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5 Door Lock Replacement Projects That Work For Any Budget
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they start to display signs of being worn out. These signs include things like experiencing difficulty turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit.

It is simple to install new door hardware. You only need to follow these steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is your primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that activates the lock. Therefore, you'll be sure that your new deadbolt meets your needs. If you can, choose deadbolts made of case hardened steel and no exposed screw heads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt needs to be mortised into your door frame to improve security.

When you install the deadbolt, check that your new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If not, you can mortise the bolt into the strike plate using the help of a wood chisel before you install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, ensure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the hole of the deadbolt.

Before you install your new deadbolt, ensure that it matches the size of the previous one. The majority of door locks include an example of how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always best to consult an expert in hardware in case you aren't sure of the backset measurement you need for your doors. They will be able to direct you to models that work with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.

Screw the bolt assembly into the door hole after ensuring it's the right length. If your new deadbolt is equipped with a faceplate for the latch, screw it in place as well. It's an excellent idea 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 that allows you to install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you're using this type of lock, a dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as your latch faceplate and it is essential that the two bolts are positioned in a secure way to ensure maximum security.

Some deadbolts can only be opened by thumb-turn from the inside some have two cylinders that allow keys and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select an item that is commercial grade for the highest security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before they are sold to homeowners.

Latch

The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the door. It is typically secured by screws on the sides, but can be affixed to the strike plate of the door jamb. It is crucial to replace a door lock with the correct one that matches your current hardware. You can check by putting the latch up to your existing hardware or by looking at the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it is generally recommended to choose the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you purchase an appropriate latch that fits correctly.

Certain doors have a hasp instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of a strap with a slot punched in it, which fits over a staple. The staple is then fixed to the door or door frame by nail. When the door is closed, the strap will pull the staple down and secures it in the frame. Hasps are typically used in commercial structures because it is cheaper than a deadbolt.

Locks can wear out over time as does any other mechanism that has moving parts. Sometimes the internal mechanism can "stick" or be difficult to turn. This may require replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes the exterior doorknob will break and it is necessary to replace that as well.

If door locks replacement is stuck, use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can also remove the knob with the help of a screwdriver. This will reveal all the components and let you see what is happening inside.

After taking the knobs off then tighten the two or three screws at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks include an additional set of cylinder screws 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 affixed to the holes that are used for deadbolts or master key system bolts. It keeps intruders at bay 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 durability of locks as well as improve security.

Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with a hole or a series of holes, cut into them. It is fastened, usually using screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to rest in when it is closed. The strike plate needs to be aligned precisely with the lockset to provide the greatest protection against burglaries.

If the strike plate of the door is damaged, you must replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that your door will close and latch properly. To replace a strikeplate, you must first make sure that it is correctly aligned with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. An easy way to accomplish this is to place a piece of tape across the bolt hole, and then test the latch by closing and opening the door. 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 has been chiseled, it is vital to use a larger bolt to secure the strike plate. They must be at least 3 inches in length to ensure they are anchored securely into a stud which is behind the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, then the doorjamb's wood could split during a kickin attack by an burglar, making the door vulnerable.

A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also put the new strike plate onto doors that have never had one before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This can aid property owners in attracting tenants who want a secure living space and 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 rotate. The key cylinder is the most crucial part of your door lock, as it performs the purpose for which locks were created - to protect your family, you, and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a economical option than replacing them.

It is more difficult to replace the lock than simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. Changing the entire lock requires removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle if you have a knob-lock combination) and installing a new one in its place. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace a door lock. However, it is recommended to speak with a locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly.

Before you install the new cylinder and lock it is crucial to have the correct key for your house. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional with experience can help you avoid this by ensuring that you have a genuine, functional key for your home.

The next step is to remove the faceplate and then the latch plate. You will need a screwdriver for the removal of the screws that secure them. If the new plates will be identical to the previous ones, you may wish to secure them to speed up the process. If you need to replace them, be careful not to tighten screws too much as this could weaken their grip.

After removing the plates you will need to determine the measurements for your new locks. Although many modern locksets will fit on a standard thickness of door, it's important to know the dimensions of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you arrive at the hardware store. Doorknob locksets are often different sizes than deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a larger latch or bolt.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/solihull-door-locks-replacement-near-me/