When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your possessions and family safe, but over time they may wear out or be damaged. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time to replace or rekey your lock.
Even though lock replacement is more involved than rekeying it is possible to do it at home. Here are a few of the top reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a new home
Your door locks are an important element of your home's security. It's easy for burglars gain access to damaged locks. This is why it's important to know when it's the right time to purchase an upgrade.
It is a good idea, when you move to a new home and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the only person with keys, and make it impossible to suspect unauthorized entry by previous residents.
Installing a new lock is a simple procedure. First, you will need to remove the old lock. It is possible to remove the screws holding the handle or knob in place by using a screwdriver. Utilize the template supplied with the new lock to mark the position of the knob or handle, as well as the latch. Once you have identified the positions, you are able to drill the hole for the face according to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all in line. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door, and should be tight enough to lock the door.
A strong impact on the strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, this may be a sign that it's time for an upgrade. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith replace your locks for you to ensure that the job is done efficiently and swiftly.
You might also want to replace your locks if you've ended an agreement to rent or a roommate. It is impossible to know who might have an duplicate of your key. It is therefore a wise step. This will ensure the security of your possessions and family members.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a major issue especially if it happens to one of your primary entry doors. However, the good news is that there are some easy steps you can follow to ensure it doesn't get any worse and you can open your door as quickly as you can.
The first step is to look at the door lock and make sure that it isn't simply misaligned. If this is the case, it may be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. door locks replacement slough repairmywindowsanddoors is important to keep in mind that if this doesn't solve the problem it is likely that there is something wrong with the internal mechanics that operate the door lock.
Next, use the lubricant and check if it helps unlock the locking mechanism. The purpose of this is to assist 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 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 will need to consult an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years it is time to consider replacing it. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire lifetime of a door, and even the most durable door locks will need to be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock, you will need to remove your existing lock. After that it is important to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that you can find a replacement that will fit properly. For example, cylinders come in a variety of shapes that can accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also possible to replace the entire door if the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock needs to be anchored into the frame using plates for latching or strike plate as well as a deadbolt, which are all available as separate items.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A break-in can make you be concerned about the security of your house. If the perpetrators have left their mark on your door frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they were inside (smoothed out wood around the lock knob, broken lock), then you should replace your locks to ensure that they are as secure and safe as you can.
Even if you trust the previous owners, there's no way to know who else might have received the key. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by those who have keys which is why changing locks is a good preventative measure.
If the knobs are clogged or difficult to open, it is a 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 the lock vulnerable to failure and damage.
If you're having any of these issues think about installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys, and can be programmed with one-time entry codes for contractors or pet sitters who require access. You can also buy door locks that have keys. This allows you to get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can change the appearance of your home. It's not only about security. There are locks that be a match to the design of your door.
If you're looking to change locks, talk to 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 take measurements of your door. The door's thickness is essential to ensuring the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is more thick then you might require a lock that's custom-made to fit snugly. Begin by putting an shim of wood against the door with the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then twist to pull the shim upwards. This will open the latches and screws that keep the knobs in place and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired with the same keys
Replacing the 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 who needs to replace locks for tenants. You can replace a door lock within a matter of minutes if you know the steps.
Even if you know and trust the previous tenants or homeowners It is best to play it safe by installing new locks. In the end, you don't know how many people might have a copy of the keys from the past which includes relatives, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In reality, 67 percent of illegal entry is committed by people who have access to your home.
Make sure you purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt or a knob lock depending on the style of the door. Once you've received your new lock then follow these steps to install it:
Start by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Then, remove the screws that attach the latch plate to the edge of the door. After removing the screws, take the latchplate off and remove the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Using the template that comes 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 is protruding from the knob on the outside) should slide through the latch smoothly. Attach the handle or knob to the interior using the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure it is properly aligned and works with the key.
Finish by attaching the deadbolt and strike plate with the screws included with the lock replacement set to secure them in the correct position. Check your new lock when you're done to confirm that it's functioning properly and that the interior knob is able to slide over the pins. After that put everything back in reverse order and you're good to go!