Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know When the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's usually recommended to replace them. This could be due to things like difficulty turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit. Fortunately, putting in new hardware for your door locks is actually quite simple. All you have to do is follow these steps. Deadbolt The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock. So, you will want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your requirements. If possible, choose the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be secured to your door frame to improve security. During the installation, ensure that the bolt of the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate as you shut and lock the doors. If not, make a mortise bolt into the strike plate using the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the hole of the deadbolt. Before you install your new deadbolt, make sure whether it's the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks come with a template that shows you how far above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's best to talk to an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening. After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is of the proper length, screw it into the hole in the door. If the new deadbolt comes with a faceplate for the latch, screw it into place and secure it, too. It's also a good idea for you to screw the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame. Some sets of locks come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt, while having an effective latch. If you have this option the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws as your faceplate for your latch, and it's important to ensure that both bolts fit in a secure way to ensure maximum security. Some deadbolts come with a single cylinder that's only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed access. No matter which type you select, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock to ensure the highest security. They are tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners. Latch The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the side however it can also be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door latch it is important to make sure you get the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can check by putting the latch next to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it is best to choose the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit correctly. Certain doors have an ahasp instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of a strap with a slot punched into it that can be placed over the staple. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door with a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into the frame. A hasp is usually employed in commercial buildings since it is less expensive than deadbolts. Like any mechanism with moving parts, locks can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will break and it is necessary to replace that as well. If your lock is sticking, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a few times to draw in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob, which will reveal the interior components and let you be able to see what's happening inside. After removing the knobs and tightening the two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed, as well as the faceplate. Strike Plate The strike plate, which is connected to the door frame, above the holes to accommodate the deadbolt or master key bolt of the system, reinforces and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also improve the life of locks. Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is anchored, typically using screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch a place to sink into when it closes. It is important that the strike plate is properly aligned with the lockset to offer maximum protection against burglaries. If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door is able to close and latch correctly. When replacing a strikeplate, first check that it is correctly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch doesn't catch then take off the tape. Then chisel it to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb. Once the area is cut out, it is important to use a larger screw to secure the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud which is behind the trim board. If you don't use the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kicking attack by an burglar, making the door vulnerable. A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also put the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living space and peace of mind. Keys The key cylinder is the part of your lock that takes a particular key to move pins into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The cylinder is the most important component of your door lock, since it serves the purpose for which locks were designed - to protect you, your family members, and your belongings. This is the reason that many people choose to have their locks rekeyed instead of being replacing them. It is more complicated to replace locks than to change the handle and deadbolt. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have a knob and lock combination) 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 an expert locksmith to ensure that the job is done properly. Before you install a new cylinder and lock, it is important to have the correct key for your home. A duplicate key will not perform as expected and could cause the lock's failure, making it impossible for you to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a an actual, working key for your house. The next step is to take off the faceplate and then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you will need an screwdriver. It is possible to leave them in place if new plates are similar to the originals. Repair My Windows And Doors will help you save time. If you are required to replace them, make sure you don't overtighten screws, as this can weaken their grip. After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. It is important to know the door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. While many locksets today will fit a standard door thickness, it is best to get them in advance. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets will often be different sizes than deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can have an additional bolt or latch.
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