When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to ensure that your family and possessions are safe. However, they can be damaged or worn out with over time. There are some telltale signs that it's time to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.
While lock replacement is a more in-depth process than rekeying it can be done at home. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a brand new house
Your door locks are a crucial part of your home's security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. It is important to recognize the signs that it's time to replace your window.
If you are moving into a new residence It's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys and will eliminate any suspicions of unauthorized entry by previous residents.
The installation of a new lock is an easy procedure. First, you'll need to take off the old lock. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that hold the handle or knob in the position. Use the template that comes with the new lock to mark the position of the knob/handle, and latch. Once you've marked your positions, you can drill the face hole to match the specifications of the lock.
After the holes have been drilled then you need to install the new lock. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the door's edge and be tight enough to ensure it is secure.
A strong impact on the strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. If the lock is hard to operate, it might be time to replace it. door lock repairs stratford Repair My Windows And Doors is best to let an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the work is completed quickly and efficiently.
It is also possible to change your locks if you've ended a lease or roommate agreement. It is impossible to determine who may have copies of your keys thus changing the locks is a prudent step. This will ensure the security of your household and belongings.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be an unnerving experience. Especially when it occurs on your main entry door. But the good news is that there are easy steps you can take to ensure that the situation doesn't get worse and that you are able to open your door as quickly as possible.
First, check that your door lock isn't just misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening some screws in the event that this is the issue. If this doesn't solve the issue, it could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Then, apply an oil-based lubricant to test to see if it helps remove the locking mechanism. The idea behind this is to help the key to slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when necessary. This is a good solution for the majority of people. However, if the problem persists it is possible to speak with an expert locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is more than about 10 years old, it's probably time for a replacement. This is because door locks are not designed to last for the entire life of a door, and even the most durable door locks are likely to need to be replaced at some point in time.
To replace the lock, you'll need to remove the existing lock from your door. After you have removed the lock, you'll need measure your door thickness to ensure that a replacement will be suitable. For instance Cylinder locks come in different shapes to accommodate various door thicknesses. It is also important to note that if the frame of your door has been damaged in some way, you'll have to replace the entire door. The new lock will require a latch plate and strike plate to be fitted into the frame. They are available separately.
3. You're worried that there could be an attack
The occurrence of a break-in could shake your faith in the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their mark (crowbar marks on the door frame) or it's clear that they've been inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a damaged knobs for locks) You must give yourself renewed security by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can.
Even if you believed in the previous owners, it's impossible to know if anyone else has copies. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have keys and therefore changing locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be sticking or difficult to open. This indicates that the mechanism within the lock is damaged due to the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, making the lock vulnerable to failure and damage.
Consider installing a keyless lock If you're experiencing any of these problems. They eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed to permit access only once for pet-sitters, contractors, or contractors. You can also purchase door locks that have a keypad, allowing you to open the door without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to improve the appearance of your home. It's not just about security. You can find locks to fit the design of your door.
Contact an expert locksmith in your area in case you are ready to switch locks. They can help you choose the right lock and then install it quickly. Before you contact a locksmith, be sure to measure your door. It is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement lock will fit correctly. If your door is larger than average, you might require a custom lock that fits securely. Start by placing an shim made of wood on the door with the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into slot and turn by 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
The replacement of your door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY project, particularly in the event that you frequently move or you are a landlord that requires replacement locks for tenants. You can replace a door lock in a matter of hours if you know the steps.
Even if you know and trust the previous tenants or homeowners It is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. You never know who could have the old keys. This includes family members, friends and contractors as well as babysitters. In reality the people who have access to your house are responsible for 6-7% of all unlawful entries.
Before you start, ensure to buy a new lock that's compatible with the existing hardware and measurements. Based on the style of your door, you could pick deadbolt locks or 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 removing the screws, 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 locations of the interior handle/knob and the latch on the face of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that protrudes from the knob on the outside) must pass through the latch without difficulty. Attach the handle/knob to the interior with the screws provided. Install the lock cylinder into the interior latch. Make sure that it is aligned correctly and that the key is compatible with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws provided in the set of replacement locks. Check your new lock when you're done to confirm that it's functioning properly and that the interior knob slides over the pins easily. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.