When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your belongings and family members secure, but over time they may wear out or be tampered with. There are some telltale signs it's time for you to change or reset your lock.
Although replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are some of the top reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a new home
The locks on your door are a vital aspect of the security of your home. If they're damaged it's easy for burglars to gain access. You must be aware of the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
If you are moving into a new house then it's recommended to get the locks changed. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of keys and will eliminate any suspicions that previous residents could have entered your home without your permission.
Installing an entirely new lock is a simple process. First, you will need to take off the old lock. You can remove the screws holding the handle or knob in place by using a screwdriver. Use the template included with the new lock to mark the location of the handle/knob, and latch. After you have identified the positions, you are able to drill the face hole according to the lock specifications.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plates and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be tight enough to lock the door.
It is also a good idea to have the hinges replaced, as they can be damaged by a strong hit on the strike plate or lock. If the lock is hard to operate, it might be time to replace it. It is best to have an expert locksmith replace the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the job gets done quickly and correctly.
There are many other reasons to change your locks, for instance ending a roommate or rental agreement. It's impossible to tell who may have copies of your keys, so changing the locks is a wise precaution. This will ensure the security of your possessions and family members.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be an absolute nightmare. Particularly when it occurs on your main entry door. There are a few steps you can follow to stop the issue from becoming worse and to be able to open the door as soon as you can.
The first step is to examine your door lock to ensure that it's not misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening one or two screws in the event that this is the issue. If this doesn't fix the issue, it could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, try applying the lubricant and test if this can help to free the lock. The concept behind this is to help the key to slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when necessary. This is generally an effective solution for most people, however it is important to keep in mind that if your problem continues to persist then there may be some other issue that is causing it and you'll need to contact an expert locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is more than about 10 years old It's likely time to replace it. Door locks are not meant to last for the lifetime of the door. Even the most durable door locks must be changed at some point.
To change your lock, you must remove your existing lock. After removing the lock, you'll have to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that a replacement will fit. For instance, cylinders come in a variety of shapes that can accommodate a variety of door thicknesses. It is also important to remember that if your door frame has been damaged in some way, you'll have to replace the whole door. The new lock will require an latch plate and strike plate to be inserted inside the frame. They are sold separately.
3. You're worried about a break-in
A break-in can shake your faith in the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their mark (crowbar marks on your door frame) or it's clear that they've been inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken knobs for locks) It is important to restore your security by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as possible.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's difficult to find out if anyone else has copies. People with keys 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, this is another indication that your locks need to be replaced. This indicates that the mechanism inside has been damaged by tampering, or simply age-related wear. It exposes it to being damaged.
You should consider installing a keyless lock If you're having any of these issues. They eliminate the need for keys, and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors and pet sitters who require access. You can also purchase doors that have a keypad, allowing you to open the door without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to change the appearance of your home. It's not just about security. You can find locks that match the style of the door you have.
Talk to a locksmith in your area when you are ready change locks. They can assist you in choosing the right type of lock and install it quickly. Make sure you measure your door prior to calling an expert locksmith. It is important to measure the thickness of your door in order to ensure that the replacement lock will fit correctly. If your door is thicker than the average, you might require a custom lock that can be installed securely. A good place to start is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and positioned with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Then, slide patio door lock replacement of the screwdriver into the slot and then turn, pulling up the shim. This will release the latches and screws holding the knobs in position which allows them to be removed.
4. You're tired with the same old keys
Replacing your door lock is a simple upgrade that will increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY option, especially if your move frequently or you are a landlord that has to change locks on tenants. You can change a door lock in just a few hours 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. You never know how many people might have copies of your keys from the past which includes friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In reality the people who have keys to your home are accountable for 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 pick between a deadbolt or a knob lock based on the style of your door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate to the edge of the front door. After that, remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate into the door jamb.
Find the position of the handle/knob inside on the door using the template that came with the lock set. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the knob's exterior) must pass through the latch with ease. Attach the handle/knob inside using the screws supplied. Place the lock cylinder in the latch inside. Make sure that it is aligned correctly and that the key is compatible with the lock.
Finalize by securing the strike plates and deadbolt plate with the screws that come with your new lock set to secure them into place. After you've completed, test your new lock to ensure that it functions correctly and that the knob inside can slide easily over the pins. Then, reassemble everything in reverse order.