How Much Do Door Lock Replacement Experts Earn?
Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
When the locks on your door begin to show signs of wear and tear, it's recommended to replace the locks. This could be due to having trouble turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit.
Fortunately, putting in new hardware for your door is actually very easy. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt on your door is the primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock. Therefore, Repair My Windows And Doors 'll want to make sure that your new deadbolt meets your requirements. If you can, select a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that doesn't have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the inner side of your deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
During installation, make sure that the bolt of the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate when you shut and lock the doors. If it isn'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, ensure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the hole of the deadbolt.
Verify that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks come with a template that shows you how high above the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert at an hardware store if you're not sure which backset measurement is appropriate for your doors. They should be able to point you towards models that are compatible with your door and the existing deadbolt opening.
Install the bolt assembly into the door hole, after making sure it's the right length. Screw the latch faceplate into the hole if the new deadbolt comes with one. It's a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame with the recommended screws as well.
Certain lock sets come with the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt that allows you to install the deadbolt with a key and still have a functional latch. If you're able to use this feature, the dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws as your latch faceplate, and it's important that the two fit together correctly to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts come with one cylinder that is only accessible from inside with the thumb-turn, whereas others have a double cylinder which allows both keyed and unkeyed entry. No matter which type you select, it's a good idea to purchase a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They're tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of closing and opening before being sold to homeowners.
Latch
The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you shut or open the door. It is usually secured with screws on the sides however it can also be attached to the strike plate of the door jamb. When replacing a door lock, it's important to ensure that you purchase the right one to match your existing hardware. You can verify this by putting the latch next to the hardware you have already, or by looking at the label of a replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's generally best to choose the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you receive an appropriate latch that fits perfectly.
Some doors are equipped with a havep instead of the latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot in it to fit over the staple. The staple is then fixed to the door door frame by nail. When the door is closed and the strap is pulled, it is pulled down and secures it into place. Commercial buildings employ a hasp because it is less expensive than a lock.
Like any mechanism that has moving parts, locks can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may begin to "stick" and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the doorknob or handle may break, and it is necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is stuck, apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a couple of times to incorporate the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob, which will reveal the interior components and let you be able to see what's going on inside.
After removing the knobs then tighten the two or three screws on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case which must be removed as well as the faceplate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to the locking system. It is attached to the holes for deadbolts or master key system bolts. It wards off intruders by ensuring that the latch of the lock is secured in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also improve the durability of a lock.
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 using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is important that the strike plate be carefully aligned with the lockset to ensure maximum security against burglaries.
If a door's strikeplate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as it is possible to ensure that the door is able to shut and latch properly. The first step when replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is properly aligned with the bolt hole inside 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 doesn't work then take off the tape. Then chisel the area to create a aligned with the doorjamb.
After the area is cut out it is crucial to use a more powerful screw 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 screws that are longer, the doorjamb's wooden frame could split during a kicking attack by a burglar, making 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 have never had them 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 inner handle can turn. The cylinder is also the most crucial component of your door lock since it carries out the function that locks were created to protect your family, you and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
The process of replacing the lock is more complicated than simply swapping out the current deadbolt or handle lock. Changing the entire lock requires removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combo) and installing a new one in its place. While there are plenty of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to change a lock yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional locksmith to make sure the job is done correctly.
It is essential to have the correct key before you can install your new lock and the cylinder. A duplicate key will not perform as expected and could cause the lock's failure which makes it impossible for you to open. A trained professional can assist you in avoiding this by ensuring that you have a working, genuine key for your home.
Next, you will need to take off the faceplate and latch plate. You'll need an screwdriver to take out the screws that hold them in place. You may want to keep them in place if the new plates are similar to the originals. This will save you time. If you have to replace them, be careful not to tighten screws too much as this could cause them to lose their grip.
After taking off the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. Although many modern locksets will fit on a standard thickness of door, it's recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid a headache when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks commercial models might have a bigger bolt or latch.