When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks help keep your family and possessions safe but, over time, they may wear out or be tampered with. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time for you to replace or rekey your lock.
Although replacing locks is more complex than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are some top reasons why you should consider it:
1. You're moving into a brand new home
Your door locks are a vital part of your home security. When they're damaged it's possible for burglars to gain access. You need to know the signs that it's time to replace your window.
If you're moving into a new residence then it's a good idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure you are the sole owner of the keys and remove any suspicion that previous residents may have entered your home without your permission.
Installing an entirely new lock is a straightforward process. First, you will need to take off the old lock. You can take out the screws holding the handle or knob in place using the screwdriver. Then, make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the position of the handle/knob and latch. After you've marked the positions, drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and be tight enough to secure it.
A hard impact on the strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, it may be time to replace. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith replace the locks for you to ensure that the job is done correctly and quickly.
You might also want to change your locks if you've terminated the lease or a roommate agreement. It is impossible to know who might have duplicate keys to your key. The need to change the locks is therefore a sensible precaution. It will also ensure that your belongings and family are secure.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be a major issue particularly when it occurs to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few simple steps you can follow to prevent the issue from becoming worse and to be capable of opening the door as quickly as you are able to.
First, make sure whether your door lock is not simply misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening some screws if this is the problem. It is important to keep in mind, though, that if this doesn't resolve the issue, then there is likely something wrong with the internal mechanics of the door lock.
Then, try an oil-based lubricant to determine if this helps to unstick the lock. The idea behind this is to assist the key slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it can be opened when needed. This is generally an effective solution for the majority of people, but it is crucial to be aware that if the issue continues to persist then there could be another issue that is causing it, and you will need to contact an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years it is time to consider replacing it. This is because door locks are not made to last the full lifespan of a door and even the best door locks will require replacement at some point.
To replace the lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After removing the lock, you'll need to measure your door thickness to ensure that a replacement will be able to fit. For instance the cylinder locks are available in a variety of shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also possible to replace the entire door when the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock will need to be secured into the frame using a latch plate or strike plate as well as a deadbolt. All of these are available in separate.
3. You're worried there will be an armed robbery
A burglary could make you be concerned about the security of your house. The perpetrators may have left their marks (crowbar marks on your door's frame) or it's evident that they've been inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a damaged knobs for locks) You must give yourself renewed confidence by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's impossible to determine if someone else has copies. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by those who have a key, so changing your locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be squeezing or are difficult to open. This indicates that the mechanism within the lock has been damaged by the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, leaving it vulnerable to damage and failure.
If you're having issues with any of these you should consider installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks do away with the need for keys and can be programmed to permit access only once for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks that have keys, which allow you to enter without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to change the appearance of your home. It's not only about safety. You can find locks to fit the style of your home's door.
If you're looking to change locks consult an experienced locksmith in your area. They can help you select the appropriate lock and install it swiftly. Before calling a locksmith, make sure to measure your door. The door's thickness is crucial to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is thicker it may require a lock that is custom-made to fit securely. Begin by placing a wooden shim against the door and the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Place the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then twist and pull the shim upwards. This will release the latches and screws that keep the knobs in place, allowing them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
Replacing the door lock is an easy upgrade that can increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY skill, especially in the event that you frequently move or you are a landlord that has to change locks on tenants. You can replace a doorlock in just a few hours If you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea if you trust and know the previous tenants or homeowners. You never know how many people might have copies of the old keys, including relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In fact, 6-7 percent of illegal entry is committed by people with a key to your home.
Be sure to 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 doorknob lock. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate on the edge of the front door. After removing door locks replacement bexley repairmywindowsanddoors , take the latchplate off and remove the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.
With the template included with the lock set, mark the location of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make sure the spindle (the long piece of metal that extends from the exterior knob) passes through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the handle/knob inside using the screws supplied. Insert the lock cylinder into the latch inside. Check that it is properly aligned and that the key is working with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates with the screws that are included in your replacement lock set. After you've completed the process the process, test your new lock to ensure that it functions properly and the inside knob can slide easily over the pins. Afterward put everything back together in reverse order and you're all set!