When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they can get worn out or interfere with over time. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time for you to change or rekey your lock.
While lock replacement is a more complex process than rekeying, it could be done at home. Here are a few of the most compelling reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a brand new house
The locks on your door are an important aspect of the security of your home. When they're damaged, it can be easy for burglars to gain access. This is the reason you need to know when it's the right time to purchase a replacement.
It is a good idea if you are moving into a new house, to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the sole owner of the keys and remove any suspicions that previous residents may have entered your home without your permission.
New lock installation is a simple procedure. First, you'll need to take off the old lock. This can be done by using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that hold the handle or knob in the position. Next, make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the knob/handle and latch. Once you've marked the locations, drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of the lock.
Once the holes are drilled, you will need to install the new lock. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door, and should be tight enough to lock the door.
It's also an excellent idea to get hinges replaced, since they are susceptible to being damaged from a sharp impact on the strike plate or lock. If the lock is hard to operate, it could be time to replace it. It is best to have an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the task is done quickly and properly.
There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, for instance ending a lease or roommate agreement. It is impossible to know who might have an duplicate of your key. The need to change the locks is therefore a wise step. It also ensures that your family and belongings are safe.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a major issue, especially when it happens to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few steps you can follow to prevent the issue from becoming worse and to be in a position to open the door as quickly as you can.
The first step is to check your door lock to ensure that it's not misaligned. If this is the case, it could be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. If this doesn't fix the issue, it could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Then, apply the lubricant and see if it helps to unstick the locking mechanism. The purpose of this is to assist the key slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when necessary. This is a great solution for the majority of people. However in the event that the issue persists it is possible to consult an expert locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is older than 10 years old, it's probably the time to get a new one. Door locks aren't designed to last the life of the door. Even the most durable door locks need to be replaced at some point.
In order to replace the lock, you'll need to remove the existing lock from your door. After this it's crucial to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a lock that will fit properly. For instance, cylinders are available in different shapes that can accommodate different thicknesses of doors. You may also have to replace the entire door when the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock will have to be anchored into the frame with a latch plate or strike plate and deadbolt. All of these are available as separate items.
3. You're worried there will be an armed robbery
The possibility of a burglary can shake confidence in the security of your home. If the perpetrators have left their mark on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident 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 safe as they can be.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there is no way to determine who else may have received a copy of the key. Keys are the reason why people have keys. for 67% of all illegal entry. Change your locks is a good preventative measure.
If the knobs are stuck or are difficult to open, it is a indication that your locks need to be replaced. This is a sign that the mechanism inside has been damaged by tampering, or simply age-related wear. It makes it more vulnerable to being damaged.
If you're having issues with any of these you should consider installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys, and can be programmed with one-time entry codes for contractors or pet sitters who require access. You can also purchase door locks that come with keys. This lets you enter the house without touching anything.
A new lock isn't only about security and safety It can also be a way to update the look of your home. You can find locks to match the style of your home's door.
If you're ready to make the switch contact a local locksmith. They can help you select the best lock and install it swiftly. Before calling a locksmith, make certain to measure your door. It is crucial to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will be fitted properly. If your door is more thick it may require a lock that's custom-made to fit snugly. A good way to begin is by placing a wood shim against the door, and positioned with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into slot and turn, pulling up the shim. This will let loose the latches and screws that hold the knobs in place and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's simple to upgrade your door lock to increase the security of your house. It's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly when you move frequently or are a landlord that needs to change locks for 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 homeowners or tenants it is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. After all, you never know how many people may have copies of your old keys which includes relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In fact the people who have keys to your home are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entry.
Make sure you purchase a replacement lock compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. Depending on the design of your door, you could choose from deadbolt locks or a doorknob lock. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Begin by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. Once you've done this remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Mark the location of the interior handle/knob on the door using the template included with the lock set. Ensure that the spindle (the long metal piece that sticks out of the exterior knob) is able to pass through the latch and operates it smoothly. Attach the knob or handle to the inside using the screws supplied and insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, ensuring that it is in the correct position and functions with the key.
Attach the strike plates and deadbolt plates using the screws included in your new lock set. Check your new lock when you're done to confirm that it's working as intended and that the knob inside can slide smoothly over the pins. Then, reassemble read page in reverse order.