When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family secure. However, they may become worn out or tampered with time. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time to replace or reset your lock.
Although replacing locks is more complicated than rekeying, it can be done at home. Here are some of the best reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving to a brand new home
The locks on your door are an essential element of your home security. If they're damaged or broken it's easy for burglars to gain entry. This is why it's important to be aware of when it's time to get a replacement.
It is a good idea when you move into a new residence changing the locks. This will ensure that you are the only person with keys and will make it impossible to suspect unauthorized entry from previous residents.
Installing a new lock is an easy procedure. First, you'll need to take off the lock you have already installed. It is possible to remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in place by using a screwdriver. Utilize the template supplied with the new lock to mark the location of the handle/knob, and latch. Once you've marked the positions, drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of the lock.
After drilling the holes and the lock is installed, you must install the new lock. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the doors and be strong enough to secure it.
A hard blow to a strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. Finally, if the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time to get a replacement. It is best to have a professional locksmith change your locks for you and ensure that the job will be done correctly and quickly.
You might also want to replace your locks if you've go tten rid of an agreement to rent or a roommate. It's impossible to tell who might have copies of your keys, so changing the locks is a wise precaution. This will ensure the security of your household and belongings.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be a major issue especially if it occurs to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent the problem from getting worse and to be able to open the door as quickly as you can.
First, ensure that your door lock isn't just misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. If this does not fix the problem, there may be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Then, try a lubricant to see if this will help to remove the lock. The idea behind this is to assist the key slide more easily in and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when necessary. This is a suitable solution for most people. However should the issue persist it is possible to talk to a locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years it is time to consider replacing it. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire life of a door, and even the most durable door locks will require replacement at some point.
In order to replace the lock, you'll need to remove the existing lock from your door. After that it's crucial to determine the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a replacement that is a good fit. For instance Cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit different thicknesses of doors. It is also possible to replace your entire door when the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock will need to be secured into the frame with a latch plate or strike plate and deadbolt, all of which are available separately.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A burglary could make you doubt the security of your house. If the culprits have left their mark on the door frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they are inside (smoothed out the wood around the lock, broken lock knob), then you should replace your locks to ensure that they are as secure and secure as possible.
Even if you were able to trust the previous owners, it's difficult to know if anyone else has a copy. People with keys are responsible for 67% of all unlawful entry. Changing your locks is a good preventative measure.
Another indication that you need to replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be squeezing or are difficult to open. This means that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged from the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, leaving it susceptible to damage and eventual failure.
Consider installing a keyless lock If you're having any of these problems. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed to allow access only for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks that come with a keypad. This lets you access your home without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to change the appearance of your home. It's not just about security. There are locks that match the style of your home's door.
If you're looking to change locks, talk to an experienced locksmith in your area. They can help you select the right type of lock and install it swiftly. Before you call a locksmith, be sure to measure your door. It is essential to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will fit properly. If your door is more thick than average, you may need to get a custom-made lock that can be installed securely. The best starting point is placing a wood shim directly against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Place the screwdriver's tip into the slot and twist to pull the shim upwards. This will let the latch open and the screws that hold 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 to increase the security of your home. It's also an excellent DIY technique to master, particularly if you move often or are a landlord that needs to replace locks for tenants. You can change a door lock within a matter of minutes when you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea if you trust and know the previous tenants or homeowners. In the end, you don't know how many people could have copies of your keys from the past which includes friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In reality, 67 percent of all illegal entry is committed by people with a key to your home.
Before starting, make sure you purchase a lock replacement that's compatible with your existing hardware and dimensions. You can choose between a deadbolt or knob lock based on the style of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Begin by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate at the edge of the front door. After removing the screws remove the latchplate and the two screws that hold the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the location of the interior handle/knob and the latch on the front of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the exterior knob) should pass through the latch without difficulty. Attach the handle/knob inside using the provided screws. Insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch. Check that it is aligned correctly and that the key works with the lock.
Attach the strike plates and deadbolt plates using the screws provided in the set of replacement locks. Check your new lock when you're done to ensure it's functioning properly and that the interior knob slides over the pins easily. Afterward, put everything back together in reverse order, and you're good to go!