areaseason81

Door Lock Replacement – What You Need to Know It's a good idea you to replace your locks when they begin to show signs that they are worn out. This could be due to having trouble turning the lock, or having a key that does not fit. The good news is that installing new hardware for your door locks is actually quite simple. You only need to follow these simple steps. Deadbolt The deadbolt is the primary protection of your door against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch which activates the lock. Therefore, you'll want to ensure that the new deadbolt you purchase meets your needs. If you can, opt for a deadbolt that's made with case hardened steel and no exposed screw heads on the outside to stop unauthorized drilling. The interior side of the deadbolt must be inserted into the door frame to enhance security. When you install the deadbolt Make sure that the new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If it doesn't then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate and install the deadbolt. When you lock and close your door, make sure that the latch of the doorknob matches the hole of the deadbolt. Verify that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. Most door locks come with a design that tells you how high over the doorknob the bolt should be. However, it's best to talk to an expert at the hardware store if not sure which backset measurement is appropriate for your doors. They'll be able to direct you to models that work 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. If your new deadbolt is equipped with an opening faceplate, you can screw it into the frame and secure it, too. It's an excellent idea for you to attach the latch faceplate using the recommended screws to the frame. Some lock sets come with a decorative or “dummy” bolt that allows you to use the keyed-deadbolt while still having an operational 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 ensure maximum security. Some deadbolts have a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using an open thumb, while other have a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed entry. It is recommended to select an item that's commercial grade for the highest security. They're typically tested to last for 250,000 cycles of open and close before being sold to homeowners. Latch The latch is the part that retracts the bolt whenever you open or close the door. It is usually secured with screws on the side, but can also be attached to the strike plate of the jamb. It's important that you replace the door latch with the right one for the hardware you have. You can verify this by putting the latch next to your existing hardware or look 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 purchase a latch that will fit correctly. Certain doors have a hasp instead of latch. A hasp is straps with slots punched in it that can be placed over the staple. The staple is then attached to the door door frame using a nail. When the door is closed, the strap pulls the staple down and locks it in the frame. Commercial buildings employ a hasp because it is less expensive than a lock. upvc door locks replacement westminster Repair My Windows And Doors can wear out over time as does any other mechanism with moving parts. Sometimes, the internal mechanism may “stick” or become difficult to turn. This could require the replacement of the entire lockset. Sometimes, the handle or doorknob will break, making it necessary to replace it also. If your lock is stuck, you can apply some graphite to the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to draw in the graphite. You can also make use of a screwdriver to take off the knob that will expose the internal components and let you see what's going on inside. After you've removed the knobs, locate the two or three cylinder setscrews that run along the edges of the cylinder. Then tighten them by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have 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, connected to the door frame above the holes to accommodate the deadbolt or master key system bolt, reinforces and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the latch of the lock is held in the plate when the bolt is engaged. In addition to enhancing security, a top-quality strike plate can also enhance the longevity of locks. Standard strike plates are flat plates made of metal with a hole, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is secured, typically with screws, onto the frame of a doorway to give the latch an area to sink into when it closes. It is crucial that the strike plate be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to offer maximum protection against break-ins. If a door's strike plate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the door is able to shut and latch properly. The first step in replacing the strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole in the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole, and then testing the latch. If the latch does not catch, you must remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb. After the area has been chiseled, it is essential to use a larger bolt to secure the strike plate. They should 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 use the screws that are longer or the wood inside the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar and make the door vulnerable. A professional locksmith can quickly replace a worn or damaged strike plate. They can also install new strike plates on doors that never had them before. They can also upgrade existing strikeplates to improve the security of the building and its appearance. This will help property owners draw in tenants looking for a safe and secure living environment and greater peace of mind. Keys The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a specific key to shift pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The cylinder is also the most important component of your door lock since it performs the job that locks were designed to perform – safeguarding you, your family members and your belongings. Rekeying locks is a more cost-effective option than replacing them. It is more complicated to change the lock than simply switch out the existing handle and deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by removing the old cylinder and hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combination) and then installing a new one in its place. There are a variety of DIY-friendly kits that can be used to replace the door lock. However, it's recommended to speak with a locksmith to make sure the job is done properly. It is crucial to have the correct key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key will not function properly and may even cause the lock's failure and make it impossible for you to open. A skilled professional can assist you in avoiding this by making sure that you have a real, working key for your home. The next step is to remove the faceplate, and then the latch plate. To remove the screws holding them in place, you'll need an screwdriver. If the new plates will be identical to the original ones, you may wish to hold them in place to make it easier. If you have to replace them, take care not to overtighten the screws because doing so can affect their grip on the door. After you have removed the plates, you will need measure for the new locks. It is essential to know your door's dimensions prior to visiting the hardware store. Although many locksets today will fit on a standard door's thickness, it is best to get them in advance. Be aware that doorknob locksets can differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models may have a slightly larger latch or bolt.