The Reasons You Should Experience Replacement Door Lock At A Minimum, Once In Your Lifetime
When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks help keep your possessions and family secure however, over time they'll wear down or be tampered with. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time to change or reset your lock.
Although replacing locks is more complicated than rekeying, it is possible to do it at home. Here are some important reasons to take a look at it:
1. You're moving into a new home
The locks on your doors are a crucial aspect of the security of your home. It's easy for burglars gain access to locks that are damaged. This is why it's important to know when it's the right time to purchase a replacement.
It is a good idea, in the event of moving into a new residence and you want to change the locks. This will ensure you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous residents may have entered your home without permission.
New lock installation is a simple process. You will first need to remove the existing lock. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle or knob in the position. 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 have marked the positions, you are able to drill the face hole according to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is important to make sure that the deadbolt and strike plate fit properly with the door frame. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door, and should be sufficiently tight to ensure the door is secured.
A hard impact on the strike plate or lock can cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time for an upgrade. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith replace your locks for you and ensure that the job is completed quickly and efficiently.
You may also want to replace your locks if you've ended a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who might have a copy of your key, so changing the locks is a good idea. It also ensures that your belongings and family are secure.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock is a nightmare. Particularly when double glazed door lock replacement occurs on your main entry door. However, the good news is that there are some easy steps you can follow to ensure that it does not get any worse and that you can get access to your door as soon as you can.
First, ensure that your door lock isn't just misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. If this does not fix the problem, there may be an issue with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Next, try using an oil-based lubricant to see if this will help to remove the lock. The concept behind this is to assist the key to slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened if needed. This is a good solution for most people. However in the event that the issue persists you might need to consult a locksmith.
If your door lock is more than about 10 years old It's likely time to replace it. Door locks aren't made to last for the entire life of the door. Even the top quality door locks have to be replaced at some point.
In order to replace the lock, you'll need to remove the current lock from your door. After removing the lock, you'll need measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement will be suitable. For instance, cylinders are available in various shapes that are able to accommodate a variety of door thicknesses. It is also important to know that if the frame of your door is damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the entire door. The new lock will require the latch plate and strike plate to be installed inside the frame. They are sold separately.
3. You're worried that there could be a break-in
A burglary could make you doubt the security of your home. If the culprits have left their mark on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they were in the house (smoothed out the wood around the lock knob, broken lock) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure that they are as secure and safe as possible.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there's no way to know who else could have had a copy of the key. People with keys are responsible for a minimum of 67% of illegal entry. Changing your locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be stuck or difficult to open. This is a sign that the internal mechanism has been damaged by the force of tampering or just wear and tear from age. It leaves it vulnerable to being damaged.
Consider installing a lock that is keyless if you are experiencing any of these issues. These locks do away with the necessity for keys and can be programmed to allow access only once for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks that come with keypads. This allows you to access your home without touching anything.
A new lock can update the look of your home. It's not only about security. Depending on the design of your door, you'll choose locks that match it perfectly.
Contact a locksmith in your area if you are ready to switch locks. They can assist you in choosing the right type of lock and install it swiftly. Before you call a locksmith, make sure to take measurements of your door. The door's thickness is vital to ensure that the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is thicker than the average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be fitted securely. The best starting point is placing a wood shim against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Place the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then twist, pulling the shim up. This will let the latch open and the screws holding the knobs in place and allow you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
The replacement of your door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. It's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly when you move frequently or are a landlord who has to change locks for tenants. Learn the steps for replacing the lock on your door and you'll be able to complete the task yourself in just a few hours.
Even when you trust the previous tenants or homeowners it is best to play it safe by installing new locks. You never know how many people may have copies of the keys that were previously used, including family, friends contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In reality the people who have access to your house are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entries.
Before starting, make sure you purchase a lock replacement that's compatible with your existing hardware and dimensions. You can pick between a deadbolt or a knob lock, based on the style of the door. Once you've got your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Begin by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate to the edge of the front door. Once this is done, remove the latch plate and the two screws that hold the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb.
Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the positions of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make sure the spindle (the long piece of steel that extends from the exterior knob) is able to pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob using the provided screws. Install the lock cylinder into the interior latch. Make sure it is aligned correctly and that the key works with the lock.
Finish by attaching the strike plates and deadbolt plate using the screws that come with your replacement lock set to secure them into the correct position. Once you've finished the process, test your new lock to ensure it operates properly and the inside knob slides easily over the pins. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.