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Door Lock Replacement – What You Need to Know It's a good idea for you to change your locks when they begin to display signs of being worn out. This could be due to having difficulty turning the lock, or a key that doesn't fit. Fortunately, putting in new door lock hardware is actually quite simple. All you need to do is follow these steps. Deadbolt The deadbolt is your door's primary defense against forced entry. It is more durable and secure than the latch that opens the lock. So, you'll want to ensure that the deadbolt you choose to purchase is compatible with your requirements. If possible, choose a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that does not have visible screwheads on its exterior to stop drilling by anyone else. To enhance security, the inner side of your deadbolt must be mortised into the door frame. During installation, make sure that the bolt of the new deadbolt slides smoothly through the strike plate as you close and lock the doors. If not, mortise the bolt into the strike plate using a wood chisel and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the doorknob's latch meets the deadbolt hole when you close and lock the door, too. Check that the new deadbolt matches the old one before installing it. The majority of door locks include an example of how far the bolt should be placed above the doorknob. However, it is always recommended to consult a hardware expert for advice if you're not sure what backset size you require for your doors. They will be able point you to models that work with the doors and existing deadbolt opening. Install the bolt assembly into the hole in the door after making sure it is the correct length. Screw the latch faceplate into place if your new deadbolt comes with one. It's also a good idea for you to attach the faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame. Certain lock sets come with a “dummy” or decorative bolt that allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a functioning latch. If you're able to choose that the dummy bolt is installed, it must be installed using the same screws that are used to mount the faceplate of the latch. This will give you the best security. Some deadbolts feature a single cylinder that's only accessible from the inside using the thumb-turn, whereas others come with a double cylinder that permits both keyed and non-keyed access. Regardless of what type you choose it's a good idea to buy a commercial grade lock to ensure the highest security. They've been tested to withstand 250,000 cycles of opening and closing before being sold to homeowners. Latch The latch is the part that retracts the bolt when you shut or open the door. It is typically secured by screws on the sides but it could be affixed to the strike plate of the jamb. When replacing a door lock it is important to ensure that you purchase the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. You can either hold the latch against the hardware you have already installed or look up the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber offers a wide selection of brands. However, it is recommended to select the same brand that matches your current hardware. This will ensure that the latch you purchase will fit properly. Some doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of a latch. A hasp is made up of straps with slots punched in it, which can be placed over a staple. The staple is then fastened to the door frame or door using a nail. When the door is closed the strap pulls down on the staple and locks it into the frame. Commercial buildings use a hasp since it is cheaper than locks. Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism can “stick” or become difficult to turn. This will require the replacement of the entire lockset. Other times the exterior doorknob or handle will simply break, making it necessary to replace it as well. If your lock is stuck, you can try using some graphite in the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it on the key, 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 let you observe what's happening inside. After removing the knobs then tighten the two or three screws on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. You should also remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back case that must be removed along with the faceplate. 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 systems bolts. It helps keep intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is caught by the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A high-quality strikeplate can increase the longevity of locks as well as improve security. Standard strike plates are flat metal plates with holes, or a series of holes, cut into them. It is anchored, typically by screws, to the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it is closed. The strike plate has to be precisely aligned with the lockset in order to give the greatest protection against burglaries. If a door's strike plate is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as is feasible to ensure that the door can close and latch correctly. The first step to replace the strike plate is to make sure that it is aligned correctly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. A simple way to do this is to lay tape over the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape. Then, chisel the hole to make the strike plate level with the doorjamb. After upvc door locks replacement repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is cut out it is essential to use a larger screw to fix the strike plate. They should be at least 3 inches long to ensure they are securely fixed to a stud that is behind the trim board. If you don't install the longer screws 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 a strike plate that has been damaged or worn. They can also install new strike plates on doors that have never been fitted with them before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to increase the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This could help property owners attract tenants who are seeking a secure living environment and peace of mind. Keys The key cylinder is the part of your lock that accepts a particular key to shift pins into place so the inner handle can be turned. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock as it fulfills the purpose that locks were created to protect you, your family members and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them. It is more difficult to replace a lock than to simply change the handle and deadbolt. The old cylinder, hardware and handle (if you have a knob and lock combo) must be removed from the door before a new lock can be installed. Although there are a variety of DIY-friendly kits available that you can use to replace a lock on your own, it is recommended that you consult a skilled locksmith to ensure the job is done properly. It is important that you have the right key before you install your new lock and the cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, making it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by making sure you have a a working, real key for your house. Next, you will need to remove the faceplate and latch plate. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure them. You may want to keep them in place if the plates you are replacing are identical to the originals. This will cut down on time. If you must replace them, make sure not to tighten too much the screws as this could cause them to lose their grip on the door. After removing the plates, you will need to measure to determine the proper size of the lock. While most modern locksets can be able to fit a standard width of door, it is best to know the dimensions of your door in advance to avoid any confusion when you go to the hardware store. Doorknob locksets tend to be different sizes from deadbolt locks, commercial models might come with a larger bolt or latch.