Door Lock Replacement - What You Need to Know
If the locks on your door begin to begin to show signs of wear and tear it's generally recommended to replace the locks. This could be due to issues with turning the lock or having a key that doesn't fit.
It is good to know that installing new hardware for your door is surprisingly easy. All you need to do is follow these steps.
Deadbolt
The deadbolt is the door's primary defense against forced entry. It is stronger and more secure than the latch that opens the lock, so you should ensure that your new deadbolt is strong enough to meet your needs. If you can, choose deadbolts made of case-hardened steel and has no screw heads that are exposed on the outside to avoid unintentional drilling. To increase security, the interior side of your deadbolt should be secured to the door frame.
During the installation process make sure that your new deadbolt's bolt is extending smoothly into the strike plate after you close and lock the door. If it does not then use a chisel made of wood to mortise the bolt hole into the strike plate and re-install the deadbolt. Make sure the doorknob's latch is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you close and lock the door, too.
Before you install your new deadbolt, check that it is the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks include a template showing how far the bolt should be located above the doorknob. However, it's always recommended to speak with a hardware expert in case you aren't sure of the backset size you require for your doors. They will be able point you to models that work with the doors and existing deadbolt opening.
After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. If your new deadbolt has a latch faceplate, screw it in place, too. It's an excellent idea to attach the faceplate using the screws recommended to the frame.
Some lock sets have the option of a "dummy" or decorative bolt so you can install the keyed deadbolt and still have a functional latch. If you have this option, a dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws as the faceplate of the latch and it's crucial that the two fit together in a secure way to ensure maximum security.
Some deadbolts can only be opened by thumb-turn from the inside, while others have two cylinders that allow keys and non-keyed access. It is recommended to select an item that is commercial grade for maximum security. They're typically tested to last for 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's usually secured by screws located on the sides of the lock, however it can also be attached to the strike plate or to the inside of the door jamb. When replacing a door latch, it's important to make sure you get the right one that is compatible with the hardware you have. patio door lock replacement can either hold the latch up against the existing hardware or examine the label on the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, but it's best to choose the same brand of your existing hardware to ensure you purchase an appropriate latch that fits correctly.
Certain doors come with a havep instead of a latch. A hasp consists of straps with slots punched into it that is able to be positioned over a staple. The staple is then attached to the frame of the door or door using a nail. When the door is shut the strap pulls back on the staple and locks it into the frame. Hasps are typically employed in commercial buildings since it's less expensive than deadbolts.
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks can wear out due to repeated use over time. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can start to "stick" and become difficult to turn, making it necessary to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior doorknob or handle may break, making it necessary to replace it as well.
If your lock is sticking to the key, you can try putting some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust or squirt it on the key, then turn the lock a couple of times to draw 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 going on inside.
After taking the knobs off and tightening the three or two setscrews on the edge of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rim locks have an additional set of cylinder setscrews on the back of the case, which must be removed, as well as the cover plate.
Strike Plate
The strike plate, which is fixed to the door frame, above the holes that accommodate the deadbolt or master key bolt of the system, reinforces and improves the security of the locking mechanism. It keeps intruders out by ensuring that the lock's latch is caught in the strike plate when the latch or bolt is engaged. A strikeplate that is of high-quality can improve the longevity of locks as well as enhance security.
A standard strike plate appears like a flat, metal plate with an opening or set of holes cut into it. It is anchored, typically with screws, onto the doorway's frame to provide the latch with an area to sink into when it closes. The strike plate has to be aligned precisely with the lockset in order to give 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 will close and latch correctly. To replace a strikeplate you must first make sure that it is correctly aligned with the bolthole of the doorjamb. One way to check this is to put a piece of tape in the bolt hole. Then, test the latch by closing and opening the door. If the latch does not catch, remove the tape and chisel the area so that the strike plate 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 that they are securely anchored into the stud behind the trim board. If you do not use the screws that are longer and the wood in the doorjamb may split in the event of a kick-in attack by a burglar, and leave the door vulnerable.
A professional locksmith is able to quickly replace a strike plate that has been damaged or worn. They can also install an entirely new strike plate on the door that hasn't had one before. Additionally, they could upgrade existing strike plates to enhance the security of a building and enhance its appearance. This can assist property owners in attracting tenants who are looking for a safer living environment and more peace of mind.
Keys
The key cylinder of your lock is the part that accepts the key to move pins so that the internal handle can rotate. The cylinder is the most important part of your door lock since it serves the purpose that locks were made for to safeguard your family, you, and your possessions. Rekeying locks is a more economical option than replacing them.
It is more difficult to change a lock than to simply change the handle and deadbolt. The entire lock must be replaced by removal of the old cylinder as well as hardware from the door (including the handle when you have a knob lock combo) and then installing a new one in its place. While there are a number of DIY-friendly tools that you can use to replace a lock on your own however, it is recommended you speak with a professional locksmith to ensure that the job is done correctly.
It is essential to have the right key before you install your new lock and cylinder. A key that is duplicate will not work properly and could cause the lock to fail completely, rendering it impossible to open. A professional can help prevent this by ensuring you have an actual, working key for your home.

The next step is to remove the faceplate and the latch plate. To remove the screws that hold them in place, you'll need the help of a screwdriver. You might want to keep them in place if new plates are identical to the originals. This will cut down on time. If you need to replace them, take care not to tighten the screws too much since this can cause them to lose their grip on the door.
After removing the plates you will need measure for the new locks. It is important to know the dimensions of your door prior to visiting the hardware store. Although many locksets today will fit on a standard door's thickness, it's better to purchase them ahead of time. Doorknob locksets can be different sizes from deadbolt locks and commercial models may have a bigger bolt or latch.