When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks help keep your belongings and family members safe however, over time they can wear down or be tampered with. There are a few telltale indicators that indicate it's time to think about changing or rekeying your lock.
Even though replacing locks is more complicated than rekeying, it can be done at home. Here are the top reasons why you should take a look at it:
1. You're moving into your new home
Your door locks are an essential part of your home security. If they're damaged or broken, it can be easy for burglars to gain entry. It is important to recognize the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea in the event of moving into a new house, to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the only person with keys and will remove any suspicions of unauthorised entry from previous residents.
Installing the new lock is a simple procedure. First, you will need to take off the old lock. You can remove the screws holding the knob or handle in place with the screwdriver. Use the template included with the new lock to mark the position of the knob or handle, as well as the latch. Once you've marked your positions, you can drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plates and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be tight enough to lock the door.
A hard blow to a lock or strike plate can cause damage to the hinges. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, it could be a sign that it's time for a replacement. It is best to let a professional locksmith change the locks for you. This will ensure that the task is done quickly and properly.
You might also want to change your locks if you've terminated an agreement to rent or a roommate. It is impossible to determine who may have a copy of your key and therefore changing your locks is a prudent step. This will ensure the security of your household and belongings.
2. You're having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be a nightmare. Particularly when it occurs on your main entry door. There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent the problem from getting worse and to be able to open the door as soon as you can.
The first step is to check your door lock and make sure that it's not misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. If this doesn't solve the issue, it could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, try using the lubricant and determine if this helps to free the lock. This helps the key slide into and out of the locks more easily, allowing them to be opened. This is generally an effective solution for most people, but it is important to remember that if your issue persists, then there may be some other issue that is causing it, and you will need to contact locksmith.
If your door lock is older than about 10 years old It's likely time for a replacement. This is because door locks aren't designed to last for the entire lifetime of a door, and even the best door locks are likely to require replacement at some point in time.
To replace your lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After you have removed the lock, you'll need measure your door thickness to ensure that the new lock will be able to fit. For instance, cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit different thicknesses of doors. You will also need to replace your entire door if the frame of your door has been damaged. The new lock will require the strike plate and latch plate to be installed into the frame. They are available separately.
3. You're worried there will be an attack
A burglary could make you doubt the security of your home. If the perpetrators left marks on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they were inside (smoothed out the wood around your lock knob, broken lock) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure that they are as safe and secure as they can be.
Even if you believed in the previous owners, it's difficult to determine if someone else has a copy. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have keys which is why changing locks is an effective preventative measure.
If the knobs are stuck or are difficult to open, this is another indication that your locks require to be replaced. This is a sign that the internal mechanism has been damaged through the force of tampering or just wear and tear from age. It leaves it vulnerable to damage.
If you're experiencing any of these issues, consider installing a keyless lock instead. These eliminate the need for keys, and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors or pet sitters that require access. There are also door locks with keys that allow you to open the door without touching anything.
A new lock can improve the appearance of your home. It's not only about safety. There are locks that match the style of your home's door.
If you're looking to change locks contact an experienced locksmith in your area. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate lock and then install it quickly. Be sure to measure your door before you call an expert locksmith. The thickness of the door is essential to ensuring the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is larger, you may need an individual lock designed to fit securely. The best starting point is placing a wood shim against the door, and positioned with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then turn upwards, bringing the shim up. This will let the latch open and the screws holding the knobs in place which will allow you to take them off. them.
4. You're tired with the same keys
Replacing your door lock is a simple upgrade that will increase the security of your home. This is a great DIY project, particularly if your move frequently or you are a landlord who requires replacement locks for tenants. front door locks replacement dover Repair My Windows And Doors can change a door lock within a matter of minutes if you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea even in the case that you trust and know the previous owners or tenants. You never know who might have keys from the past. This includes family members, friends and contractors as well as babysitters. In reality the people who have a key to your house are responsible for 6-7 percent of all illegal entries.
Before you begin, be sure to purchase a replacement lock that's compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. Based on the style of your door, you could select a deadbolt lock or a doorknob lock. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Begin by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. After that remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.
Utilizing the template included with the lock set, mark the locations of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the front of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long piece of steel that sticks out of the knob's exterior) can pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob using the screws supplied. Place the lock cylinder into the interior latch. Check that it is correctly aligned and the key works with the lock.
Finalize by securing the deadbolt and strike plate using the screws included in the lock replacement installed to secure them in their place. Test the new lock after you're done to ensure it's functioning properly and that the inside knob is able to slide over the pins. Then, reassemble everything in reverse order.