When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your belongings and family members safe, but over time they can wear down or be damaged. There are certain indicators that tell you it's time to change or change the key on your lock.
Even though replacing locks is more complex than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are a few important reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into a new home
The locks on your door are an essential part of your home security. When they're damaged it's easy for burglars to gain access. This is the reason you need to know when it's time for the replacement.
It is a good idea, when you move into a new house, to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the only person with keys and will eliminate any suspicions of unauthorized entry by previous residents.
Installing the new lock is a straightforward procedure. First, you will need to remove the old lock. You can take out the screws that hold the handle or knob in place with a screwdriver. Then, use a template provided by the new lock set to mark the location of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked your locations, drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of the lock.
After drilling the holes, you will need to install the new lock. It is crucial to ensure that the deadbolt as well as the strike plate fit well with the existing door frame. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the door's edge and be tight enough to secure it.
A hard blow to a strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is hard to operate, it could be time to replace it. It is best to have a professional locksmith change the locks for you. This will ensure that the job is completed quickly and efficiently.
You may also want to change your locks if you've gotten rid of the lease or a roommate agreement. It is impossible to tell who might have a duplicate of your key. Changing the locks is therefore a wise step. It also ensures that your family and belongings are safe.
2. You're having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be an absolute nightmare. Particularly when it occurs on your main entry door. However, the good news is that there are some easy steps you can follow to ensure it doesn't get any worse and you are able to open your door again as soon as possible.
The first step is to check your door lock and ensure that it's not misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening a few screws if this is the problem. If this does not fix the issue, it could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, use the lubricant and see if it helps to unlock the locking mechanism. This will help keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, allowing them to be opened. This is a good solution for the majority of people. However in the event that the issue persists it is possible to consult an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is recommended to replace it. This is because door locks are not made to last the full life of a door, and even the most durable door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock, you must remove the lock that you currently have. After this it is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that you can find a lock that is suitable for your door. For Recommended Web site , cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to remember that if the frame of your door has been damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock needs to be anchored into the frame with a latch plate or strike plate and deadbolt. All of these are available in separate.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A burglary could make you be concerned about the security of your house. If the culprits have left their marks on your door frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they are inside (smoothed out the wood around your lock, broken lock knob), then you should replace your locks to ensure that they are as safe and secure as you can.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's difficult to know if anyone else has a copy. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by those who have keys, so changing your locks is a good preventative measure.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be squeezing or are difficult to open. This could indicate that the internal mechanism has been damaged by the force of tampering or just age-related wear. It leaves it vulnerable to being damaged.
Consider installing a keyless lock If you're having any of these problems. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors or pet sitters who need access. You can also purchase door locks that come with keypads. This lets you enter the house 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 that match the style of your home's door.
Speak to a locksmith in your neighborhood if you are ready to change locks. They can help you choose the right type of lock and install it quickly. Before you contact a locksmith, make sure to take measurements of your door. The door's thickness is crucial to ensure that the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is more thick, you may need a lock that's custom-made to fit snugly. Begin by placing an shim made of wood on the door with the tapered edge positioned against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot, then turn, pulling the shim up. This will release the latches and screws that keep the knobs in place and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your house. It's also an excellent DIY technique to master, particularly if you move often or are a landlord who needs to change locks for tenants. You can replace a doorlock within a matter of minutes If you know the steps.
Even even if you are familiar with and trust the previous homeowners or tenants it is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. You never know who may have keys from the past. This includes friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In fact, 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have access to your home.
Before you start, ensure to buy a new lock that is compatible with your existing hardware and dimensions. You can choose between a deadbolt or knob lock based on the style of your door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Then, remove the screws that hold the latch plate to the edge of the door. After that, remove the latch plate and the two screws that hold the deadbolt or strike plate into the door jamb.
Mark the position of the handle/knob inside on the door using the template included with the lock set. The spindle (the metal piece that protrudes from the knob on the outside) should pass through the latch without difficulty. Attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure that it is in the correct position and functions with the key.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws included in your replacement lock set. Test the new lock after you're done to confirm that it works correctly and that the inside knob slides over the pins easily. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.