Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These signs include things like having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that does not fit.
It is easy to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these simple steps.
door locks replacement harlow is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch which activates the lock. So, you'll want to make sure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your requirements. If you can, select deadbolts made of case-hardened steel that has no exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To ensure security, the interior side of the deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If it doesn't then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole in the strike plate and install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob meets the deadbolt hole when you close and lock the door, too.
Before installing your new deadbolt, check that it matches the 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 of the backset measurement that is appropriate for your doors. They can direct you to models that work with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
After you've confirmed that your new bolt assembly is the correct length, insert it into the hole of the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a latch faceplate, screw it into the frame as well. It's an excellent idea to screw the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Some lock sets have the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a working latch. If you have this option, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as the faceplate of the latch and it's crucial that the two bolts are positioned correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only via a thumb-turn from inside some have two cylinders that allow keys and non-keyed access. Regardless of what type you choose, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the sides but it could be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to make sure you get the right one to match your existing hardware. You can either put the latch against the existing hardware or check the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to use the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you receive the latch that fits perfectly.
Certain doors come with a hasp in place of a latch. A hasp is a strap that has a slot in it to be able to be inserted over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door frame or door using the help of a nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls back on the staple and locks into the position. Commercial buildings use a hasp as it is cheaper than locks.
Locks wear out over time, just like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism could "stick" or be difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can fail and it is essential to replace that as well.
If your lock is sticking to the key, you can try putting some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, and then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob, which will reveal the interior components and allow you to see what's going on inside the.
After you've removed the knobs, find the cylinder's two or three setscrews along the edge of the cylinder. Then tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the rear of the case. These must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is affixed to the holes for deadbolts or master key system bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a high-quality strike plate can also enhance the durability of the lock.
Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with holes, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually with screws, onto the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to rest in when it is closed. The strike plate must be precisely aligned with the lockset to provide maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to put tape over the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and then chisel the area to ensure that the strike plate will be in line with the doorjamb.
After the area has been cut out it is crucial to use a more powerful screw to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches long in order to ensure they are anchored securely into the stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws and the wood in the doorjamb could break during a kick-in attack by a burglar, and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This can help property owners attract tenants who want a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder in your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inner handle can turn. The key cylinder is the primary component of your door lock because it fulfills the function for which locks were created to safeguard your family, you, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a economical option than replacing them.
The replacement of locks is more difficult than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle lock. The entire lock must be replaced by taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combo) and putting a brand new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly tools that you can use to change a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done right.
Before you can install a new cylinder and lock it is crucial to have the correct key for your home. A duplicate key will not perform as expected and could cause the lock to fail which makes it impossible 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 remove the faceplate and then the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you'll need an screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be similar to the original ones, you may wish to hold them in place to save time. If you must replace them, take care not to overtighten the screws because doing so can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates, you'll be required to measure the door to determine the proper size of the lock. It is essential to know your door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. While many locksets today will fit a standard door thickness, it's better to have them in advance. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locksets. Commercial models may have a slightly larger latch or bolt.