Door Lock Replacement Tools To Make Your Everyday Life

Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

If the locks on your door start to show signs of wear and tear it's usually a good idea to replace the locks. This could be due to issues with turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.

It is good to know that installing new door lock hardware is actually quite simple. It is all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is the primary security for your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, so you'll need to ensure the deadbolt you purchase is sturdy enough to meet your needs. If possible, choose a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that has no visible screwheads on its exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the inner side of the deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.

When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate once you close and lock the door. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob meets the hole of the deadbolt.

Make sure that the new deadbolt matches the old one prior to installing it. The majority of door locks have a template showing how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult a hardware expert for advice if you're not sure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able point you to models that will work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.

After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is of the right length, you can screw it into the hole of the door. If your new deadbolt has a latch faceplate, screw it in place and secure it, too. It's also a good idea for you to attach the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.

Certain lock sets come with the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a working latch. If you have the option that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the latch faceplate. This will ensure maximum security.

Some deadbolts have a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using a thumb-turn, while others have a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select a lock that's commercial grade for the highest security. They're tested to withstand up to 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 is usually secured with screws on the sides however it can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock, it's important to make sure you get the right one to match your existing hardware. You can verify this by putting the latch next to your existing hardware or by looking at the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to stick with the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you receive an appropriate latch that fits correctly.

Certain doors come with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of straps with slots punched in 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 the staple down and locks it in place. A hasp is typically employed in commercial buildings since it's less expensive than deadbolts.

Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will be damaged and it is important to replace it as well.

If your lock is squeezing to the key, you can try putting some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, then turn the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob that will expose the internal components and allow you to see what's happening inside.

Once you've removed all the knobs, look for the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder and tighten them by turning them clockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed, as well as 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 held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a good strike plate can also enhance the longevity of locks.

A standard strike plate appears like a flat metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is secured, typically with screws, onto the doorway's frame to provide the latch with a place to sink into when it closes. The strike plate must be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to give the greatest protection against burglaries.

If the strike plate on a door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your door will latch and close correctly. To replace a strikeplate you must first ensure that it is aligned with the bolthole in the doorjamb. This can be done easily by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel out the area to ensure that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.

After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a stronger bolt to secure the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to the stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer, the doorjamb's wood could split during a kicking attack by an burglar, leaving the door vulnerable.

A professional locksmith can quickly replace the strike plate that has become worn or damaged. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never been fitted with them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to increase the security of a building and its aesthetics. This could help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe and secure living environment and peace of mind.

Keys

The key cylinder in your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is also the most important part of your door lock because it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to protect you, your family and your possessions. It is for this reason that people often get their locks rekeyed instead of replacing them.

front door locks replacement waltham-abbey repairmywindowsanddoors  of replacing locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the current handle-lock combo or deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combo) and putting a brand new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that can be used to replace a lock yourself but it is highly recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure that the job is done right.

It is essential to have the correct key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key will not work properly and could cause the lock's failure and make it impossible for you to open. A trained professional can assist you in avoiding this by ensuring that you have a real, working key for your home.

Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you will need an screwdriver. It is possible to leave them in place if plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will help you save time. If you need to replace them, don't overtighten screws as this can cause them to lose their grip.

After taking off the plates, you will need to measure for the new lock. Although many modern locksets will fit on a standard thickness of door, it's recommended to know the measurements of your door in advance to avoid frustration when you arrive at the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets can be different sizes than deadbolt locksets and that commercial models may have an enlarged bolt or latch.