When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks help keep your family and possessions safe however, over time they can wear down or be tampered with. There are a few warning indications that it's time for you to consider changing or rekeying your lock.
Even though replacing locks is more complex than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are the main reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into your new home
Your door locks are a vital part of your home security. It's easy for burglars gain access to damaged locks. This is why you need to know when it's time for a replacement.
If you're moving into a new home then it's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous owners might have entered your house without your permission.
Installing a new lock is an easy process. The first step is to remove the old lock. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that keep the knob or handle in the position. Then, you can make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the handle/knob as well as the latch. After you have marked the positions, you are able to 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 vital that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all in line. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be strong enough to secure the door.
It is also an excellent idea to get the hinges replaced, as these can easily become damaged by a strong collision with the strike plate or lock. If the lock is hard to operate, it may be time to replace. It is best to have an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the job is done quickly and properly.
There are many other reasons to replace your locks, for instance ending a lease or roommate agreement. It is difficult to determine who might have a duplicate of your key. Changing the locks is therefore a prudent precaution. This will ensure the security of your household and belongings.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be an unnerving experience. Especially when it occurs on your main entry door. There are a few simple steps you can follow to prevent the problem from getting worse and to be able to open the door as soon as you can.
First, check that the lock on your door is not simply misaligned. If this is the case, it may be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. It is important to keep in mind that if this doesn't solve the issue it is likely that there is something wrong with the internal mechanics that operate the door lock.
Next, use the lubricant and test to see if it helps unlock the locking mechanism. This helps the key slide into and out of the locks more easily, which allows them to be opened. This is generally an effective solution for the majority of people, but it's important to remember that if your problem continues to persist then there may be some other issue at play, and you will need to speak with a locksmith.
If your door lock is more than a decade, it's probably time for a replacement. This is because door locks aren't designed to last for the entire lifespan of a door and even the highest quality door locks are likely to need to be replaced at some point in time.
In order to replace the lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After removing the existing lock, you'll need to measure your door thickness to ensure that the new lock will be suitable. For instance, cylinders come in various shapes that are able to accommodate various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if your door's frame is damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock will need to be anchored into the frame with a latch plate or strike plate and deadbolt. All of these are available separately.
3. You're worried that there will be a break-in
A break-in can shake confidence in the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their mark (crowbar marks in your door's frame) or it's evident that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and broken knobs for locks) It is important to ensure your confidence by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as possible.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's impossible to know if anyone else has a copy. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have keys and therefore changing locks is an effective preventative measure.
If the knobs are stuck or difficult to open, it is a indication that your locks require to be replaced. This means that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged due to the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, which makes the lock vulnerable to damage and failure.
If you're having any of these issues you should consider installing a keyless lock instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed to allow access only once for pet-sitters or contractors. You can also purchase door locks that come with a keypad. This allows you to access your home without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to change the appearance of your home. It's not only about security. You can find locks to be a match to the style of your home's door.
Talk to an expert locksmith in your area in case you are ready to change locks. They can assist you in choosing the right type of lock and install it quickly. Be sure to measure your door prior to calling a professional locksmith. The thickness of the door is vital to ensure that the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is more thick it may require a lock that is custom-made to fit securely. Start by placing an shim made of wood on the door, with the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then twist to pull the shim upwards. door lock repairs filton repairmywindowsanddoors will open the latch and the screws that hold the knobs in place which will allow you to take them off. them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
Replacing your door lock is an easy upgrade that can increase the security of your home. This is a fantastic DIY option, especially when you move frequently or you are a landlord that has to change locks on tenants. You can replace a doorlock in a matter of hours If you know the steps.
Even when you trust the previous tenants or homeowners it is best to protect yourself by installing new locks. In the end, you don't know how many people might have copies of your keys from the past which includes relatives, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In reality those with a key to your house are responsible for 6-7 percent of all illegal entries.
Before you begin, be sure you purchase a lock replacement that's compatible with your existing hardware and dimensions. You can choose between a deadbolt or knob lock based on the style of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate to the edge of the front door. Once this is done, remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that secure the deadbolt or strike plate into the door jamb.
With the template included with your lock set, mark the location of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make sure the spindle (the long piece of steel that sticks out of the knob's exterior) passes through the latch and operates smoothly. Then, attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure 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 set to secure them in their place. Test your new lock once you're done to make sure it's functioning properly and that the knob inside is able to slide over the pins. Then put everything back together in reverse order and you're done!