When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your belongings and family members safe, but over time they'll wear down or be damaged. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time to change or reset your lock.
Although lock replacement is a more complex process than rekeying it can still be done at home. Here are some important reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a new house
The locks on your door are an essential part of your home security. If they're damaged it's easy for burglars to gain entry. This is why it's important to be aware of when it's time to get an upgrade.
If you're moving into a new residence, then it is recommended to get the locks changed. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of keys and will eliminate any suspicion that previous owners might have entered your house without permission.
New lock installation is a straightforward procedure. First, you'll need to remove the old lock. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the knob or handle in place. Next, make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the position of the handle/knob and latch. Once you've marked the positions, you can drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. Repair My Windows And Doors is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be strong enough to lock the door.
A hard blow to a strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, it could be time to replace. It's best to have the professional locksmith change your locks on your behalf to ensure that the job will be done correctly and quickly.
It is also possible to change your locks if you've gotten rid of the lease or a roommate agreement. It's impossible to tell who may have an unofficial copy of your key thus changing the locks is a wise precaution. It will also ensure that your belongings and family are safe.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be a nightmare especially if it occurs to one of your main entry doors. But the good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to ensure it doesn't get any worse and you can open your door again as soon as possible.
The first step is to check your door lock to ensure that it's not misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. It is important to remember, though, that if this does not solve the issue, then there is likely something wrong in the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Next, try using a lubricant to determine if this helps to free the lock. This helps keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, which allows them to be opened. This is a suitable solution for the majority of people. However should the issue persist you might need to talk to a locksmith.
In the end, if your door lock is more than a decade It's likely the time to get a new one. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire life of a door, and even the best door locks will need to be replaced at some point in time.
To replace the lock, you'll need to remove the current lock from your door. After removing the lock, you'll need measure your door thickness to ensure that the new lock will be suitable. For instance, cylinders are available in different shapes that can accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also possible to replace the entire door in the event that the frame of your door has been damaged. The new lock will require the latch plate and strike plate to be installed inside the frame. These are available separately.
3. You're worried about a burglary
The occurrence of a break-in can shake your faith in the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their marks (crowbar marks on the door frame) or it's evident that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and a damaged knobs for locks) You must give yourself renewed security by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can.
Even if you believed in the previous owners, it's impossible to find out if anyone else has copies. Keys are the reason why people have keys. for 6-7% of all illicit entry. Change your locks is an effective preventative measure.
If the knobs are clogged or are difficult to open, it is a indication that your locks require to be replaced. This is a sign that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged due to tampering or just age-related wear and tear, making it vulnerable to failure and damage.
Consider installing a lock that is keyless If you're experiencing any of these issues. These locks eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to allow access only once for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks with keypads. This lets you access your home without touching anything.
A new lock can update the look of your home. It's not only about safety. You can find locks that fit the design of your door.
If you're ready to make the switch consult an experienced locksmith in your area. They can help you select the right lock and install it swiftly. Before calling a locksmith, make sure to measure your door. The thickness of the door is crucial to ensure that the replacement lock fits properly. If your door is thicker than average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be installed securely. The best way to begin is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and positioned with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Then, slide the tip of the screwdriver into the slot, then turn it upwards, bringing the shim up. This will release the latch and the screws holding the knobs in place, allowing you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
Replacing your door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. It's also a great DIY skill to have, especially if you move often or are a landlord that needs to change locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace locks on doors and you'll be able to do it yourself in a couple of hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea even if you trust and know the previous owners or tenants. You never know who may have keys from the past. This includes family members, friends contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In fact, 6-7 percent of all illegal entry is committed by people who have access to your home.
Before you begin, be sure you purchase a lock replacement that's compatible with your existing hardware and measurements. You can pick between a deadbolt or a knob lock based on the design of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Then, remove the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. Once you've done this, remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that hold the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb of the door.
Find the location of the interior handle/knob on the door using the template that came with your lock set. The spindle (the metal piece that extends from the knob's exterior) should slide through the latch with ease. Attach the handle/knob to the interior using the provided screws. Place the lock cylinder into the latch in the interior. Check that it is correctly aligned and the key works with the lock.
Finish by attaching the deadbolt and strike plate using the screws included in your replacement lock set to secure them into their place. Check your new lock when you're done to confirm that it works correctly and that the interior knob can slide smoothly over the pins. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.