When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family secure. However, they may get worn out or interfere with time. There are certain indicators that tell you it's time to change or reset your lock.
Even though lock replacement is more complicated than rekeying, it is possible to do it at home. Here are a few best reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a new home
Your door locks are an essential element of your home security. It is easy for burglars to gain access to locks that are damaged. This is the reason you need to be aware of when it's time to get an upgrade.
door lock replacement Repair My Windows And Doors is a good idea if you are moving into a new house changing the locks. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of the keys and remove any suspicion that previous residents may have entered your home without your permission.
New lock installation is a straightforward procedure. First, you'll need to remove the existing lock. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in the position. Next, utilize a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the location of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked the positions, you can drill the hole for the face according to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be strong enough to lock the door.
It is also a good idea to have hinges replaced as they can be damaged by a hard hit on the strike plate or lock. If the lock is difficult to operate, it might be time to replace it. It is recommended to have an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the work is done quickly and properly.
It is also possible to change your locks if you've gotten rid of a lease or roommate agreement. It is impossible to determine who might have a copy of your key, so changing the locks is a good idea. This will ensure the safety of your family and possessions.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a nightmare especially if it occurs to one of your main entry doors. But the good thing is that there are simple steps you can take to ensure it doesn't get any worse and you can get access to your door again as soon as possible.
The first step is to check the door lock and make sure that it's not misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening one or two screws if this is the problem. If this does not fix the issue, there could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Then, apply a lubricant and see if it helps to unstick the locking mechanism. This will help keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is a good solution for the majority of people. However should the issue persist it is possible to speak with a locksmith.
In the end, if your door lock is more than a decade, it's probably time for a replacement. This is because door locks are not made to last the full lifespan of a door and even the best door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. Once this is done it is important to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that you will be able to find a replacement lock that is a good fit. For example Cylinder locks come in different shapes to accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if the frame of your door has been damaged in any way, you will need to replace the whole door. The new lock will require a latch plate and strike plate to be fitted into the frame. These are available separately.
3. You're worried that there will be a break-in
A break-in can make you think twice about the security of your home. If the culprits have left their mark on the door frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they are inside (smoothed out the wood around your lock knob, broken lock) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure that they are as secure and secure as they can be.
Even if you believed in the previous owners, it's difficult to know if anyone else has copies. Keys holders are responsible for a minimum of 67% of unlawful entry. It is recommended to change your locks as an effective way to prevent this from happening.
If the knobs are clogged or difficult to open, it is a indication that your locks need to be replaced. This indicates that the mechanism within has been damaged through the force of tampering or just age-related wear. It leaves it vulnerable to being damaged.
You should consider installing a keyless lock If you're having any of these issues. These locks eliminate the need for keys, and can be programmed with one-time entry codes for contractors or pet sitters that require access. There are also doors that have keys that allow you to enter the premises without touching anything.
Getting a new lock isn't just about safety and security it could also be a means to modernize your home's look. You can find locks that fit the style of the door you have.
Talk to a locksmith in your neighborhood if you are ready to change locks. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate lock and install it quickly. Make sure you measure your door prior to calling an expert locksmith. The door's thickness is crucial to ensure that the replacement lock fits properly. If your door is thicker, you may need a lock that is custom-made to fit snugly. The best starting point is placing a wood shim against the door, and positioned with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot, then turn it upwards, bringing the shim up. This will let loose the latches and screws that hold the knobs in position which allows them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock to increase the security of your house. It's also a great DIY skill to have, especially in the event that you frequently move or are a landlord that needs to replace locks for tenants. You can replace a doorlock within a matter of minutes If you know the steps.
Even if you know and trust the previous homeowners or tenants it is best to protect yourself by installing new locks. After all, you never know how many people could have a copy of the keys that were previously used which includes friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In fact, 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have access to your home.
Make sure you purchase a replacement lock compatible with the hardware you have and the dimensions. You can pick between a deadbolt or a knob lock based on the style of your door. Once you've received your new lock, follow these steps to install it:
Start by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that hold the latch plate to the edge of the door. After removing the screws take the latchplate off and remove the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the 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. Make sure the spindle (the long metal piece that is affixed to the knob on the outside) is able to pass through the latch and operates it smoothly. Attach the knob or handle to the inside using the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch, ensuring that it is properly aligned and works with the key.
Then, attach the deadbolt and strike plate using the screws that come with your new lock installed to secure them in their place. Test the new lock after you're done to confirm that it's functioning properly and that the inside knob can slide smoothly over the pins. After that put it back together in reverse order, and you're good to go!