Types of Door Locks
When it comes to types of door locks, the market offers so many different choices that sometimes, making a decision can be tough. However, more than any other time in history, home security is an important issue. Because of this, we now see door and door lock manufacturers coming up with some unique designs while still offering top style and quality. For example, you can purchase door locks such as deadbolts, handle sets, interior locksets, and even electronic entry systems.
In addition to door locks, you will also find a large selection of hardware designed to enhance the look of your doorknob. Then, you can further complement your door with door holders, ball catches, kick plates, push plates, door viewers, house numbers, mail slots, door pulls, doorknockers, and other types of door hardware.
As mentioned, when it comes to door locks, home security is why we see a higher quality product being made. That coupled with functionality is the most important thing to look for when buying a new door lock. However, you can also consider style, choosing designs that will work best with the style of door you have. When talking about door locks, you will find two primary types, as discussed below.
First, there is the rim door lock, which is a simple night latch that does not necessarily provide good security on its own. The problem is that the rim door lock will make entry too easy. The second type of door lock is the deadlock cylinder. This type of door lock is designed so it locks as the door shuts. In addition, a deadlock cylinder can be used as a double lock with key. In other words, the lock would not be able to open simply by turning the knob on the inside, preventing easy exit in case an intruder were breaking into the home in another location.
When choosing a door lock, you want to make sure you choose the appropriate measurements for the right fit. In most cases, you would find templates that allow you to hold up to the door in the right position, thus marking the appropriate fitting. When installing a door lock, you want the lock to have a protruding edge that recesses into the door. For this, you would mark the recess using the template or you could simply hold the door lock up against the door.
Then, you would use a sharp chisel to cut the outline and pare out the waste from the door. Next, check the door lock, making sure it fits exact into the recess and that the lip sits flush with the edge of the door. Now, the centre of the hole would be marked for the actual cylinder. Bore this out using a drill bit of the proper diameter. Be sure you drill from the inside to the point where the bit barely begins to emerge through the door's face. At that point, stop the drilling and begin to work on the outside so you do not split the door.
As you work with the door lock installation, be very careful that you hold the drill at the appropriate angle. In addition, be careful that the drilling is level so the hole would be true to what you need. Next, insert the door lock cylinder through the mounting plate and into the door. Based on the thickness of your door, you might need to do a little bit of trimming of the bar, the piece that operates the door lock mechanism. Check the distance that the bar should sit into the lock, and then trim appropriately. Now, hold the bar, using a vice on a workbench, cutting with a hacksaw. When trimmed, a file can be used to clean off any burrs, which would make it fit better and the door lock operate smoother.
The back plate should be fastened and the cylinder fixed using provided screws. The next step to install your door lock would be to mount the lock onto the back plate, securing it with screws. Hold the strike plate over the latch, closing the door to the frame edge. Then, draw around it with a pencil, making sure there is not too much play. The goal is to have the strike plate positioned so it helps hold the door firmly against the doorstop. Finally, the plate is recessed into the doorframe, the recess is notched out with a sharp chisel, and the unit fixed loosely with one screw. Then, simply check the overall alignment and when satisfied, use the remaining screws.