is stuck to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or dust it onto the interior side of the lock. Then use the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob, which will reveal the inside components and let you be able to see what's going on inside the.

After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed along with the faceplate.

Strike Plate

The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to the locking system. It is placed to the holes for deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the life of locks as well as enhance security.

Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually by screws, to the frame of a doorway to give the latch an area to rest in when it closes. It is important that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset to offer maximum protection against break-ins.

If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to ensure that it is properly aligned 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 catch it, take the tape off. Then chisel it to make the strike plate aligned with the doorjamb.

After the area has been chiseled out it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to fix the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are anchored securely into a stud that is behind the trim board. If you do not use the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar, and leave the door vulnerable.

A professional locksmith can quickly replace upvc door lock mechanism the strike plate that has been damaged or worn. They can also install a new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of a building as well as 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 in your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inside handle can rotate. The cylinder is the most important component of your patio door lock replacement lock as it performs the purpose for which locks were created - to protect you, your family, and your belongings. It is for this reason that people frequently have their locks rekeyed instead of replacing upvc door Lock and handle them.

The procedure of replacing the lock is more complicated than simply swapping out the current handle-lock combo or deadbolt. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock is installed. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it is recommended to call a locksmith to make sure the work 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 function properly and may even cause the lock's failure, making it impossible for you to open. A professional with experience can assist you in avoiding this by ensuring that you have a working, genuine key for your home.

The next step is to remove the faceplate, then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will need a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if new plates are identical to the originals. This will save you time. If you are required to replace them, don't overtighten screws, as this can weaken their grip.

After taking off the plates, you will be required to measure the upvc door lock replacements to determine the proper size of the lock. While many contemporary locksets will fit a standard thickness of door, it's best 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 than deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a bigger latch or bolt.