Are You Getting The Most You Replacement Door Lock?
How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
The door lock is the most crucial component of your home's security. It's time to replace your door locks when they get worn out or compromised.
It can also be an excellent way to modernize your decor, or add a sense of security following a divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a replacement lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
The option of changing your locks is a way to improve the security of your property. There are pros and cons to changing versus rekeying a lock however, so it's important to weigh your options carefully.
In general, rekeying is the best option for those who are not planning to replace their entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper process than replacing completely your locks, as it is only changing the key pins inside the cylinder, rather than changing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks could make them work with a different set of keys, which will obliterate the previous ones, making it more difficult for those with access to your home or business.
This is a common option for new homeowners, who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key are unable to access the home without being caught. This is also helpful for those worried about a mischievous office worker, since they can use it to prevent them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying can only provide limited security benefits. It's not enough to stop people from physically forcing their way into the premises and does nothing to stop them if they do manage to get in anyway. If you're worried about this, you should think about changing to a deadbolt instead of rekeying the locks.
Another situation in which you might want to consider changing your locks is if you've been the victim of theft. It's a common problem for businesses, and it's important to act fast if it happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able to stop those who stole them from accessing sensitive areas within the company. It will also help you have an easier time filing a police report in case something goes wrong.
The most effective reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt that's stuck or a handle that is broken and cannot function. You may want to replace your locks if they are made of low-quality hardware that can easily be changed. For instance a lever or doorknob with spring loaded latches can be removed using credit card.
Measure Your Door
Before you pick the lock you want, you need to know what dimensions you're working with. The best way to determine these is by using tape measure and pencil or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length is very inaccurate and will give you wrong measurements. The measurement should be taken of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Do not include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for the door that is inside) or the top of the inner frame.
If your door is already fitted with a mortise locking system you'll need to measure it further. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need the depth of your hole inside the door once you've chosen the location of your deadbolt. This is measured between the edge of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole in new installations, or from the bottom to the top of a strike for existing openings.
In the end, you'll need decide whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial because certain locks require a specific installation technique based on the direction of the swing.
Now that you've got all of your measurements now is the time to start shopping for your replacement lock! Be sure to keep all of your measurements on hand and bring them along when you go in to choose the lock. This will ensure that you have the perfect fit and your door looks great! Have fun and enjoy shopping! If you have any questions, feel at ease to reach us! We're always happy to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Find the Right Lock
You'll want to choose the appropriate lock for your home. The most secure locks are top-quality and are a good deterrent to would-be thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors.
Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and also have hotlines for customer support. They'll also give you suggestions on how to install their products on your specific door. This will give you a good idea of whether or not this is something you can tackle on your own or if you'll require assistance from a professional.
If you are installing an entirely new lock it is essential that you choose the right size keyhole. If the keyhole is too small, it will need to be enlarged or you may need to think about the design of your lock. You'll also need to consider the thickness of your door because there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They are usually with a rating of 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, however if your door is thicker or smaller, you'll have to find a deadbolt that fits properly.
A lock's materials are also important to take into consideration. You don't have to purchase a cheap lock because it's possible for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Choose locks that are rated by the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest rating for quality.
You might need to look up the security rating on the knob and lever of your door when you have a modern door to ensure they meet your needs. This is especially true for families with children living in the home or the previous owners still have keys to your home.
Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. With the proper tools and a amount of experience you can replace your locks in just an hour. It's also a great way to improve the appearance of your home without costing you a fortune. You can also rest assured that your family and you are safe.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entrance to your Burlington, MA, home where you keep what's most important to you. It could be your pets, family members, or your possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't working properly, it's probably time to replace it.
The replacement of your lock is more expensive than simply rekeying it but it offers the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. A deadbolt is difficult to pick or pull and the larger bolt makes it more difficult for thieves to gain access with a wrench. If you're not sure which type of lock will best fit your door, think about asking a professional locksmith for assistance.
Remove the old lock from the door before installing the new lock. First, loosen the screws that hold the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then with a screwdriver break the lock halves. Then, take the old latch and knob from the door.
Install your new door lock correctly. The latch should be placed in the latch plate opening and have a tapered edge that is fitted into the hole that will be used for the turning lock. Make sure that the screw holes are aligned on the side of your door to align the deadbolt and latch to the receiving rods. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and will prevent them from loosening as time passes.
If replacing window locks using the same lock, you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Compare them with the new lock and if you discover that they're not the right fit, buy replacements.
Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt into its proper location. Pay attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will assist you in locating it on the right-hand side of the door. Then, you can screw the interior and exterior plates together using the long screws that come with the new lock.