When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your possessions and family secure however, over time they'll wear down or be altered. There are some telltale indications that it's time for you to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.
Even though lock replacement is more involved than rekeying it is possible to do it at home. Here are the main reasons to take a look at it:
1. You're moving to a brand new home
Your door locks are an essential part of your home security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to locks that are damaged. This is why you need to know when it's time for a replacement.
It is a good idea in the event of moving into a new house changing the locks. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of the keys and remove any suspicion that previous owners might have entered your house without your permission.
Installing the new lock is an easy process. The first step is to remove the old lock. You can remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in place with a screwdriver. Use the template that comes with the new lock to mark the location of the handle/knob, and latch. Once you've identified the positions, you can drill the face hole in accordance with the lock specifications.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is important to make sure that the deadbolt and strike plate fit properly to the door frame. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and be tight enough to ensure it is secure.
A hard impact on the strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, it could be a sign that it's time to get an upgrade. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith change your locks for you, as this will guarantee that the job will be done efficiently and swiftly.
You might also want to change your locks if you've ended the lease or a roommate agreement. It is impossible to determine who may have copies of your keys, so changing the locks is a good idea. This will ensure the security of your household and belongings.
2. You're having trouble opening the door
A broken lock is a nightmare. Particularly when it happens at the entrance to your home. There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent the problem from getting worse and be capable of opening the door as soon as you are able to.
The first step is to check your door lock to ensure that it's not just misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening one or two screws to fix the issue. It is important to keep in mind, though, that if this does not resolve the issue then there's something wrong in the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Then, apply a lubricant and check if it helps unstick the locking mechanism. The purpose of this is to assist the key to slide more easily in and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when needed. This is a great solution for the majority of people. However in the event that the issue persists you might need to speak with an expert locksmith.
In the end, if your door lock is older than a decade It's likely the time to get a new one. Door locks are not meant to last the life of the door. Even the top quality door locks have to be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock you will need to remove the lock you have currently. After that it's crucial to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that you can find a lock that will fit properly. For instance, cylinders come in different shapes that can accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if your door frame has been damaged in some way, you'll need to replace the entire door. The new lock will require the latch plate and strike plate to be installed into the frame. They are available separately.
3. You're worried about a burglary
The occurrence of a break-in could shake your faith in the security of your home. The perpetrators may have left their marks (crowbar marks on your door frame) or it's obvious that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and a damaged knobs on the lock) It is important to give yourself renewed peace of mind by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as they can be.
Even if you believed in the previous owners, it's impossible to know if anyone else has a copy. Keys holders are responsible for 6-7% of all unlawful entry. It is recommended to change your locks as an effective preventative measure.
If Repair My Windows And Doors are stuck or difficult to open, this is a further indication that your locks require to be replaced. This indicates that the mechanism inside the lock is damaged due to tampering or just age-related wear and tear, leaving the lock vulnerable to damage and failure.
If you're experiencing any of these issues think about installing a door lock that is keyless instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors and pet sitters who require access. You can also purchase door locks with keys, which allow you to enter without touching anything.
A new lock can change the appearance of your home. It's not only about safety. You can find locks that match the style of the door you have.
If you're looking to switch locks contact a local locksmith. They can help you select the best lock for your needs and install it swiftly. Before you contact a locksmith, make sure to measure your door. The door's thickness is crucial to ensure that the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is larger than average, you may require a custom lock that fits securely. The best place to start is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and positioned with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Then, slide the tip of a screwdriver into the slot and twist and pull the shim upwards. This will release the latch and the screws holding the knobs in place, allowing you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It is easy to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your home. This is a fantastic DIY project, particularly when you move frequently or you are a landlord that requires replacement locks for tenants. You can change a door lock within a matter of minutes If you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea even when you are a trusted and reliable friend of the previous homeowners or tenants. After all, you never know how many people may have copies of your keys from the past, including friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In reality, those who have a key to your house are responsible for a minimum of 67% of all unlawful entries.
Be sure to buy an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the current hardware and dimensions. Based on the style of your door, you can pick deadbolt locks or doorknob lock. Once you've got your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Begin by removing both of the old knobs from the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate at the edge of the front door. After removing the screws, remove the latchplate and the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Find the location of the interior handle/knob on the door by using the template supplied with your lock set. Make sure that the spindle (the long metal piece that is affixed to the knob's exterior) can pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Then, attach the knob or handle to the inside using the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure that it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Attach the strike plates and deadbolt plates using the screws included in your new lock set. Test the new lock after you're done to ensure it's functioning properly and that the knob inside can slide smoothly over the pins. After that put it back together in reverse order, and you're done!