5 Door Lock Replacement Projects For Any Budget
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to show signs of wear and tear it's usually recommended to replace them. This could be due to experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that does not fit.
It is good to know that installing new door lock hardware is surprisingly easy. All you need 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 which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll be sure that your new deadbolt meets your requirements. If you can, select the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt should also be secured to your door frame to improve security.
During installation, be sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt is extending smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. When you shut and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.
Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one before installing it. Most door locks come with a template that tells you how high above the doorknob that the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure what backset measurement is suitable for your doors. They will be able point you to models that are compatible with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it is the correct length. If your new deadbolt has a latch faceplate, screw it in place 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 replacement upvc door sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt that allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt and still have an operational latch. If you're using this type of lock the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws as the faceplate of the latch and it's crucial to ensure that both bolts fit in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts feature only a single cylinder accessible from inside with a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder which allows keyed and unkeyed entry. Regardless of what kind you pick it's a good idea to buy a commercial grade lock for the best security. They're typically tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing 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's usually secured by screws on the side of the lock, but it can also be attached to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock it is important to make sure you get the right one that is compatible with your existing hardware. You can verify this by holding the latch up to the hardware you have already, or look at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it's best to select a brand that matches your existing hardware. This will ensure that the latch you buy will fit properly.
Some doors have a hasp instead of latch. A hasp consists of a strap with a slot punched in it, which can be placed over the staple. The staple is then fastened to the door door frame with a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls back on the staple and locks it into the position. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it's less expensive than a deadbolt.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks 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. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can break and it is necessary to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob that will expose the inside components and let you see what's going on inside.
After taking the knobs off and tightening the two or three screws on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace upvc door lock it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed along with the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is fixed to the door frame, above the holes that house the master key bolt or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and enhances a locking mechanism. It wards off intruders by ensuring the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. Apart from enhancing security, a good strike plate can also increase the longevity of the lock.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat, metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is anchored, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to give the latch an area to rest in when it is closed. The strike plate must be precisely aligned with the lockset to provide the greatest protection against burglaries.
If a door's strike plate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door will shut and latch properly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to lay a piece of tape across the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then chisel it to create a level with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled, it is crucial to use a longer bolt to secure the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely anchored into a stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb may split during a kickin attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will quickly replace lock in upvc door a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also put an entirely new strike plate on a door that has never had one before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to increase a building's security and improve appearance. This can assist property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living space and peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder is the part of your lock that takes a particular key to shift pins into place so that the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the most important component of your door lock because it fulfills the purpose that locks were made to do - protecting you, your family and your belongings. It is for this reason that people often get their locks rekeyed rather than replacing them.
The procedure of replacing a lock is more complex than simply Replacing lock in upvc door the existing deadbolt or handle-lock combination. A complete change in the lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the upvc door locking mechanism replacement (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combo) and then installing a new one in its place. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it's best to contact a locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is crucial to have the right key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not function properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can stop this by ensuring you have an actual, working key for your home.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll require the help of a screwdriver. You may want to keep them in place if the plates you are replacing door locks are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to tighten screws too much as this could cause them to lose their grip.
After removing the plates you will need measure for the new locks. It is crucial to know the door's dimensions before you go to the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available today will fit a standard door thickness, it's better to have them in advance. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locksets. Commercial models may have an additional latch or bolt.