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Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

If the locks on your door begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's an ideal time to replace them. These signs can include issues with turning the lock or finding a key that doesn't fit.

Fortunately, putting in new door lock hardware is actually quite simple. All you need to do is follow these steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is the primary security for your door against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that activates the lock, therefore you'll want to make sure your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your requirements. If you can, choose deadbolts that are made of case hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to avoid unauthorized drilling. The inside of the deadbolt should also be secured to your door frame cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism increase security.

During installation, make sure that the bolt of the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate while you close and lock the doors. If it doesn't use a wood chisel to mortise the bolt hole in the strike plate and put the deadbolt back in place. When you shut and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt.

Verify whether the new deadbolt is compatible with the old one prior to installing it. Most door locks come with a template that shows you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's always best to consult an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is right for your doors. They will be able to direct you towards models that will work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.

Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it is the correct length. Screw the latch faceplate in place if your new deadbolt is equipped with one. It is a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame using the recommended screws as well.

Some lock sets include a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functional latch. If you have the option to use a dummy bolt, it should be installed using the same screws that are used to install the latch faceplate. This will ensure the highest security.

Some deadbolts feature one cylinder that is only accessible from the inside using an open thumb, while other come with a double cylinder that allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. No matter which type you select 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 part that retracts the bolt when you shut or open the door. It is usually secured with screws on the side however it can be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is essential to replace a door lock with the correct one for your current hardware. You can either put the latch against your existing hardware or look up the label on a replacement upvc door lock mechanism. Dunn Lumber offers a wide variety of brands. However, it is best to choose the same brand that matches the hardware you already have. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit perfectly.

Some doors are equipped with a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp consists of a strap with a slot punched in it, which is able to be positioned over a staple. The staple is then attached to the door frame or door using the help of a nail. When the door is closed the strap is pulled down and secures it in place. A hasp is typically used in commercial structures because it is cheaper than a deadbolt.

Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock can wear out due to 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 handle or doorknob will fail, requiring to replace it also.

If your lock is stuck it is possible to try using some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob, which will reveal the internal components and allow you to be able to see what's happening inside.

After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder's two or three setscrews along the edge of the cylinder and tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the rear of the case. These must be removed, along with the cover plate.

Strike Plate

The strike plate, fixed to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the deadbolt or master key system bolt, reinforces and improves the security of a locking mechanism. It keeps intruders at bay by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the life of locks as well as increase security.

Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with holes, or several holes cut into them. It is anchored, typically using screws, to the frame of a doorway to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it is closed. The strike plate needs to be precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure the greatest protection against burglaries.

If the strike plate of the door is damaged you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that the door will latch and close correctly. To replace a strikeplate, first check that it is properly aligned with the bolthole of 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 doesn't catch then take off the tape. Then, chisel the hole to ensure that the strike plate is level with the doorjamb.

After the area is cut out it is crucial to use a longer screw to anchor the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure that 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 may split during a kickin attack by a burglar, making the door vulnerable.

A professional locksmith can quickly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with them before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance a building's security and improve appearance. This will help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe living environment and greater peace of mind.

Keys

The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a particular key to move pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The cylinder is the most important component of your door lock, because it fulfills the function that locks were made for to protect you, your family members, and your possessions. It is for this reason that people frequently get their locks rekeyed rather than replacing them.

The process of replacing locks is more difficult than simply swapping out the existing deadbolt or handle lock. The old hardware, cylinder, and handle (if you have a knob and lock combination) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. While there are a number of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure the job is done properly.

It is crucial to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could even cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A skilled professional can help you avoid this by making sure that you have a real, working key for your home.

The next step is to take off the faceplate, then the latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you'll require a screwdriver. You may want to leave them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the original ones. This will help you save time. If you have to replace them, take care not to tighten too much the screws since this can cause them to lose their grip on the composite door replacement lock.

After removing the plates, you will need to measure for the new lock. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door prior to visiting the hardware store. Although many locksets can be used today to fit a standard door thickness, it is best to purchase them ahead of time. It is also important to be aware that doorknob locksets will often differ in size from deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can have an additional bolt or latch.