How to Replace Door Locks
Door locks are the first security measure against unauthorized entry into your home. Signs of wear and tear, and even instances such as moving into a new house or burglaries, could trigger the necessity of replacing your lock.
You can determine the size of your cylinder by measuring the distance from the center of the knoblock cylinder to the adjustment screw. This measurement will enable you to purchase the appropriate lock.
Deadbolt
If you're looking to ensure that your door is secure from burglars, it's a good idea to install a deadbolt. The bolt extends into the strike plate that is on the door frame when it's locked, making it more difficult for burglars to gain entry into the door. A single-cylinder deadbolt can be activated with a key on the exterior and a thumb-turn piece situated inside. A deadbolt will only work when it is properly installed.
First, you must determine whether the door already has a hole that is suitable for a deadbolt or if you have to drill it. Mark the location of the hole for the deadbolt on top of the door using the template that came with your lock installation set. Use your tape measure to determine the height of the deadbolt. Then, mark the height on the edge of the door. Use a speed square to draw an even line across the mark you made for the bolt hole.
Next, use a power drill to bore this spot until the hole extends to the other side of the door. This could take a bit of time. Sand the hole and the door edge to smooth it. At this point, it's a good idea to paint or stain your door.
Once the door is ready take off any screws that are visible on the deadbolt. This will reveal the front and back assemblies of the deadbolt, as well as the bolt inside. Remove the bolt and replace it by the new bolt to match your door hardware. The bolt is often attached to a set plate, which you will need to unbolt. Once this is done it is time to cut out the space for the strike plate that is on the door frame.
If your strike plate is out of alignment, it could be because the previous installer failed to mortise it correctly or a weatherstripping has changed the strike's position. To fix this issue you'll need to remortise both the strike plate as well as the deadbolt. Once this is completed, test the deadbolt by closing it and locking it. Make sure the bolt extends into the strike plate, and then test the key to make sure it is able to open and close easily.
Knob
It could make your business and home less secure if the door knob is damaged. It could make it more difficult to open or close the door, so it's an ideal idea to replace the knob. It shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. You can use a screwdriver or pliers to take off the knob or handle that was previously used, but be careful not to harm any of the other components on the door.
Spray WD-40, or a different dry lubricant, on the mechanism of your door knob before you begin. This will help the new lock to slide effortlessly as you turn it. To ensure proper operation, it's important to choose the knob and handle that match the doors you already have. If you don't have a matching knob then you'll have to purchase an additional doorknob and latch plate.
To begin the replacement process, look at the knob or handle to determine what screws are holding it in place. If there are no screws then you can use the screwdriver to wedge the cover plate in between the hidden screws plate.
After removing the old knob take it apart and look for evidence of damage or rust. It's important to clean it off if there are any marks or dents however, you shouldn't need to do anything major if the knob is in good working order.
Install the new knob. It is important to first look over the two knobs to ensure that you've chosen the appropriate one for your door. You'll need to select one with an extender rod that locks with the rod mechanism of the second knob. After you've placed the new knob into the hole then slide it into the latch.
Thread the latch plate screws downwards, then test the spring by pressing down several times. The latch should spring back up each time. Next, install the other new knob and lock it to the rod mechanism of the first knob. Thread the long screws of the doorknob's interior through the cylinder holes on the exterior knob and secure it in place.
Latch
A latch is a metal piece that extends out into the doorjamb to keep it closed. The latch can be operated via a knob or handle located inside the door, or by a thumb-turn on the exterior. A latch can be secured by deadbolts to prevent intrusions from piercing the glass. It can also guard against accidental or intentional closing by children or animals. You can choose to install an entry point with either a single-cylinder deadbolt or double-cylinder deadbolt depending on the level of security.
Installing upvc door lock replacements can be the same as installing a latch, however, there are some distinctions. First, measure the setback of the doorjamb by using an instrument to make sure the new lock will fit. The setback is the distance from the edge of the doorjamb, to the center of the hole for the faceplate for the latch. The standard setback is 2 3/8 to 2. 3/4 inches. If you have a greater setback, you may have to purchase a more substantial latch at a hardware store or locksmith.
Next, make a hole for the latch plate into the edge of the doorjamb. Utilize a chisel to chisel the latch mortise. Make sure the depth is sufficient for the faceplate to be flush with the doorjamb. Put the strike plate into place to ensure that it's placed correctly.
If the strike is too high, you can push the door back or apply pressure with the tire iron or crowbar. This can cause cracks to the doorjamb. To fix this issue, the strike can be reduced by drilling a second hole through the doorjamb, and then chiseling out the core of the hole that was previously drilled.
Installing the new strike plate is the last step. This can be done by screwing the new plate over the existing screw holes. Use wood putty afterwards to fill in any existing screw holes or bolt holes that aren't being used. Once the putty is dry you can sand it down to give it a professional results.
Strike
An electric strike is a metal piece that holds the latch and deadbolt engage when the door is closed. It is an essential part of the lock's overall safety because it prevents the door from opening and gives additional resistance to force or kick. If a door is equipped with an electric strike, it can only be opened with a key or the control unit that controls the electrical impulses.
Traditionally the installation of an electric strike meant cutting a small portion of the doorjamb in order to release the latchbolt of a cylindrical lock from the pocket of the strike. This modification is not only undesirable and unattractive, but also exposes the mechanism of the latchbolt and keeper to unauthorized users.
Recently, several electric strike makers have come up with a brand new electric strike, dubbed the "No Cut" strike that doesn't require cutouts in the doorjamb to operate. The strikes use a unique design that allows the latchbolt and keeper to slide into the strike pocket without marring the faceplate of the doorjamb.
The strike is equipped with an internal ramp that raises the latchbolt and keeper whenever it receives an electrical impulse from a reader or controller. The retracting of the keeper and latchbolt causes them to rise on the ramp, locking the door. When the door is closed the deadbolt is retracted and the latchbolt retracts in the keeper.
Installing an electronic strike is a straightforward process, particularly when you're replacing an older strike. However, if you are upgrading to an electric strike in an access control system, you will need to make sure your new system is compatible with the type of lock you've chosen to install. You will also have to ensure that the strike is properly connected to your access-control system and set up to operate in a fail-safe way.
Upgrade your strike plates to high duty strike plates to block the entry of unauthorized persons. The plates are made of up to six screws of three inches instead of the usual two screws of three-fourths inch. These screws are longer and make breaking the frame to reach the thumb turn piece on a single deadbolt cylinder more difficult.