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 over time. There are certain indicators that tell you it's time to replace or reset your lock.
Even though replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it can be done at home. Here are a few top reasons why you should consider it:
1. You're moving into a new home
The locks on your doors are a vital element of your home's security. It is easy for burglars to gain access to locks that are damaged. This is why you need to be aware of when it's time to get an upgrade.
It is a good idea, if you are moving into a new residence and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys, and make it impossible to suspect unauthorized entry from previous residents.
New lock installation is an easy procedure. You will first need to take off the lock you have already installed. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the handle or knob in place. Then, you can use a template provided by the new lock set to mark the location of the knob/handle and latch. After you've marked the positions, you can drill the face hole to match the specifications of your lock.
After drilling the holes and the lock is installed, you must install the new lock. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to ensure it is secure.
It is also an excellent idea to get hinges replaced, since they can be damaged by a strong impact on the strike plate or lock. Finally, if the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time to get an upgrade. door lock repairs sutton repairmywindowsanddoors is best to have a professional locksmith change the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the job is completed quickly and efficiently.
There are many other reasons to change your locks, for instance ending a roommate or rental agreement. It is difficult to determine who might have duplicate keys to your key. The need to change the locks is therefore a wise step. It will also ensure that your belongings and family are secure.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be an absolute nightmare. Especially when it occurs at the entrance to your home. But the good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to ensure it does not get any worse and that you can open your door again as soon as possible.
The first step is to look at the door lock and ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. If this is the case, it may be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. If this doesn't fix the issue, it could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Next, try applying an oil-based lubricant to determine if this helps to unstick the lock. The concept behind this is to assist the key to slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it can be opened when necessary. This is a suitable solution for the majority of people. However, if the problem persists it is possible to speak with an expert locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is older than a decade It's likely time to replace it. This is because door locks are not designed to last for the entire lifetime of a door, and even the highest quality door locks are likely to need to be replaced at some point.
In order to replace the lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After that it is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that you can find a replacement that is a good fit. For instance, cylinder locks come in a variety of shapes to fit various door thicknesses. It is also important to know that if your door frame has been damaged in any way, you'll have to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock will have to be secured into the frame using a latch plate or strike plate and deadbolt, all of which are available in separate.
3. You're worried there will be a break-in
The occurrence of a break-in can shake confidence in the security of your home. The perpetrators may have left their marks (crowbar marks in the door frame) or it's clear that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken lock knob), you need to ensure your confidence by changing your locks and making sure they are as secure as possible.
Even if you trust the previous owners, there's no way to tell who else could have had a copy of the key. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by people who have a key and therefore changing locks is a good preventative measure.
If the knobs are clogged or difficult to open, this is another sign that your locks need to be replaced. This means that the mechanism within the lock is damaged from the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, which makes it susceptible to damage and failure.
If you're having issues with any of these think about installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the requirement for keys and can be programmed to allow access only once for pet-sitters, contractors, or contractors. You can also purchase door locks that come with keypads. This allows you to get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to update the look of your home. It's not just about safety. There are locks that match the style of your home's door.
Talk to an expert locksmith in your area if you are ready to switch locks. They can assist you in selecting the best lock and then install it quickly. Before you call a locksmith, make certain to measure your door. It is essential to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will fit properly. If your door is larger than average, you may require a custom lock that fits securely. The best place to start is by placing a wood shim against the door and positioned with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Slide the tip of the screwdriver into the slot, then turn it by pulling the shim up. This will release the latches and screws that hold the knobs in place which allows them to be removed.
4. You're tired with the same keys
It is easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your home. It's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly when you move frequently 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 few short hours.
Even when you trust the previous landlords or homeowners it is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. You never know how many people might have a copy of the keys that were previously used, including friends, family members, contractors, and babysitters. In reality those with keys to your home are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entry.
Before starting, make sure to buy a new lock that's compatible with your existing hardware and dimensions. You can choose between a deadbolt or a knob lock based 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. Then, take out the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws, take off the latchplate as well as the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the door jamb.
With the template included with the lock set, mark the positions of the interior handle/knob and the latch on the face of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the exterior knob) should pass through the latch without difficulty. Then, attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch, making sure that it is properly aligned and works with the key.
Then, attach the deadbolt and strike plate with the screws included with your replacement lock set to secure them in their place. After you've completed the process testing your new lock, make sure you test it to make sure it works properly and the interior knob can slide easily over the pins. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.