When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they can be damaged or worn out with time. There are a few warning signs that it's time to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.
Although lock replacement is more involved than rekeying, it could be accomplished at home. Here are a few best reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a brand 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. You must be aware of the signs that it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea, in the event of moving into a new residence, to change the locks. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys and will eliminate any suspicions of unauthorized entry by previous residents.
Installing an entirely new lock is a simple procedure. First, you'll need to remove the existing lock. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that keep the knob or handle in place. Next, utilize a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the knob/handle and latch. Once you've marked your locations, drill the face hole to match the specifications of your lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and be tight enough to ensure it is secure.
It is also recommended to have the hinges replaced, as they are susceptible to being damaged by a strong impact on the lock or strike plate. If the lock is difficult to operate, it might be time to replace. It's best to have the professional locksmith change the locks for you and ensure that the job will be done efficiently and swiftly.
replace door lock may also want to change your locks if you've terminated a lease or roommate agreement. It is impossible to tell who may have duplicate keys to your key. The need to change the locks is therefore a sensible precaution. It also ensures that your family and belongings are secure.
2. You are having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be an absolute nightmare. Particularly when it happens on the main entrance door. There are a few easy steps you can take to prevent the problem from becoming worse and to be in a position to open the door as quickly as you are able to.
The first step is to look at your door lock and make sure that it's not misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening some screws in the event that this is the issue. If this doesn't solve the issue, there could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, use an oil-based lubricant to see if it helps to unstick the locking mechanism. This helps keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, allowing them to be opened. This is generally an effective solution for most people, but it is important to remember that if your issue continues to persist then there may be some other issue and you'll have to consult a locksmith.
In the end, if your door lock is older than 10 years old is it time for a replacement. Door locks aren't made to last for the entire life of the door. Even the best quality door locks must be changed at some point.
In order to replace your lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After this it's crucial to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that you will be able to find a replacement lock that will fit properly. For instance the cylinder locks are available in different shapes to accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if your door's frame has been damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the whole door. The new lock will require the strike plate and latch plate to be installed inside the frame. These are available separately.
3. You're worried about a break-in
A burglary could make you think twice about the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their marks on your door frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they were inside (smoothed out the wood around the lock knob, broken lock) Then you must replace your locks to ensure that they are as secure and safe as you can.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's impossible to find out if anyone else has a copy. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have keys which is why changing locks is a great preventative measure.
If the knobs are clogged or difficult to open, this is a further indication that your locks require to be replaced. This indicates that the internal mechanism of the lock has been damaged by tampering or just age-related wear and tear, leaving it susceptible to failure and damage.
You should consider installing a keyless lock If you're experiencing any of these issues. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors or pet sitters that require access. You can also purchase door locks that have keys that allow you to enter the premises without touching anything.
A new lock can improve the appearance of your home. It's not just about safety. There are locks that fit the style of your home's door.
If you're looking to change locks consult an experienced locksmith in your area. They can assist you in choosing the right type of lock and install it quickly. Before you contact a locksmith, make certain to measure your door. The door's thickness is essential to ensuring the lock is properly fitted. If your door is larger than average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be fitted securely. The best way to begin is by placing a wood shim against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Place the screwdriver's tip into the slot and twist, pulling the shim up. This will open the latch and the screws that hold the knobs in place and allow you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
Replacing the door lock is a simple upgrade that will increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY skill, especially in the event that you frequently move or you are a landlord that requires replacement locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace a door lock and you'll be able to do it yourself in just a few short hours.
Even if you know and trust the previous tenants or homeowners It is best to protect yourself by installing new locks. You never know how many people might have copies of the keys that were previously used, including family, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In fact, 67 percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have keys to your home.
Be sure to buy an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. Depending on the design of your door, you could choose from a deadbolt lock or a doorknob lock. Once you've purchased your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Start by removing both knobs that were on the door. Then, remove the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. After that take off the latch plate as well as the two screws that secure the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb of the door.
Utilizing the template included with the lock set, mark the location of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the face of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long metal piece that sticks out of the knob on the outside) can pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided. Install the lock cylinder in the latch in the interior. Make sure that it is properly aligned and that the key is working with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws provided in your replacement lock set. After you've completed the process, test your new lock to make sure it works properly and the interior knob is able to slide smoothly over the pins. Then, reassemble everything in reverse order.