Are You Making The Most From Your Replacement Door Lock?
How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most important security element. It's time to replace your door locks if they wear out or become compromised.
It's also an excellent way to modernize your decor, or add the feeling of security that comes with a divorce or an unmarried family. Learn the basics of installing a new door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
The option of changing your locks is a option to increase the security of your property. There are pros and cons of replacing locks versus rekeying them, though, so it is important to consider your options carefully.
Rekeying is a better option if you don't want to replace your entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker process than completely replacing your locks, since it involves changing just the key pins inside the cylinder, rather than changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks can make them work with different keys. This will nullify the old keys and make it difficult for anyone to gain access into your home or office.
This is a common option for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else with a copy of the key can't enter without getting caught. This is also helpful for those who are worried about a mischievous office worker, as they could use it to stop them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas within the building.
Rekeying can only provide limited security benefits. Rekeying isn't enough to discourage people from physically forcing their way into the home but it won't stop them if they manage to force their entry regardless. If you are concerned about this, think about upgrading your locks to a deadbolt, rather than simply changing their keys.
Rekeying locks may be necessary in the event that your locks have been stolen. This is a frequent occurrence for businesses, and it's important to act quickly in the event of this happening. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able stop those who stole them from gaining access to sensitive areas of the company. It will also help you have the chance to file a police report in case something does go wrong.
The best reason to replace your locks is if they're damaged or damaged beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt stuck that isn't moving or a broken handle that won't let you open. It is possible to replace your locks if you have low-quality hardware that is easily changed. For instance, a doorknob or lever with spring-loaded latches can be removed using credit card.
Measure Your Door
It is essential to be aware of the dimensions of your door before you select the lock. The best method to find these is to use tape measure along with a pen or pencil. Using your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you the incorrect measurements. Take measurements of the opening from the top, middle and bottom. Be sure not to 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 drilled for mortise locking, you will need to measure it further. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need to measure the depth of the hole in the door once you've determined the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edges of the opening and the centerline of a latch actuating hole for new installations or from the bottom to the top of a strike for openings that are already in place.
You'll also have to decide if your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. window lock repairs is important, as some locks require specific installation techniques dependent on the direction of the swing.
It's time to shop for a new lock, now that you've got all of your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a safe place and bring them along when you're looking for a lock. This will ensure you get the perfect fit and your door is beautiful! Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us for any questions! We're always here to assist you! We're open from Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Right Lock
You'll need to select the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded, and they will discourage thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and are recommended for front doors.
The best starting point is the manufacturer's website. The majority of manufacturers will offer complete installation instructions, as well as a customer service hotline. They'll also provide suggestions on how to set up their products in your specific door. This will help you decide if this is something you could do on your own or if a contractor will be required.
If you are installing an entirely new lock it is essential to have the correct size keyhole. If the keyhole is too small it will need to be expanded or you may need to consider a different lock style. You should also consider the thickness of your doors as not all deadbolts work with all doors. They're usually measured at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but you'll need find a deadbolt that will fit your door.
Another aspect to be aware of is the materials that are used in the lock. You do not want to purchase an inexpensive lock that could be easy for a thief to gain entry to your Burlington, MA, home. Choose an item that is certified by the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality.
You may need to check the security rating on the knob and lever on your door in case you have a more recent door to make sure they meet your needs. This is especially true when there are children living in the house or the previous owners still have the keys.
Replacing your locks is a relatively easy DIY project. With the appropriate tools and a little small amount of knowledge you can change your locks in just an hour. This is a great way to improve the look of your home without spending a fortune. You'll also be able to rest assured that your belongings and family are secure.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entrance to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most valuable to you. Whether that's your pets, family members, or other possessions, you need to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't working properly, it's likely time to replace it.
It's more expensive replace your lock rather than change the key however, you have the added benefit of locking your door into the frame. A deadbolt is impossible to pick or pull, and the longer bolt makes it harder for thieves to gain access with an axe. Ask a locksmith for help when you're not sure what type of lock is best for your door.
Before you install your new lock, you'll need remove the lock you have already installed from the door. First, remove the screws that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Next you will need a screw driver to break the two halves of the lock apart. Then, you can take the old knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock correctly. The latch should fit into the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole that will be used for the turning lock. Make sure to align the screw holes for the deadbolt and latch on the side of the door to the rods that receive the latch on the inside of the door. This will allow the screws to thread into the correct position and prevent them from loosing over time.
If you're using the same lock as the previous you might be able to leave the latch plate and strike plate in place. Place them next to the new lock and compare to see if they match, you can purchase replacements that fit properly.
Install the lock once you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt in the correct place. When doing so pay particular attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will help you remember to insert it on the right hand side of the door. Then, screw the inside and exterior plates together with the long screws that come with the new lock.