10 Places Where You Can Find Replacement Door Lock
When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to ensure that your family and possessions are secure. However, they may get worn out or interfere with over time. There are some telltale signs it's time for you to replace or change the key on your lock.
Even though replacing locks is more complex than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are some of the best reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into your new home
Your door locks are an essential part of your home security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. It is important to recognize the signs that it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea, if you are moving into a new residence, to change the locks. This will ensure you are the sole owner of keys and will eliminate any suspicion that previous owners might have entered your house without permission.
Installing a new lock is an easy procedure. First, you'll need to remove the old lock. It is possible to remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in place using a screwdriver. Next, utilize a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the position of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked the positions, drill the face hole to match the specifications of your lock.
After the holes have been drilled, you will need to install the new lock. It is essential that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be strong enough to lock the door.
A hard blow to a strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, this may be a sign that it's time for a replacement. It is best to have a professional locksmith change your locks for you, as this will guarantee that the job will be done quickly and efficiently.
There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, for instance ending a roommate or rental agreement. It's impossible to know who might have copies of your keys, so changing the locks is a prudent step. It will also ensure that your belongings and family are safe.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be a nightmare particularly when it occurs to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few steps you can take to prevent the issue from becoming worse and to be capable of opening the door as soon as you can.
The first step is to look at your door lock to ensure that it's not misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening one or two screws to fix the issue. If this doesn't fix the issue, there could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Next, use an oil-based lubricant to test to see if it helps remove the locking mechanism. This helps the keys slide in and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is generally an effective solution for most people, but it is important to keep in mind that if your problem persists, it could be another issue, and you will need to contact an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is time to consider replacing it. This is because door locks aren't made to last the full lifetime of a door, and even the best door locks will need to be replaced at some point in time.
To replace your lock, you'll have to remove the existing lock from your door. After removing the existing lock, you'll need to measure your door thickness to ensure that the replacement will fit. For example Cylinder locks come in a variety of shapes to fit various door thicknesses. It is also important to remember that if your door frame is damaged in any way, you'll have to replace the entire door. The new lock will require an latch plate and strike plate to be installed into the frame. These are available separately.
3. You're worried that there could be a break-in
The possibility of a burglary can shake your faith in the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their marks (crowbar marks on the door frame) or it's evident that they've been inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a damaged lock knob), you need to ensure your confidence by changing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can.
Even if you trust the previous owners, there's no way to tell who else could have had the key. People with keys are responsible for a minimum of 67% of illegal entry. Change your locks is an effective way to prevent this from happening.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be sticking or difficult to open. This indicates that the mechanism inside has been damaged through the force of tampering or just wear and tear from age. It makes it more vulnerable to being damaged.
If you're having any of these issues you should consider installing a door lock that is keyless instead. They eliminate the need for keys, and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors and pet sitters who need access. You can also buy door locks that have a keypad. This allows you to access your home without touching anything.
A new lock isn't just about safety and security, it can also be a means to improve the appearance of your home. Depending on the design of your door, you can find locks that complement it perfectly.
Contact an expert locksmith in your area if you are ready to make a switch. They can help you select the right lock and install it swiftly. Be sure to measure your door before you call a professional locksmith. It is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will fit properly. If your door is thicker then you might require a lock that is custom-made to fit securely. The best way to begin 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 screwdriver's tip into slot and turn, pulling up the shim. This will release the latches and screws holding the knobs in place which allows them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same keys
It is easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your house. It's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly when you move frequently or are a landlord that needs to change locks for tenants. You can change a door lock in a matter of hours when you know the steps.
Even if you know and trust the previous tenants or homeowners, it's best to protect yourself by installing new locks. You never know how many people might have a copy of the old keys, including family, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In fact, those who have keys to your home are responsible for a minimum of 67% of all unlawful entries.
Make sure you purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the hardware you have and the dimensions. Depending on the design of your door, you can choose from a deadbolt lock or a doorknob lock. Once you've got your new lock then follow these steps to install it:
Start by removing both old knobs from the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate to the edge of the front door. After removing the screws, remove the latchplate and the two screws that secure the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the door jamb.
Using the template that comes with your lock set, mark the locations of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the face of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long piece of metal that is affixed to the exterior knob) can pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob using the provided screws. Place the lock cylinder into the interior latch. Check that it is properly aligned and that the key works with the lock.
Then, attach the strike plates and deadbolt plate using the screws that come with the lock replacement set to secure them into their place. Test replacement upvc door locks www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk after you're done to make sure it's working as intended and that the knob inside slides over the pins easily. Then, reassemble everything in reverse order.
