Need Inspiration? Try Looking Up Replacement Door Lock
When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks help keep your possessions and family secure but, over time, they may wear out or be tampered with. There are a few telltale indications that it's time for you to consider changing or rekeying your lock.
Even though lock replacement is more complicated than rekeying, it is possible to do it at home. Here are some important reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a brand new home
The locks on your doors are a vital part of your home's security. When they're damaged it's possible for burglars to gain entry. This is the reason you need to know when it's the right time to purchase a replacement.
If you are moving into a new residence It's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of keys and will eliminate any suspicions that previous residents may have entered your home without your permission.
Installing the new lock is a simple process. You will first need to take off the lock you have already installed. You can remove the screws holding the handle or knob in place by using the screwdriver. Use the template that comes with the new lock to mark the location of the knob or handle, as well as the latch. After you've marked the positions, drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of your lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is crucial to ensure that the deadbolt as well as the strike plate fit well to the door frame. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to lock the door.
A strong impact on a lock or strike plate could easily cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time to get a replacement. door lock repairs is best to have an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the task gets done quickly and correctly.
You may also want to replace your locks if you've ended a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who may have an unofficial copy of your key, 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. However, the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to ensure it does not get any worse and that you can get access to your door as quickly as possible.
First, check that your door lock isn't just misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening one or two screws if this is the problem. It is important to keep in mind, though, that if this does not solve the issue then there's something wrong in the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Then, apply a lubricant and see if it helps to unlock the locking mechanism. The concept behind this is to allow the key slide more easily in and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when needed. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, but it is important to keep in mind that if the issue continues to persist then there could be a different issue that is causing it, and you will need to consult a locksmith.
In the end, if your door lock is more than about 10 years old, it's probably the time to get a new one. This is because door locks aren't designed to last for the entire lifetime of a door, and even the most durable door locks are likely to require replacement at some point.
In order to replace your lock, you'll have to remove the current lock from your door. After you have removed the lock, you'll have to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that a replacement will be able to fit. For instance the cylinder locks are available in various shapes to fit various door thicknesses. You may also have to replace your entire door in the event that the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock needs to be anchored into the frame using plates for latching, strike plate, and deadbolt. All of these are available separately.
3. You're worried that there could be an armed robbery
A break-in can make you think twice about the security of your house. If the perpetrators left their marks (crowbar marks in your door's frame) or it's obvious that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken lock knob) You must restore your confidence by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as possible.
Even if you trust the previous owners, there is no way to tell who else could have had the key. Keys holders are responsible for 6-7% of all illegal entry. It is recommended to change your locks as an effective preventative measure.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be sticking or difficult to open. This is a sign that the internal mechanism is damaged due to the force of tampering or just wear and tear caused by age. It exposes it to damage.
If you're having issues with any of these you should consider 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 or pet sitters who need access. You can also buy door locks with keypads. This allows you to enter the house without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to update the look of your home. It's not only about safety. You can find locks to match the style of your home's door.
Speak to an expert locksmith in your area in case you are ready to change locks. They can help you select the appropriate lock and install it swiftly. Before you contact a locksmith, be sure to take measurements of your door. The thickness of the door is crucial to ensure that the replacement lock fits properly. If your door is more thick than average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that fits securely. Begin by placing an shim made of wood on the door, with the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Slide the tip of a screwdriver into the slot and twist and pull the shim upwards. This will open the latches and screws that hold the knobs in place, allowing them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your house. It's also an excellent DIY skill to have, especially when you move frequently or are a landlord who needs to replace locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace locks on doors and you'll be able to complete the task yourself in just a few short hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea even if you trust and know the previous homeowners or tenants. You never know who may have the keys. This includes friends, family members, contractors and babysitters. In reality the people who have keys to your home are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entries.
Before you start, ensure to buy a new lock that is compatible with your existing hardware and measurements. You can choose between a deadbolt and a knob lock, based on the style of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing both knobs that were previously attached to the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate on the edge of the front door. Once this is done remove the latch plate as well as the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate into the door jamb.
Utilizing the template included with the lock set, mark the positions of the interior handle/knob and the latch on the front of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that extends from the knob on the outside) should pass through the latch smoothly. Attach the handle/knob inside using the screws supplied. Install the lock cylinder in the interior latch. Make sure that it is correctly aligned and the key works with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws included in the set of replacement locks. Once you've finished, test your new lock to ensure that it functions properly and the interior knob can slide easily over the pins. Reassemble everything in reverse order.