Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea for you to replace your locks when they begin 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.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door 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 more secure than the latch that activates the lock, therefore you'll need to ensure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your requirements. If possible, opt for the deadbolt made of case hardened steel that does not have exposed screwheads on the outside to prevent unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt needs to be secured to your door frame to increase security.
During the process of installation make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate once you close and lock the door. If not, make a mortise bolt in the strike plate using a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the hole of the deadbolt.
Before andover front door locks replacement install your new deadbolt, check that it matches the size of the old one. The majority of door locks have a template showing how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it is 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 towards models that will work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it's the right length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a faceplate for the latch, screw it in place, too. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the screws recommended by experts, in addition.
Certain lock sets have a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you're given the option that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws used to attach the latch faceplate. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts have a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows keyed and unkeyed entry. Whatever type you select, it's a good idea to buy a commercial-grade lock to ensure the highest security. These are typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the door. It is typically secured by screws on the sides however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. It is essential to replace a door latch with the correct one that matches your current hardware. You can either put the latch up against the existing hardware or examine the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's generally best to stick with the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure that you get a latch that will fit correctly.
Some doors are equipped with a hasp in place of a latch. A hasp is a piece of strap with a slot it that allows it to be placed over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the door door frame with a nail. When the door is closed the strap will pull the staple down and locks it into position. A hasp is usually used in commercial structures because it's less expensive than a deadbolt.
Locks wear out over time as does any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may start to "stick" and be difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle will simply break, making it necessary to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, you can apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite. You can also remove the knob with a screwdriver, which will expose all the parts and let you see what is going on inside.
After removing the knobs and tightening the two or three setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks also have 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 that house the master key bolt or deadbolt bolt of the system, reinforces and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It assists in keeping intruders away by making sure that the latch of the lock is caught in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the life of locks and increase security.
A standard strike plate looks like a flat plate of metal with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is fastened, usually with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with a place to sink into when it is closed. It is crucial that the strike plate be carefully aligned with the lockset in order to ensure maximum security against break-ins.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door is able to close and latch correctly. The first step when replacing a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch doesn't work, remove the tape. Then chisel it to ensure that the strike plate is level with the doorjamb.
Once the area is removed, it is important to use a longer screw to fix the strike plate. These should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud behind the trim board. If you do not use the longer screws or the wood inside the doorjamb could split 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 have never had them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of a building and its aesthetics. This can help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inside handle can turn. The cylinder is the most important element of your door lock, as it performs the purpose for which locks were created to safeguard your family, you, and your belongings. It is for this reason that people frequently prefer to have their locks reset rather than replacing them.
The procedure of replacing locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the existing deadbolt or handle lock. The entire lock must be replaced by removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional with experience can assist you in avoiding this by making sure that you have a real, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate, and then the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you will need a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if new plates are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you have to replace them, make sure not to overtighten the screws because doing so can affect their grip on the door.
After removing the plates you will need to measure the new locks. While most modern locksets can fit a standard thickness of door, it is recommended to know the measurements of your door in advance to avoid a headache when you arrive at the hardware store. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a larger bolt or latch.