What Is The Reason? Door Lock Replacement Is Fast Becoming The Hottest Trend Of 2024?
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to replace your locks when they start to show signs that they are worn out. These indicators include having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is simple to install new door hardware. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you should ensure that your new deadbolt is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If possible, look for deadbolts made of case-hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to prevent unintentional drilling. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be mortised into your door frame to increase security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt of your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate while you shut and lock the doors. If not, make a mortise bolt in the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you 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. The majority of door locks have an illustration of how high the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to speak with a hardware expert for advice if you're not sure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They should be able to point you to models that will work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it's the right length. If the new deadbolt comes with a faceplate for the latch, screw it into the frame and secure it, too. It's a good idea screw the latch faceplate to the frame with the recommended screws in addition.
Some lock sets come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you're able to choose to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws that are used to install the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts have a single cylinder that's only accessible from inside with an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed access. It's best to choose the lock that is commercial grade to ensure the highest 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 component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the side but it could also be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock it is essential to ensure you choose the correct one that matches the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch against your existing hardware or examine the label on a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it is generally recommended to use the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure you get the latch that fits correctly.
Certain doors come with a havep instead of the latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot inside it that allows it to be placed over staples. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door with nails. When the door is shut the strap is pulled down and secures it in position. Hasps are typically used in commercial structures because it is cheaper than a deadbolt.
Like any mechanism with moving parts, locks can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can begin to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will fail and it is essential to replace it as well.
If your lock is sticking it is possible to try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either spray it on the key or sprinkle it onto the inside of the lock, and then operate the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob, which will reveal the inside components and let you see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning them clockwise. You should also remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks 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 attached to the holes for deadbolts or master key systems bolts. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a good strike plate can also improve the durability of locks.
A typical strike plate appears like a flat plate of metal with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically with screws, onto the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to sink into when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset to offer maximum protection against burglaries.
If the strike plate of a door is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door can shut and latch properly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to put a piece of tape in the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch doesn't catch, remove the tape and 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 important to use a longer screw to secure the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you don't use the longer screws, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, making the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also put a new strike plate on a door that has never had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a property and improve its aesthetics. This will help property owners draw in tenants seeking a secure living environment and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the component of your lock that takes a particular key that allows pins to be moved into position so that the internal handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock since it carries out the function that locks were designed to do - protecting you, your family and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a economical option than replacing them.
The replacement of a lock is more complex than simply replacing the existing deadbolt or handle lock. 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 a door lock. However, it's recommended to call a locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
Before front door locks replacement can install an entirely new lock and cylinder it is crucial to have the right key for your house. A key that is duplicate will not function properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a an authentic, functioning key for your house.
The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. You will require a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold them in place. You may want to leave them in place if new plates are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, don't tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.
After you have removed the plates, you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. 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 any confusion when you visit the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks, and commercial models may have a larger bolt or latch.