Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they start to exhibit signs that they're worn out. These indicators include having difficulty turning the lock, or having a key that does not fit.
cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism is good to know that installing new hardware for your door locks is actually very easy. It is all you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the main 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 ensure that your new deadbolt meets your needs. If you can, select a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have exposed screwheads on the exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the inside of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame.
During the process of installation Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt extends smoothly into the strike plate after you close and lock the door. If not, mortise the bolt in the strike plate with the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, be sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the hole of the deadbolt.
Before you install your new deadbolt, ensure whether it's the same size of the previous one. The majority of door locks come with a design that tells you how high above the doorknob that the bolt should be. However, it's best to talk to an expert at the hardware store if not sure what backset measurement is right for your doors. They will be able to direct you in the direction of models that work with your doors and the existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring your new bolt assembly is the right length, you can screw it into the hole in the door. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a faceplate for the latch, screw it in place as well. It's also a good idea for you to screw the latch faceplate with the recommended screws to the frame.
Some sets of locks come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt that lets you install the keyed-deadbolt, while having a functional latch. If you have the option, the dummy bolt must be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the latch faceplate. This will give you the best security.
Some deadbolts are accessible only by thumb-turn from the inside, while others come with two cylinders that permit keys and non-keyed access. Whatever type you choose it's best to purchase a commercial grade lock to ensure the highest security. They are usually tested to last for 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It is usually fastened by screws on the sides but it could be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to make sure you get the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can either put the latch against the existing hardware or examine the label on the replacement. 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 buy will fit perfectly.
Some doors have an ahasp instead of latch. A hasp is made up of an elastic strap with a slot punched in it that fits over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the frame of the door or door with the help of a nail. When the door is shut, the strap will pull the staple down and secures it into position. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it is cheaper than deadbolts.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock will wear out from repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob or handle will simply fail, requiring to replace it too.
If your lock is stuck, you can put some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust or squirt it on the key, and then turn the lock a couple of times to work in the graphite. You can also use a screwdriver to remove the knob that will expose the internal components and allow you to be able to see what's happening inside.
After you've removed the knobs, locate the cylinder with two or three setscrews on the outside of the cylinder. Tighten the screws by turning counterclockwise. The faceplate needs to be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case that must be removed, along with the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a way to strengthen and upgrade to a locking system. It is attached above the holes for the deadbolts or master key system bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the longevity of locks and enhance security.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is affixed 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 precisely aligned with the lockset in order to provide the best protection against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it must be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door is able to close and latch correctly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole 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, remove the tape and chisel the area so that the strike plate will be flush with the doorjamb.
After the area has been chiseled out, it is important to use a more powerful screw to fix the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are securely anchored into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws and the wood in the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar and make the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also put a new strike plate on doors that have never had one before. Additionally, they can upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a building and enhance its aesthetics. This could help property owners attract tenants who are looking for a safe and secure living environment and greater peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the internal handle can turn. The key cylinder is the primary part of your door lock as it performs the purpose for which locks were designed to safeguard you, your family, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a cost-effective alternative to replacing them.
The process of replacing a lock is more complex than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle-lock combination. Changing the entire lock requires taking the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle in the case of a knob-lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a lock on your own but it is highly recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to make sure the job is done right.
It is important that you have the right key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate won't work and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by making sure you have a an authentic, functioning key for your home.
The next step is to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. You will need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws which hold them in place. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you may want to secure them to speed up the process. If you are required to replace them, be careful not to tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.
After removing the plates, you will be required to measure the door for the new lock. Although many modern locksets will fit a standard thickness of door, it's best to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid any confusion when you visit the hardware store. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may come with a larger latch or bolt.