When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to ensure that your family and possessions are safe. However, they may get worn out or interfere with time. There are some 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 a few top reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into a new home
Your door locks are a vital element of your home's security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. You must be aware of the signs that it's time to replace your window.
If you're moving into a new home It's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you are the only one with keys, and eliminate any suspicions of unauthorized entry by previous residents.
The installation of a new lock is an easy process. First, you will need to take off the old lock. You can remove the screws holding the knob or handle in place using a screwdriver. Use the template that comes with the new lock to mark the location of the handle/knob, and latch. After you have marked 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 important to ensure that the deadbolt and strike plate fit properly to the door frame. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to ensure the door is secured.
It is also an excellent idea to get the hinges replaced, as they can be damaged by a hard hit on the lock or strike plate. If the lock is hard to operate, it might be time to replace. It is best to have a professional locksmith change the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the task is completed quickly and efficiently.
You may also want to replace your locks if you've ended a lease or roommate agreement. It is difficult to determine who might have an duplicate of your key. The need to change the locks is therefore a prudent precaution. 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, especially when it happens to one of your main entry doors. But the good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to ensure it doesn't get any worse and you can open your door as quickly as you can.
The first step is to check your door lock and make sure that it's not just misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening some of the screws. It is important to remember, though, that if this does not resolve the issue, then there is likely something wrong with the internal mechanics that operate your door lock.
Next, try applying the lubricant and see if this will help to unstick the lock. This helps keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, which allows them to be opened. This is generally a good solution for most people, but it is crucial to be aware that if the issue persists, it could be a different issue at play, and you will need to speak with a locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years old is it time to replace it. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire life of a door, and even the highest quality door locks will need to be replaced at some point.
To change your lock, you must take off the lock you have currently. After you have removed the lock, you'll need to measure your door thickness to ensure that the replacement will be suitable. For instance, cylinders are available in a variety of shapes that can accommodate various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if the frame of your door has been damaged in any way, you'll have to replace the entire door. The new lock will require a strike plate and latch plate to be fitted inside the frame. They are sold separately.
3. upvc replacement door locks worried about a break-in
A break-in can make you be concerned about the security of your house. If the perpetrators left their mark (crowbar marks in the door frame) or it's obvious that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and broken knobs on the lock) You must give yourself renewed security by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as you can.
Even if you trust the previous owners, there's no way to determine who else might have received a copy of the key. People with keys are responsible for 6-7% of all unlawful entry. Changing your locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another indication that you need to replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be sticking or difficult to open. This is a sign that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged due to tampering or just age-related wear and tear, making it susceptible to failure and damage.
You should consider installing a keyless lock If you're having any of these issues. They eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed to permit access only once for pet-sitters or contractors. You can also buy door locks that come with a keypad. This lets you get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can update the look of your home. It's not only about security. Based on the style of your door, you'll be able to choose locks that match it perfectly.
If you're ready to make the switch, talk to the local locksmith. They can help you choose the right type of lock and install it quickly. Be sure to measure the door before you call an expert locksmith. It is essential to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement lock will fit properly. If your door is thicker than the average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be fitted securely. The best way to begin is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and positioned with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Then, slide the tip of a screwdriver into the slot and then twist and pull the shim upwards. This will open the latch and the screws that hold the knobs in place, allowing you to remove them.
4. You're tired with the same old keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your home. It's also a great DIY ability to have, particularly in the event that you frequently move or are a landlord who 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 hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea in the case that you trust and know the previous homeowners or tenants. In the end, you don't know how many people might have a copy of the old keys which includes relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In reality the people who have a key to your house are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entry.
Make sure you purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. Depending on the design of your door, you can pick deadbolt locks or a doorknob lock. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing both knobs that were on the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate at the edge of the front door. Once you've done this remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that secure the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb.
Using the template that comes with your lock set, mark the location of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make sure 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 with the screws provided. Insert the lock cylinder into the latch in the interior. Make sure that it is correctly aligned and the key is compatible with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws provided in your replacement lock set. After you've completed testing your new lock, make sure you test it to ensure that it functions correctly and that the knob inside slides easily over the pins. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.