A Look In The Secrets Of Replacement Door Lock
When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings secure. However, they can be damaged or worn out with over time. There are some telltale indicators that indicate it's time to think about replacing or rekeying the lock.
While replacing locks is more involved than rekeying, it can be done at home. Here are the important reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a new home
The locks on your door are an essential part of your home security. When they're damaged, it can be easy for burglars to gain entry. It is important to recognize the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
If you are moving into a new home It's recommended to get the locks changed. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys, and eliminate any suspicions of unauthorized entry by previous residents.
Installing a new lock is a simple process. First, you will need to remove the old lock. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that hold the handle or knob in the position. Utilize the template supplied with the new lock to mark the position of the knob/handle, and latch. Once you've marked the positions, drill the face hole to match the specifications of the lock.
After drilling the holes, you will need to install the new lock. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the door's edge and be strong enough to ensure it is secure.
It is also an excellent idea to get hinges replaced as they are susceptible to being damaged by a hard collision with the lock or strike plate. If the lock is difficult to operate, it may be time to replace it. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith replace your locks on your behalf, as this will guarantee that the job is completed efficiently and swiftly.
It is also possible to replace your locks if you've terminated a lease or roommate 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 family and belongings are secure.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a major issue especially if it occurs to one of your main entry doors. But the good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to ensure that the situation does not get any worse and that you can open your door as quickly as possible.
First, ensure that the lock on your door isn't simply out of alignment. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening some of the screws. It is important to keep in mind, though, that if this doesn't solve the issue it is likely that there is something wrong with the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Next, use a lubricant and see if it helps to unlock the locking mechanism. The concept behind this is to help the key to slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it can be opened when necessary. This is a great solution for the majority of people. However, if the problem persists, you may need to talk to a locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is older than about 10 years old, it's probably the time to get a new one. Door locks are not meant to last the life of the door. Even the best quality door locks must be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock, you'll need to remove the existing lock from your door. After this, it's important to determine the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a lock that is suitable for your door. For instance, cylinders are available in various shapes that are able to accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if your door frame has been damaged in some way, you'll have to replace the entire door. The new lock will require the strike plate and latch plate to be installed into the frame. They are sold separately.
3. You're worried there will be an armed robbery
A break-in can shake confidence in the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their marks (crowbar marks in the door frame) or it's evident that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and broken knobs on the lock), you need to ensure your confidence by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as they can be.
Even if you were able to trust the previous owners, it's difficult to find out if anyone else has copies. 67% of the crime is committed by those who have a key which is why changing locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be squeezing or are difficult to open. This means that the mechanism within the lock is damaged due to alteration or just wear and tear, leaving the lock vulnerable to damage and eventual failure.
Consider installing a lock that is keyless if you are experiencing any of these issues. They eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to permit access for only one time for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks that have a keypad. This lets you get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to change the appearance of your home. It's not just about security. There are locks that be a match to the style of your home's door.
Contact a locksmith in your area if you are ready to switch locks. They can help you select the right lock and install it swiftly. Be sure to measure your door prior to calling a professional locksmith. The thickness of the door is crucial to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is thicker, you may need a lock that is custom-made to fit snugly. A good starting point is placing a wood shim directly against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and twist to pull the shim upwards. 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 your door lock is an easy upgrade that can add to the security of your home. replacement lock for upvc door '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 a door lock and you'll be able complete the task yourself in just a couple of hours.
Even even if you are familiar with and trust the previous homeowners or tenants It is best to protect yourself by installing new locks. In the end, you don't know how many people may have a copy of the old keys which includes family, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In fact, 6-7 percent of all illegal entry is committed by those who have keys to your home.
Before starting, make sure to buy a new lock that's compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. You can pick between a deadbolt or a knob lock depending on the design of the door. Once you've purchased your new lock then follow these steps to install it:
Begin by removing both of the old knobs from the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate to the edge of the front door. After removing the screws, take off the latchplate as well as the two screws holding the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the door jamb.
With the template included with your lock set, mark the positions of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the front of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long piece of steel that extends from the knob on the outside) passes through the latch and operates it smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch, ensuring that it is in the correct position and functions with the key.
Then, attach the strike plates and deadbolt plate using the screws that come with your new lock 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 inside knob slides over the pins easily. After that put it back in reverse order and you're good to go!