When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family secure. However, they may be damaged or worn out with over time. There are a few telltale indicators that indicate it's time to consider changing or rekeying your lock.
Although replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are Repair My Windows And Doors of the most compelling reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a brand new house
The locks on your door are an essential element of your home security. It is easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. You must be aware of the indicators that indicate when it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea, when you move into a new house changing the locks. This will ensure that you are the only person with keys and make it impossible to suspect unauthorized entry from previous residents.
Installing an entirely new lock is a simple procedure. The first step is to remove the old lock. You can remove the screws holding the handle or knob in place by using the screwdriver. Use the template that comes with the new lock to mark the position of the knob/handle, and latch. Once you have identified the positions, you are able to drill the hole for the face according to the lock specifications.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and be tight enough to ensure it is secure.
A hard blow to the strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, it could be a sign that it's time to get an upgrade. It is recommended to let an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the work is completed quickly and efficiently.
It is also possible to replace your locks if you've terminated a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who may have copies of your keys and therefore changing your locks is a wise precaution. It also ensures that your belongings and family are secure.
2. You're having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be a major issue especially if it occurs to one of your primary entry doors. However, the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to ensure that the situation doesn't get worse and that you are able to open your door again as soon as possible.
First, check that your door lock isn't simply out of alignment. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening some of the screws. It is important to remember that if this does not solve the problem, then there is likely something wrong with the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Next, use an oil-based lubricant to test to see if it helps unstick the locking mechanism. This will help the key slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is a common solution for the majority of people, but it's crucial to be aware that if the issue persists, then there could be a different issue that is causing it and you'll need to contact locksmith.
If your door lock is older than a decade It's likely the time to get a new one. Door locks are not meant to last for the lifetime of the door. Even the best quality door locks need to be changed at some point.
To replace your lock you must take off the lock you have currently. After removing the existing lock, you'll have to measure your door thickness to ensure that the new lock will be suitable. For instance the cylinder locks are available in various shapes to fit various door thicknesses. You will also need to replace the entire door if the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock needs to be secured to the frame with the latch plate or strike plate as well as a deadbolt, which are all available in separate.
3. You're worried that there could be an attack
The possibility of a burglary can shake confidence in the security of your home. If the culprits have left their mark on your door frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they were in the house (smoothed out the wood around the lock knob, broken lock), then you should replace your locks to ensure that they are as secure and secure as possible.
Even if you believed in the previous owners, it's difficult to know if anyone else has copies. 67% of the crime is committed by those who have a key, so changing your locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be stuck or difficult to open. This is a sign that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged from the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, leaving it susceptible to damage and failure.
Consider installing a lock that is keyless If you're experiencing any of these issues. These locks eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to allow access only once for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks that come with keypads. This lets you enter the house without touching anything.
A new lock can change the appearance of your home. It's not only about safety. You can find locks that fit the design of your door.
If you're looking to change locks contact a local locksmith. They can help you choose the right type of lock and install it swiftly. Be sure to measure your door prior to calling a professional locksmith. The thickness of the door is vital to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is larger than average, you may need to get a custom-made lock that can be fitted securely. Begin by putting a wooden shim against the door with the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Slide the tip of the screwdriver into slot and turn upwards, bringing the shim up. This will open the latch and the screws that hold the knobs in place, allowing you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's simple to upgrade your door lock to increase the security of your house. This is an excellent DIY project, particularly when you move frequently or you are a landlord who has to change locks on tenants. You can change a door lock in a matter of hours if you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea even when you are a trusted and reliable friend of the previous homeowners or tenants. You never know who might have the keys. This includes friends, family members, contractors and babysitters. In reality, 67 percent of all illegal entry is committed by those with a key to your home.
Before you begin, be sure to buy a new lock that's compatible with your existing hardware and measurements. You can choose between a deadbolt and a knob lock based on the design of the door. Once you've purchased your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Begin by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate on the edge of the front door. Once this is done take off the latch plate as well as the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.
Utilizing the template included with the lock set, mark the positions of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make sure that the spindle (the long piece of steel that extends from the exterior knob) passes through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the handle/knob to the interior with the screws provided. Install the lock cylinder in the interior latch. Make sure that it is properly aligned and that the key is working with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws included in your new lock set. After you've completed the process, test your new lock to ensure it operates properly and the inside knob can slide easily over the pins. After that put it back in reverse order and you're all set!