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Door Lock Replacement – What You Need to Know If the locks on your door begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear it's an ideal time to replace them. This could be due to issues with turning the lock or the lock not fitting a key. fit. It is simple to set up new door hardware. It is 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 safer than the latch that opens the lock. So, you will want to make sure that your new deadbolt meets your needs. If you can, select a deadbolt made of case-hardened steel that has no visible screwheads on its exterior to prevent unauthorized drilling. To increase security, the inside of your deadbolt must be drilled into the door frame. During the installation process, check that your new deadbolt's bolt slides smoothly into the strike plate when you lock and close the door. If it does not, use a wood chisel to make a mortise for the bolt hole in the strike plate, and then install the deadbolt. Make sure the latch on the doorknob is in contact with the hole for the deadbolt when you lock and close the door, too. Before you install your new deadbolt, check whether it's the same size of the old one. The majority of door locks come with a template 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 of the backset measurement that is right for your doors. They can guide you towards models that are compatible with your door and the existing deadbolt opening. After ensuring that the new bolt assembly is of the proper length, screw it into the hole of the door. Screw the faceplate of the latch into the hole if the new deadbolt has one. It's a good idea to fix the latch faceplate onto the frame with the recommended screws as well. Some lock sets include the option of a “dummy” or decorative bolt, which allows you to put in the keyed deadbolt and still have a working latch. If you have this option, a dummy bolt should be installed with the same screws as your faceplate of the latch and it's crucial that the two fit together in a secure way to ensure maximum security. Some deadbolts are only accessible via a thumb-turn from inside some have two cylinders that allow both keyed and unkeyed access. Regardless of what kind you pick it's a good idea to buy a commercial grade lock for the highest level of security. They are usually tested to withstand 250,000 open and close cycles before being sold to homeowners. Latch The latch is the component of the lock that retracts the bolt to open and close the door. It's usually held in place by screws on the side of the lock, but it could also be fixed to the strike plate or the inside of the jamb. It's important that you replace a door latch with the correct one that matches your existing hardware. You can check by putting the latch next to your existing hardware or you can look on the label of the replacement. Dunn Lumber carries a variety of brands, however it's generally best to stick with the same brand as your existing hardware to ensure you purchase a latch that will fit perfectly. Certain doors have the appearance of a hasp, instead of latch. A hasp is a piece of strap that has a slot in it that allows it to be placed over staples. The staple is then fixed to the door or door frame by nail. When the door is closed the strap is pulled down and locks it into place. A hasp is usually used in commercial structures because it's less expensive than deadbolts. Like all mechanisms with moving parts, locks can wear out from frequent use over time. Sometimes the internal mechanism will begin to “stick” and become difficult to turn, requiring to replace the entire lockset. Sometimes, the exterior handle or doorknob will break, making it necessary to replace it too. If your lock is stuck, you can use some graphite inside the keyhole. You can either dust it or spray it onto the key, and then turn the lock a few times to draw in the graphite. You can also employ a screwdriver for the removal of the knob and reveal the interior components and allow you to be able to see what's going on inside. After taking the knobs off, tighten the two or three setscrews at the edges of the cylinder by turning them clockwise. Also, remove the faceplate and replace it. Surface-mounted rimlocks have an additional set of cylinder screws 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 affixed above the holes for the deadbolts and master key systems bolts. It keeps intruders out by making sure that the latch of the lock 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 standard strike plate looks like a flat, metal plate with a hole or set of holes cut into it. It is attached to the door frame, usually using screws, which gives the latch something to sink into when it closes. It is essential that the strike plate is properly 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 close and latch correctly. The first step to replace a strike plate is to ensure that it is aligned properly with the bolt hole inside the doorjamb. This can be done by placing a piece adhesive tape over the bolt hole and then testing the latch. If the latch doesn't catch, you should remove the tape and chisel out the area so that the striker will be in line with the doorjamb. Once the area is cut out it is crucial to use a larger screw to anchor the strike plate. The screws should be at minimum three inches long to ensure that they are securely fixed to a stud in the trim board. If you do not install the longer screws, the doorjamb's wood could split during a kickin attack by a burglar, leaving the door vulnerable. A professional locksmith will swiftly replace a damaged or worn-out strike plate. They can also install the new strike plate onto the door that hasn't had one before. In addition, they can upgrade existing strike plates to improve the security of a property and improve its appearance. This can help property owners attract tenants who want a secure living environment and more peace of mind. Keys The key cylinder inside your lock is the part that receives the key to move pins so that the inner handle can rotate. The key cylinder is the most crucial component of your door lock because it fulfills the purpose that locks were designed to protect you, your family members and your possessions. This is the reason that many people choose to have their locks rekeyed instead of replacing them. It is more complicated to change the lock than simply swap out the existing 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 combination) and then installing a new one in its place. Although there are you can try here of DIY-friendly tools that can be used 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 correct key before you can install your new lock and cylinder. A duplicate key won't work properly and could cause the lock's failure and make it impossible for you to open. A professional can help prevent this from happening by making sure you have a a working, real key for your house. The next step is to remove the faceplate and then the latch plate. You'll need a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold them in place. If the new plates will be similar to the original ones, you may wish to secure them to save time. If you must replace them, be careful 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 to measure the new locks. While most modern locksets can fit a standard thickness of door, it is recommended to know the measurements of your door prior to installation to avoid frustration when you visit the hardware store. Be aware that doorknob locksets can differ in size from deadbolt locksets and that commercial models can come with an additional latch or bolt.