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 signs that it's time to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.
Even though lock replacement is more involved than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are some main reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a brand new home
The locks on your door are an essential element of your home security. If they're damaged it's possible for burglars to gain access. You need to know the indicators that indicate when it's time to replace your window.
If you're moving into a new house It's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys and remove any suspicions of unauthorised entry from previous residents.
Installing a new lock is a simple procedure. First, you'll need remove the existing lock. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the handle or knob in the position. Use the template included with the new lock to mark the location of the knob/handle, and latch. Once you have identified the positions, you can drill the hole for the face according to the lock specifications.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is essential that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and be tight enough to secure it.
A hard impact on a strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. Finally, if the lock is difficult to operate, this may be a sign that it's time for a replacement. It is best to have a professional locksmith change the locks for you and ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently.
You may also want to change your locks if you've ended a lease or roommate agreement. It is difficult to determine who might have duplicate keys to your key. It is therefore a wise step. This will ensure the security of your family and possessions.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be a nightmare particularly when it occurs to one of your main entry doors. There are a few simple steps you can follow to prevent the issue from getting worse and be capable of opening the door as quickly as you can.
The first step is to look at your door lock to ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening some screws if this is the problem. If this doesn't solve the problem, there may be a problem with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Then, apply an oil-based lubricant to test to see if it helps unstick the locking mechanism. The idea behind this is to help the key slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it is able to be opened when needed. This is a great solution for the majority of people. However, if the problem persists, you may need to speak with a locksmith.
If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is time to consider replacing it. This is because door locks aren't designed to last for the entire lifespan of a door and even the best door locks are likely to require replacement 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 lock, you'll have to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will be able to fit. For example, cylinders come in various shapes that are able to accommodate different thicknesses of doors. You may also have to replace your entire door in the event that the frame of your door has been damaged. 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 that there could be an armed robbery
The occurrence of a break-in can shake confidence in the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their marks on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they were in the house (smoothed out the wood around your lock knob, broken lock), then you should replace your locks to ensure that they are as safe and secure as you can.
Even if you were able to trust the previous owners, it's impossible to find out if anyone else has copies. Keys holders are responsible for 6-7% of all unlawful entry. Changing your locks is an effective way to prevent this from happening.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be sticking or difficult to open. This means that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged from the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, leaving it vulnerable to failure and damage.
Consider installing a keyless lock If you're experiencing any of these issues. These locks eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to allow access for only one time for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also get door locks with a keypad, allowing you to enter without touching anything.
The purchase of a new lock isn't only about security and safety it could also be a method to update the look of your home. You can find locks that be a match to the style of your home's door.
Contact an expert locksmith in your area when you are ready make a switch. They can help you select the best lock and install it quickly. Before you contact a locksmith, be certain to measure your door. It is crucial to determine the thickness of your door in order to ensure that the replacement lock will fit properly. If your door is more thick then you might require a lock that's custom-made to fit securely. Begin by placing a wooden shim against the door and the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Then, slide try these out of a screwdriver into the slot, then turn, pulling the shim up. This will let the latch open 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 keys
Replacing the door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY project, particularly if your move frequently or you are a landlord who requires replacement locks for tenants. You can replace a doorlock in a matter of hours when you know the steps.
Even when you trust the previous tenants or homeowners it is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. You never know how many people could have copies of your keys from the past that include family, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In fact, 67 percent of illegal entry is committed by people with a key to your home.
Be sure to purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt and a knob lock based on the style of the door. Once you've purchased your new lock then follow these steps to install it:
Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that secure the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws, remove the latchplate and the two screws holding the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the positions of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make sure that the spindle (the long piece of metal that sticks out of the exterior knob) passes 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, making sure it is properly aligned and works with the key.
Attach the deadbolt plates and strike plates with the screws that are included in your new lock set. Check your new lock when you're done to confirm that it's functioning properly and that the interior knob can slide smoothly over the pins. Reassemble everything in reverse order.