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Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know

When the locks on your door start to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's usually recommended to replace them. These indicators include having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that isn't fitting.

The good news is that installing new hardware for your door is actually very easy. All you need to do is follow these steps.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It's stronger and more secure than the latch that operates the lock, so you'll need to ensure your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your needs. If you can, choose a deadbolt that's made with case hardened steel and has no exposed screw heads on the outside to avoid drilling that isn't authorized. The interior side of the deadbolt needs to be inserted into the door frame to enhance security.

During installation, be sure that the bolt on your new deadbolt extends smoothly through the strike plate when you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel, and then install the deadbolt. When you close and lock your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob is in line with the deadbolt's hole.

Before installing the new deadbolt, ensure that it matches the size of the previous one. The majority of door locks include a template showing how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to speak with an expert in hardware if you are unsure what backset measurement you need for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that are compatible with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.

After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is of the right length, you can screw it into the hole of the door. Screw the faceplate of the latch into place if your new deadbolt has one. It's an excellent idea to attach the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame.

Some lock sets come with a decorative or "dummy" bolt, which allows you to install the keyed-deadbolt, while having an operational latch. If you have this option, the dummy bolt should be installed using the same screws that are used for your latch faceplate and it's crucial that the two bolts are positioned correctly to ensure maximum security.

Some deadbolts can only be opened through a thumb-turn and others come with two cylinders that permit both keyed and unkeyed access. It is recommended to select an item that is commercial grade to ensure maximum security. They're tested to withstand 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's usually secured by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it may also be fastened to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. It is crucial to replace a door latch with the correct one for the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch up against the hardware you have already installed or check the label on a new. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's generally best to stick with the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure that you receive a latch that will fit perfectly.

Some doors feature an ahasp instead of latch. front door locks replacement plymouth is a piece of strap that has a slot inside it to fit over a staple. The staple is then nailed to the frame of the door or door with the help of a nail. When the door is shut, the strap pulls the staple down and secures it in position. Commercial buildings employ a hasp because it is cheaper than the lock.

Like any mechanism that has moving parts, a lock can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may "stick" or be difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob can break and it is necessary to replace it too.

If your lock is sticking, you can try using some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, and then turn the lock a few times to work in the graphite. You can remove the knob using the help of a screwdriver. This will expose all the parts and allow you to observe what's happening inside.

After taking the knobs off, tighten the two or three screws on the outside of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. The faceplate must be removed and replaced. Surface-mounted rimlocks come with an additional set cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed, as well as the faceplate.

Strike Plate

The strike plate is a reinforcement and upgrade to a locking system. It is affixed above the holes for the deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the bolt or latch is engaged. A top-quality strikeplate can enhance the longevity of locks as well as increase security.


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 using screws, to give the latch something to sink into when it closes. The strike plate needs to be precisely aligned with the lockset to ensure the greatest 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 in replacing the strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to lay tape over the bolt hole and then test the latch by opening and closing the door. If the latch does not catch, you should remove the tape and then chisel the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb.

Once the area is removed, it is important to use a more powerful screw to secure the strike plate. They should be at least three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud behind the trim board. If you do not use the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb could break during a robbery attack by a burglar and make the door vulnerable.

A professional locksmith can swiftly replace the strike plate that has become worn or damaged. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never had them before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This will help property owners attract tenants who are seeking a secure living space and peace of mind.

Keys

The key cylinder of your lock is the part that allows the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the most important part of your door lock since it performs the job that locks were designed to do - protecting your family, you and your belongings. It is for this reason that people frequently have their locks rekeyed instead of replaced.

It is more complicated to change the lock than simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have the knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before the new lock can be installed. There are numerous DIY-friendly tools that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it is recommended to speak with an expert locksmith to ensure that the work is done correctly.

It is crucial to have the right key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is a duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a an authentic, functioning key for your home.

The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. To take off the screws that hold them in place, you will require a screwdriver. You might want to keep them in place if the new plates are identical to the original ones. This will save you time. If you need to replace them, take care not to overtighten the screws since this can affect their grip on the door.

After you have removed the plates, you will need to measure the new locks. It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before visiting the hardware store. While many locksets are designed to fit in a standard door's thickness, it's better to have them in advance. You should also be aware that doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locksets, and commercial models can have an enlarged latch or bolt.

Member since: Sunday, December 1, 2024

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/plymouth-door-locks-replacement-near-me/

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