Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

If the locks on your door start to show signs of wear and tear it's recommended to replace them. This could be due to things like difficulty turning the lock or the lock not fitting a key. fit.

It is good to know that installing new door lock hardware is actually very easy. All you have to do is follow these steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and safer than the latch that activates the lock. So, you will want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If possible, opt for a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that has no exposed screwheads on the outside to prevent unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the inner side of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame.

During the process of installation make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If it isn't then use a chisel made of wood to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate and then re-install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the deadbolt's hole.

Make sure whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. Most patio door locks replacement locks come with a template that tells you how to replace a lock on a upvc door high above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's best to talk to an expert at a hardware store if you're not sure of the backset measurement that is right for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that will work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.

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

Some lock sets come with an attractive or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you have the option that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws used to install the latch faceplate. This will ensure the highest security.

Some deadbolts can only be opened via a thumb-turn from inside and others have two cylinders that allow both keyed and non-keyed access. It is best to select an item that's commercial grade for the highest security. They are tested to withstand up to 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.

Latch

The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It is typically secured by screws on the side, but can be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. It is essential to replace a door latch with the right one for your existing hardware. You can either put the latch up against the existing hardware or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it is best to choose the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit properly.

Some doors are equipped with a havep instead of the latch. A hasp consists of an elastic strap with a slot punched into it that can be placed over a staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door with the help of a nail. When the door is shut the strap is pulled down and secures it in position. Commercial buildings use a hasp because it is cheaper than locks.

Like any mechanism with moving parts, a lock will wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or be difficult to turn. This will require the replacement locking mechanism for upvc doors of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can be damaged and it is important to replace that as well.

If your lock is stuck, use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either squirt some on the key or dust it on the inside of the lock. Then operate the lock a few times to incorporate the graphite into the mechanism. You can also remove the knob with the help of a screwdriver. This will reveal all the components and allow you to see what is happening inside.

After removing the knobs, tighten the two or three screws on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. 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 acts as a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is placed to the holes for deadbolts and door lock replacement master key systems bolts. It assists in keeping intruders away by making sure that the lock's latch is caught by the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. In addition to increasing security, a high-quality strike plate can also improve the durability of locks.

A typical strike plate appears like a flat metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed to the door frame usually with screws, which gives the latch something to sink into as it closes. It is important that the strike plate is properly aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against burglaries.

If the strike plate on a door is damaged, you should replace lock on patio door it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door will close and latch properly. The first step in replacing a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then attempting to test the latch. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape. Then chisel the area to make the strike plate flush with the doorjamb.

After the area has been chiseled it is vital to use a stronger bolt to fix the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely secured to a stud behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wood may split during a kickin attack by an burglar, making the door vulnerable.

A professional locksmith will quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also put a new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. They can also modify existing strikeplates to enhance the security of the building and its appearance. This could help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living space and peace of mind.

Keys

The key cylinder of your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the internal handle can rotate. The cylinder is the most important element of your door lock, because it fulfills the function that locks were made for to protect you, your family members, and your possessions. This is the reason that people frequently prefer to have their locks reset rather than replaced.

It is more difficult to change the lock than simply switch 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 plenty of DIY-friendly kits available that you can use to change a lock yourself however, it is recommended you contact a skilled locksmith to make sure the job is done right.

Before you install a new cylinder and lock it is essential to have the correct key for your home. A key that is a duplicate will not function properly and could even cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by making sure you have a an actual, working key for your home.

The next step is to remove the faceplate, then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you'll need a screwdriver. If the new plates are going to be identical to the original ones, you may want to keep them in place to speed up the process. If you have to replace them, make sure not to tighten the screws too much as this could weaken their grip on the door.

After you have removed the plates, you will have to determine the proper measurement for the new lock. It is important to know the dimensions of your door before visiting the hardware store. Although a lot of locksets available today will fit a standard door thickness, it is best to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a larger latch or bolt.