When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they may be damaged or worn out with over time. There are some telltale indicators that indicate it's time to consider replacing or rekeying your lock.
Although replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are the important reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a new home
The locks on your door are a vital part of your home security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. This is the reason you need to be aware of when it's time to get an upgrade.
It is a good idea in the event of moving to a new home changing the locks. This will ensure you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicions that previous residents may have entered your home without your permission.
New lock installation is a simple procedure. First, you'll need take off the lock you have already installed. You can take out the screws holding the handle or knob in place using the screwdriver. Use the template that comes with the new lock to mark the location of the knob/handle, and latch. Once you have marked the positions, you are able to drill the face hole according to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is essential that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the doors and be strong enough to ensure it is secure.
A hard blow to a strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, it might be time to replace it. It is recommended to let a professional locksmith change the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the job is completed quickly and efficiently.
It is also possible to replace your locks if you've gotten rid of an agreement to rent or a roommate. It's impossible to know who may have copies of your keys, so changing the locks is a wise precaution. It will also ensure that your family and belongings are safe.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a major issue especially if it happens to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few steps you can take to stop the issue from becoming worse and to be in a position to open the door as quickly as you can.
The first step is to check your door lock and ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening a few screws in the event that this is the issue. It is crucial to remember that if this does not solve the problem then there's something wrong with the internal mechanics that operate the door lock.
Next, use a lubricant and test to see if it helps remove the locking mechanism. This will help the keys slide in and out of the locks more easily, allowing them to be opened. This is a suitable solution for the majority of people. However, if the problem persists, you may need to speak with a locksmith.
If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is time to consider replacing it. This is because door locks aren't designed to last for the entire life of a door, and even the most durable door locks will typically require replacement at some point in time.
In order to replace your lock, you'll need to remove the existing lock from your door. Once this is done it is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a lock that will fit properly. For instance, cylinders come in different shapes that can accommodate various 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 an latch plate and strike plate to be inserted inside the frame. These are available separately.
3. You're worried about a break-in
The possibility of a burglary can shake your faith in the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their marks (crowbar marks in your door frame) or it's obvious that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken lock knob) It is important to ensure your confidence by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as they can be.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there's no way to tell who else might have received a copy of the key. People with keys are responsible for 6-7% of all illegal entry. Change your locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be sticking or difficult to open. This is a sign that the mechanism inside has been damaged by tampering, or simply wear and tear caused by age. It leaves it vulnerable to damage.
Consider installing a keyless lock If you're having any of these issues. They eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to allow access for only one time for contractors or pet-sitters. There are also door locks with keys, which allow you to enter without touching anything.
Getting a new lock isn't just about security and safety It can also be a method to update the look of your home. Depending on the style of your door, you'll find locks that complement it perfectly.
Contact a locksmith in your area if you are ready to make a switch. They can help you choose the right lock and install it swiftly. Before calling a locksmith, make certain to measure your door. The door's thickness is vital to ensure that the lock you choose fits correctly. If door lock replacement is more thick than average, you may need to get a custom-made lock that can be installed securely. The best starting point is placing a wood shim directly against the door and positioned with the tapered edge against 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 latches and screws that keep the knobs in place which allows them to be removed.
4. You're tired with the same keys
It is easy to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your home. This is a great DIY skill, especially when you move frequently or you are a landlord that requires replacement locks for tenants. You can change a door lock within a matter of minutes If you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea if you trust and know the previous owners or tenants. You never know who could have keys from the past. This includes family members, friends contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In reality the people who have a key to your house are accountable for 67% of all unlawful entries.
Make sure you purchase an upgrade lock that matches the current hardware and dimensions. You can choose between a deadbolt or a knob lock depending on the style of the door. Once you've purchased your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Start by removing both the old knobs from the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate at the edge of the front door. After that remove the latch plate and the two screws that hold 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. The spindle (the metal piece that extends from the exterior knob) should slide through the latch with ease. Attach the handle or knob to the interior using the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Finish by attaching the deadbolt and strike plate with the screws included with your new lock set to secure them in their place. After you've completed the process testing your new lock, make sure you test it to ensure it operates properly and the inside knob is able to slide smoothly over the pins. After that, put everything back in reverse order and you're good to go!