When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they may be damaged or worn out with over time. There are a few telltale indications that it's time for you to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.
While replacing locks is more involved than rekeying, it could be done at home. Here are some important reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving to a brand new home
Your door locks are an essential element of your home security. If they're damaged, it can be easy for burglars to gain access. You must be aware of the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea when you move into a new house and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the only one with keys and will eliminate any suspicions of unauthorized entry by previous residents.
Installing a new lock is a simple procedure. First, you'll need to remove the existing lock. It is possible to remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in place using a screwdriver. Use the template included with the new lock to mark the position of the knob or handle, as well as the latch. After you have identified the positions, you are able to drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is important to ensure that the deadbolt and strike plate are compatible with the door frame. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch past the edge of the door, and should be sufficiently tight to secure the door.
A hard impact on the strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time to get an upgrade. It is best to let an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the work gets done quickly and correctly.
There are many other reasons to replace your locks, such as ending a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who might have an unofficial copy of your key, so changing the locks is a wise precaution. This will ensure the safety of your possessions and family members.
2. You are having trouble opening the door.
A broken lock can be a nightmare, especially when it happens to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few easy steps you can follow to prevent the issue from getting worse and be capable of opening the door as quickly as you are able to.
The first step is to look at the door lock to ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening some screws in the event that this is the issue. It is important to keep in mind that if this doesn't solve the problem, then there is likely something wrong in the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Next, try using an oil-based lubricant to determine if this helps to free the lock. This helps keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is a suitable solution for the majority of people. However should the issue persist it is possible to consult a locksmith.
In the end, if your door lock is more than 10 years old, it's probably time for a replacement. This is because door locks aren't designed to last the entire lifespan of a door and even the highest quality door locks will require replacement at some point in time.
To replace your lock, you'll need to remove the existing lock from your door. After removing the existing lock, you'll have to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement will be suitable. For instance the cylinder locks are available in various shapes to fit different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to remember that if your door's frame has been damaged in any way, you will need to replace the whole door. This is because the new lock will need to be secured to the frame using the latch plate, strike plate, and deadbolt, all of which are available separately.
3. You're worried about a break-in
The possibility of a burglary can shake confidence in the security of your home. The perpetrators may have left their marks (crowbar marks on the door frame) or it's obvious that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and broken knobs for locks) You must give yourself renewed security by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as possible.
Even if you believe in the previous owners, there is no way to tell who else might have received the key. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have keys, so changing your locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be stuck or difficult to open. This is a sign that the mechanism inside has been damaged through the force of tampering or just age-related wear. It makes it more vulnerable to damage.
If you're experiencing any of these issues you should consider installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to permit access for only one time for pet-sitters or contractors. You can also buy door locks that have keys. This lets you enter the house without touching anything.
The purchase of a new lock isn't just about safety and security, it can also be a method to improve the appearance of your home. Depending on the style of your door, you can find locks that complement it perfectly.
Talk to a locksmith in your area if you are ready to switch locks. They can assist you in selecting the right lock and install it quickly. Before calling a locksmith, make sure to take measurements of your door. The thickness of the door is essential to ensuring the lock is properly fitted. If your door is more thick it may require a lock that's custom-made to fit snugly. Begin by putting an shim made of wood on the door and the tapered edge positioned against the slot of the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot, then turn it, pulling up the shim. This will release the latches and screws that hold the knobs in position and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired with the same old keys
It's simple to upgrade your door lock to increase the security of your house. It's also a great DIY ability to have, particularly when you move frequently or are a landlord who has to change locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace locks on doors and you'll be able do it yourself in a couple of hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea in the case that you trust and know the previous owners or tenants. You never know who could have the old keys. This includes family members, friends and contractors as well as babysitters. In fact, those who have keys to your home are accountable for 67% of all unlawful entries.
Make sure you purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the hardware you have and the dimensions. You can choose between a deadbolt or a knob lock based on the style of your door. Once you've got your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: 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 that remove the latch plate as well as the two screws that hold the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb.
The location of the knob or handle on the door using the template included with the lock set. find more information (the metal piece that is protruding from the exterior knob) should slide through the latch smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided. Install the lock cylinder in the latch inside. Make sure it is correctly aligned and the key is compatible with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates with the screws that are included in your new lock set. Once you've finished, test your new lock to ensure that it functions properly and the interior knob is able to slide smoothly over the pins. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.