When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your family and possessions safe but, over time, they'll wear down or be damaged. There are a few warning indicators that indicate it's time to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.
Even though replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it is possible to do it at home. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into your new home
The locks on your door are a vital part of your home security. If they're damaged, it can be easy for burglars to gain access. You must be aware of the signs that it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea, when you move into a new residence changing the locks. This will ensure you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicions that previous residents might have entered your house without your permission.
Installing the new lock is an easy procedure. You will first need to take off the lock you have already installed. You can remove the screws holding the knob or handle in place by using the screwdriver. Next, use a template provided by the new lock set to mark the location of the handle/knob and latch. Once you've marked the positions, drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is important to ensure that the deadbolt and strike plate fit properly with the existing door frame. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to lock the door.
A hard blow to the strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time to get a replacement. It is recommended to let an expert locksmith replace the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the job gets done quickly and correctly.
There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, like ending a roommate or rental agreement. It is impossible to know who may have an duplicate of your key. Changing the locks is therefore a prudent 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 nightmare particularly when it occurs to one of your main entry doors. There are a few steps you can follow to prevent the issue from getting worse and to be capable of opening the door as quickly as you are able to.
The first step is to look at your door lock and ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. If this doesn't fix the issue, there could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Then, try an oil-based lubricant to test if this can help to free the lock. This helps the keys slide in and out of the locks more easily, allowing them to be opened. This is a common solution for most people, but it's crucial to be aware that if your problem persists, then there may be some other issue that is causing it and you'll have to speak with locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years it is recommended to replace it. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire lifetime of a door, and even the most durable door locks are likely to need to be replaced at some point in time.
In order to replace the lock, you'll need to remove the current lock from your door. After this, it's important to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that you can find a replacement that is a good fit. For example the cylinder locks are available in a variety of shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if your door frame has been damaged in any way, you will need to replace the entire door. 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
A break-in can make you be concerned about the security of your home. If the perpetrators left marks 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), then you should replace your locks to ensure they are as secure and secure as you can.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's difficult to know if anyone else has copies. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by people who have a key which is why changing locks is an effective preventative measure.
If the knobs are stuck or are difficult to open, it is a indication that your locks need to be replaced. This could indicate that the mechanism within has been damaged through the force of tampering or just age-related wear. It exposes it to damage.
Consider installing a lock that is keyless If you're experiencing any of these problems. They eliminate the requirement for keys and can be programmed to allow access only once for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks with a keypad. This lets you get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to update the look of your home. It's not only about security. Depending on the design of your door, you'll be able to find locks that will complement it perfectly.
If you're ready to make the switch consult a local locksmith. They can assist you in selecting the best lock and install it quickly. Before calling a locksmith, make certain to measure your door. The thickness of the door is vital to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is larger than the average, you might require a custom lock that can be fitted securely. Begin by putting an shim of wood against the door, with the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and twist, pulling the shim up. This will release the latches and screws that hold the knobs in place and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It is easy to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your house. replacement door lock 's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly when you move frequently or are a landlord that needs to change locks for tenants. You can replace a doorlock within a matter of minutes If you know the steps.
Even when you trust the previous homeowners or tenants It is best to play it safe by installing new locks. After all, you never know how many people could have a copy of the old keys that include friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In fact those with keys to your home are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entry.
Be sure to purchase an upgrade lock that matches the existing hardware and dimensions. You can choose between a deadbolt or knob lock depending on the design of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Begin by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate at the edge of the front door. After that take off the latch plate and the two screws that hold the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb of the door.
The position of the handle/knob inside on the door using the template included with the lock set. Make sure that the spindle (the long piece of metal that is affixed to the knob on the outside) passes through the latch and operates it smoothly. Then, attach the interior handle/knob with the screws supplied and insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure that it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Finish by attaching the deadbolt and strike plate with the screws included in your replacement lock installed to secure them in their place. Check your new lock when you're done to make sure it works correctly and that the inside knob is able to slide over the pins. Reassemble everything in reverse order.