Commercial door locks are used in securing rooms and pathways in business installation settings such as industrial facilities, executive offices, and real estate. These door locks are either mechanical or electronic and are usually graded based on their security level.
However, there may be times when you have to replace your commercial door since it is not uniform with other building door locks, or the door lock is already rusty and cannot be unlocked.
In this article, I will show you the step-by-step process on how to remove a commercial door lock.
Table of Contents
Guide to Remove a Commercial Door Lock
Before diving into the actual process of the removal of commercial door locks, you might want to prepare the necessary tools and materials. The removal tool list includes the following:
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Allen Wrench
There are various types of commercial door locks, and each type has its own process and mechanisms of removing it.
1. How to Remove a Mortise Lock From Your Door
1. Loose the set screw
With your screwdriver, loosen the set screws of your commercial door lock which is commonly found on the front plate of the lock itself.
2. Unscrew the lock cylinder
With your key, half-insert your key onto the keyhole and turn your key until you have the chance to remove lock cylinder.
- Note: if your commercial mortise lock comes with a trim ring, you have to remove it as well.
3. Remove the door handle
A commercial door handle removal can be done by unscrewing the through bolts on the interior side of your door, and lifting off your Schlage commercial door handle.
4. Remove commercial door knob
Unscrew first the set screws on the door knob before pulling the door knob away from the lockset. The commercial door knob removal can differ depending on the type of knob you are using.
5. Remove the hook spindle
If your door knob is held by a hook spindle, you might want to split the spindle in halves by pulling the first half without the hook and the other half next.
6. Remove the thumb turn assembly
To simply remove the thumb turn assembly, unscrew the screws on the plate and pull the assembly.
7. Remove the front plate
The final part of this process will involve removing the mounting screws from the front plate and inserting your screwdriver through your knob hub to put pressure on the plate and pop the front plate off the door.
2. How to Remove a Commercial Cylinder Door Lock
1. Remove interior side screws.
Using the appropriate screwdriver, start removing the screws from the interior side of the door.
2. Turn the spindle.
Insert your flat-head screwdriver into the lock. Turn the lock’s spindle with your flat-head screwdriver in a counter-clockwise manner until the spindle stops.
- Note: Some spindles may vary depending on the commercial glass door lock types.
3. Push the square tab.
After the spindle stops spinning, the spindle’s square tab will be aligned to the rest of the lock. Push the square tab with your flat-head screwdriver.
4. Remove the spindle.
After pushing the square tab, the spindle will pop out of the lockset. Remove the spindle carefully.
5. Release the cylinder
In the housing of your commercial door lock, you will find another small tab. With your flat-head screwdriver, push the small tab to discharge the cylinder.
- Note: If pushing the cylinder out of the housing with your screwdriver will not work, you might have to use an allen wrench.
Then, slowly remove the commercial Schlage lock cylinder from the housing, as it can still be used again in another door if you wish to.
Different Types of Commercial Door Locks
Some locks are graded based on some features of the lock, such as its security, application, or function. Three different grades for commercial door locks are used — grade one, grade two, and grade three.
- Grade three locks are commonly used for light applications due to their low security as they can be opened without a key. They are often installed in low-traffic rooms, residential buildings, low-security offices, and commercial bathroom door handles.
- Grade two locks sit between grades one and three in terms of durability and security. These standard-grade locks are often utilized in interior entryways of public buildings and storage rooms for equipment.
- Grade one door locks, or heavy duty commercial door locks, sit at the top of the other grades as it is the most reliable, the most secure, and the most durable. They are often used in valuable businesses such as commercial storefront door locks, high-end hospitals, and private schools.
The following are the types of commercial door locks:
Commercial door locks come in different shapes, sizes, and functions. Depending on why you want a room to be locked, choose the type of commercial door lock that is right for you.
For instance, a Grade 1 Mortise Schlage lockset will allow optimal security, durability, and flexible use for daily use of an office.
Options for Replacement Services
Removing your commercial door lock may often mean that you have to replace it with another one. Whether you want another type of commercial lock installed or your present lock to be fixed and cleaned, it might be best to look for replacement services.
The following are some of the options for replacement services:
- Get a locksmith. Spare a from $100 – 200 and call your local locksmith to avail a quality door service. That’s the service fee per lock, depending on various lock types.
- Do it yourself. If you have spare time and want to save money, try to replace the door lock yourself.
- Avail building insurance. If you live in a residential building with insurance, you should call the owner and avail of the insurance to get your door lock replaced.
Conclusion
Having a commercial door lock, such as the Schlage heavy-duty commercial lever lock, is essential to living a safe and secure lifestyle. You must remember to choose the commercial door lock that is best for you, considering your house, your family, and yourself.
Knowing how to remove a commercial door lock will come a long way. So the next time you encounter a problem with your commercial door lock, you can save time and money by removing the door lock yourself.
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