Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Replacement Door Lock?
When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family secure. However, they may get worn out or interfere with time. There are some telltale signs it's time for you to replace or reset your lock.
Even though replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it can be done at home. Here are a few most compelling reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into your new home
The locks on your door are an important element of your home's security. It's easy for burglars gain access to locks that are damaged. You must be aware of the indicators that indicate when it's time to replace your window.
If you're moving into a new house then it's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys and will remove any suspicions of unauthorised entry by previous residents.
Installing the new lock is an easy procedure. You will first need to remove the existing lock. It is possible to remove the screws holding the handle or knob in place with the screwdriver. Then, you can utilize a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the handle/knob and latch. Once you've marked your positions, drill the face hole to match the specifications of the lock.
Once the holes are drilled, you will need to install the new lock. It is essential that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all in line. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to secure it.
It is also an excellent idea to get hinges replaced, since they can be damaged by a strong hit on the lock or strike plate. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time for an upgrade. It is best to have a professional locksmith replace your locks on your behalf and ensure that the job is done efficiently and swiftly.
It is also possible to replace your locks if you've ended a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who may have copies of your keys thus changing the locks is a wise precaution. It also ensures that your belongings and family are secure.
2. You're having trouble opening the door.
A broken lock can be a major issue, especially when 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 be in a position to open the door as quickly as you are able to.
First, make sure whether your door lock is not simply misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening one or two screws in the event that this is the issue. If this doesn't solve the issue, it could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, try applying a lubricant to test if this can help to unstick the lock. The purpose of this is to allow the key slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it can be opened when needed. This is generally an effective solution for the majority of people, however it is important to keep in mind that if your issue persists, then there could be a different issue at play and you'll need to contact a locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years it is recommended to replace it. This is because door locks aren't made to last the full lifetime of a door, and even the best door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock, you must take off your existing lock. Once this is done, it's important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a lock that is a good fit. For instance, cylinders come in different shapes that can accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to remember that if the frame of your door has been damaged in some way, you'll need to replace the whole door. This is because the new lock will need to be anchored into the frame with a latch plate, strike plate, and deadbolt, which are all available as separate items.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A burglary could make you think twice about the security of your house. If the culprits have left marks on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they are inside (smoothed out wood around the lock knob, broken lock) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure they are as secure and safe as you can.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there's no way to know who else might have received a copy of the key. People with keys are responsible for 6-7% of all unlawful entry. It is recommended to change your locks as an effective way to prevent this from happening.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be stuck or difficult to open. This indicates that the internal mechanism has been damaged through the force of tampering or just wear and tear caused by age. replacement door lock leaves it vulnerable to being damaged.
Consider installing a keyless lock If you're experiencing any of these issues. These locks eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to permit access for only one time for pet-sitters or contractors. There are also door locks with keys, which allow you to open the door without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to improve the appearance of your home. It's not just about security. You can find locks that be a match to the style of your home's door.
If you're looking to change locks consult the local locksmith. They can help you choose the best lock for your needs and install it swiftly. Be sure to measure the door prior to calling a professional locksmith. The door's thickness is crucial to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is more thick than the average, you might require a custom lock that can be fitted securely. Begin by placing an shim of wood against the door and the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot, then turn it, pulling up the shim. This will open the latches and screws that hold the knobs in place and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same keys
It's simple to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your house. This is an excellent DIY project, particularly if your move frequently or you are a landlord that needs to replace locks on tenants. You can replace a door lock within a matter of minutes when you know the steps.
Even even if you are familiar with and trust the previous tenants or homeowners, it's best to play it safe by installing new locks. In the end, you don't know how many people might have copies of your keys that were previously used, including relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In fact, 67% of unlawful entry is committed by those with a key to your home.
Make sure you purchase an upgrade lock that matches the current hardware and dimensions. Based on the style of your door, you can pick a deadbolt lock or a doorknob lock. Once you've purchased your new lock, follow these steps to install it:
Begin by removing both of the old knobs from the door. Then, remove the screws that attach the latch plate to the edge of the door. After removing the screws, remove the latchplate and the two screws that hold the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the jamb.
With the template included with your 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 protrudes from the knob on the outside) must pass through the latch with ease. Attach the interior handle/knob using the provided screws. Place the lock cylinder in the interior latch. Check that it is aligned correctly and that the key is working with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws included in the set of replacement locks. Test your new lock once you're done to ensure it works correctly and that the interior knob can slide smoothly over the pins. Then put everything back in reverse order and you're all set!