When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks help keep your possessions and family secure, but over time they may wear out or be damaged. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time to change or reset your lock.
Even though replacing locks is more complicated 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 new home
Your door locks are an essential part of your home security. When they're damaged it's possible for burglars to gain entry. It is important to recognize the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea, in the event of moving into a new house and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous residents may have entered your home without your permission.
Installing a new lock is a straightforward process. First, you'll need take off the lock you have already installed. It is possible to remove the screws holding the knob or handle in place using a screwdriver. Then, you can utilize a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the location of the knob/handle and latch. Once you've marked your locations, drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of your lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plates and door frame are all in line. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be strong enough to lock the door.
A hard impact on a strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, then this may be a sign that it's time to get a replacement. It is recommended to have an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the job gets done quickly and correctly.
You might also want to replace your locks if you've terminated the lease or a roommate agreement. It is impossible to determine who may have copies of your keys and therefore changing your locks is a wise precaution. This will ensure the security of your family and possessions.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a nightmare. Particularly when it happens on the main entrance door. But the good thing is that there are simple steps you can take to ensure that the situation does not get any worse and that you are able to open your door again as soon as possible.
The first step is to check your door lock and make sure that it's not just misaligned. If this is the case, it could be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. If this doesn't solve the issue, it could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Then, try a lubricant to see if this will help to unstick the lock. This is done to make keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, however it is crucial to be aware that if the issue continues to persist then there could be a different issue that is causing it and you'll need to consult an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is more than a decade It's likely time to replace it. This is because door locks aren't designed to last the entire lifetime of a door, and even the highest quality door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point.
In order to replace your lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After removing the existing lock, you'll need to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement will fit. For example Cylinder locks come in a variety of shapes to fit different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if your door's frame is damaged in any way, you'll have to replace the whole door. This is because the new lock will have to be secured to the frame using the latch plate, strike plate, and deadbolt, which are all 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's frame) or it's evident that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken knobs for locks), you need to give yourself renewed peace of mind by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as possible.
Even if you believed in the previous owners, it's difficult to find out if anyone else has a copy. Keys holders are responsible for 67% of all unlawful entry. It is recommended to change your locks as an effective preventative measure.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be squeezing or are difficult to open. This indicates that the mechanism inside the lock is damaged due to tampering or just age-related wear and tear, leaving the lock vulnerable to damage and failure.
Consider installing a lock that is keyless If you're having any of these issues. They eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time entry codes for contractors or pet sitters that require access. You can also purchase doors that have a keypad, allowing you to enter without touching anything.
A new lock isn't only about security and safety It can also be a method to update the look of your home. Based on the design of your door, you'll find locks that complement it perfectly.
If you're looking to switch locks contact the local locksmith. They can assist you in selecting the right lock and install it swiftly. Be sure to measure your door before you call an expert locksmith. The door's thickness is crucial to ensure that the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is thicker than the average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be installed securely. Start by placing an shim of wood against the door and the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot, then turn it, pulling up the shim. This will let loose the latches and screws that keep the knobs in place and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same keys
The replacement of your door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. It's also an excellent DIY skill to have, especially when you move frequently or are a landlord who needs to change locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace a door lock and you'll be able to do it yourself in a few short hours.
Even when you trust the previous landlords or homeowners it is best to play it safe by installing new locks. You never know who may have the old keys. This includes family members, friends, contractors and babysitters. In fact, 67% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have access to your home.
Make sure you purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the current hardware and dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt or knob lock, based on the design of the door. Once you've purchased your new lock then follow these steps to install it:
Begin by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Then, remove the screws that hold the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk take off the latchplate as well as the two screws holding the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Mark the location of the interior handle/knob on the door using the template that came with the lock set. The spindle (the metal piece that extends from the knob on the outside) should pass through the latch without difficulty. Attach the handle/knob to the interior using the provided screws. Insert the lock cylinder in the interior latch. Make sure it is correctly aligned and the key is compatible with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt plates and strike plates with the screws that are included in your new lock set. Once you've finished testing your new lock, make sure you test it to make sure it works properly and the interior knob can slide easily over the pins. Then, put everything back together in reverse order, and you're done!