When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your belongings and family members safe however, over time they can wear down or be tampered with. There are a few warning indicators that indicate it's time to consider changing or rekeying your lock.
Although lock replacement is more involved than rekeying it can be done at home. Here are a few best reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a new house
The locks on your doors are an important part of your home's security. If they're damaged, it can be easy for burglars to gain entry. This is why it's important to be aware of when it's time to get an upgrade.
If you're moving into a new house It's recommended to get the locks changed. This will ensure you are the sole owner of the keys and remove any suspicion that previous owners could have entered your home without your permission.
Installing the new lock is an easy procedure. First, you'll need to take off the old lock. You can take out the screws that hold the knob or handle in place by using a screwdriver. Then, you can use a template provided by the new lock set to mark the location of the knob/handle and latch. Once you've marked your positions, drill the face hole to match the specifications of your lock.
After drilling the holes and the lock is installed, you must install the new lock. It is important to ensure that the deadbolt and strike plate are compatible to the door frame. 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 impact on a strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. Finally, if the lock is difficult to operate, this could indicate that it's time for a replacement. It is recommended to let a professional locksmith change the locks for you. This will ensure that the work is completed quickly and efficiently.
You may also want to change your locks if you've terminated the lease or a roommate agreement. It is impossible to know who may have an duplicate of your key. It is therefore a wise step. This will ensure the safety of your family and possessions.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock is an unnerving experience. Particularly when it occurs on the main entrance door. But the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to ensure that the situation doesn't get any worse and you are able to open your door as quickly as possible.
The first step is to look at the door lock and ensure that it's not misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening some screws to fix the issue. If this doesn't fix the issue, it could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Then, try the lubricant and see if this will help to free the lock. This helps keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, however it is crucial to be aware that if your problem persists, it may be some other issue and you'll have to speak with locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is more than about 10 years old, it's probably time to replace it. This is because door locks aren't designed to last the entire lifespan of a door and even the most durable door locks are likely to require replacement at some point in time.
To replace your lock you will need to remove the lock you have currently. Once this is done it is important to determine the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a replacement that will fit properly. For example the cylinder locks are available in a variety of shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to remember that if your door's frame has been damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock needs to be secured into the frame using a latch plate, strike plate, and deadbolt, which are all available separately.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A burglary could make you be concerned about the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their marks (crowbar marks in your door's frame) or it's obvious that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken lock knob), you need to ensure your peace of mind by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as possible.
Even if you believe in the previous owners, there is no way to know who else may have received the key. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have keys, so changing your locks is a great preventative measure.
If the knobs are stuck or are difficult to open, this is another indication that your locks need to be replaced. This indicates that the internal mechanism of the lock has been damaged by alteration or just wear and tear, which makes it vulnerable to failure and damage.
If you're experiencing any of these issues think about installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the requirement for keys and can be programmed to allow access only for pet-sitters, contractors, or contractors. You can also get door locks with keys, which allow you to open the door without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to update the look of your home. It's not only about safety. There are locks that match the style of your home's door.
Contact an expert locksmith in your area if you are ready to switch locks. They can help you choose the right type of lock and install it swiftly. Before you call a locksmith, be certain to measure your door. The door's thickness is essential to ensuring the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is larger than the average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be fitted securely. Begin by putting an shim of wood against the door, with the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the tip of the screwdriver into the slot, then turn it upwards, bringing the shim up. This will release the latch and the screws holding the knobs in place which will allow you to take them off. them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your house. replace upvc door lock 's also an excellent DIY technique to master, particularly when you move frequently or are a landlord that needs to replace locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace locks on doors and you'll be able to do it yourself in just a few short hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea even if you trust and know the previous homeowners or tenants. After all, you never know how many people might have a copy of the keys that were previously used that include family, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In reality, those who have a key to your house are responsible for 6-7 percent of all illegal entries.
Be sure to buy a replacement lock compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt or knob lock depending on the style of the door. Once you've received your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Start by removing both the knobs that were previously attached to the door. Then, remove the screws that attach the latch plate to the edge of the door. Once you've done this, remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that hold 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 your lock set. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the knob on the outside) should pass through the latch without difficulty. Then, attach the interior handle/knob with the screws supplied and insert the lock cylinder into the latch, making sure it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Attach the deadbolt plates and strike plates using the screws provided in your replacement lock set. Test your new lock once you're done to confirm that it's functioning properly and that the inside knob can slide smoothly over the pins. Reassemble everything in reverse order.