How Much Do Door Lock Replacement Experts Earn?
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It is a good idea for you to change your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These signs can include issues with turning the lock or the lock not fitting a key. fit.
The good news is that installing new hardware for your door is actually very easy. It is all you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that activates the lock. So, you'll want to make sure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your requirements. If you can, choose deadbolts made of case hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to prevent unauthorized drilling. To enhance security, the inside of the deadbolt should be drilled into the door frame.
When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate once you lock and close the door. If not, you can mortise the bolt into the strike plate with a wood chisel, and then 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, make sure that it is the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks come with a template that tells you how high above the doorknob the bolt should be, but it is always recommended to speak with an expert at the hardware store if not sure which backset measurement is right for your doors. They will be able point you to models that are compatible with your door and deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is of the correct length, insert it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it in place, too. It's a good idea to screw the latch faceplate to the frame using the recommended screws as well.
Some lock sets have some lock sets have a "dummy" or decorative bolt, which allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a working latch. If you have the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws used to attach the faceplate for the latch. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts are only accessible by thumb-turn from the inside, while others come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and unkeyed access. No matter which kind you pick it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock for the best security. They are tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are 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 that are located on the side of the lock, however it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. When replacing a door lock it is essential to ensure that you purchase the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch against the hardware you have already installed or look up the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's best to choose the identical brand as your current hardware to ensure that you receive a latch that will fit correctly.
Certain doors have a hasp instead of latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it that is able to be positioned over the staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door with a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls down on the staple and locks in the frame. Commercial buildings use a hasp because it is cheaper than a lock.
Locks are susceptible to wear and tear over time like any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob on the outside will be damaged and it is important to replace that as well.
If your lock is stuck, put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or rub it onto the inside of the lock. Then move the lock several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob, which will reveal the internal components and let you see what's going on inside.
Once you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set of cylinder screws 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 or deadbolt bolt system, strengthens and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is caught by the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the durability of locks and increase security.
Standard strike plates are flat pieces of metal with holes, or several holes cut into them. It is attached to the door frame usually with screws, to give the latch something to sink into as it closes. It is crucial that the strike plate be properly aligned with the lockset in order to offer maximum protection against break-ins.
If the strike plate of the door is damaged, you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that the door can close and latch correctly. When replacing a strikeplate, first check that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece of adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch doesn't work it, take the tape off. Then chisel the area to create a flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a larger bolt to anchor the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are securely fixed to the stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the screws that are longer, the wood in the doorjamb could split during a robbery attack by a burglar and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a property and improve its appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inner handle can turn. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock since it fulfills the purpose that locks were made to protect your family, you and your belongings. It is for this reason that many people choose to get their locks rekeyed rather than replaced.
It is more difficult to replace a lock than to simply swap out the existing handle and deadbolt. A complete change in the lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. While there are replacement lock for upvc door repairmywindowsanddoors of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace a lock on your own however, it is recommended you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done properly.
Before installing the new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the right key for your home. A duplicate key won't function properly and may even cause the lock's failure which makes it impossible to open. A professional can stop this by ensuring you have an actual, working key for your home.
The next step is to take off the faceplate and latch plate. You'll need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws which hold them in place. It is possible to keep them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. 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 you have removed the plates, you will have to determine the proper measurement to determine the proper size of the lock. Although many modern locksets will be able to fit a standard width of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid any confusion when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes from deadbolt locks, commercial models might have a bigger latch or bolt.