When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your belongings and family members secure however, over time they can wear down or be altered. There are some telltale signs it's time for you to replace or rekey your lock.
While replacing locks is more involved than rekeying, it can be accomplished at home. Here are the top reasons why you should take a look at it:
1. You're moving into your new home
Your door locks are an important aspect of the security of your home. If door lock repairs peterborough repairmywindowsanddoors damaged it's easy for burglars to gain entry. This is why it's important to be aware of when it's time to get an upgrade.
If you're moving into a new house It's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you're the only one with keys and will make it impossible to suspect unauthorized entry from previous residents.
Installing an entirely new lock is an easy procedure. First, you'll need remove the lock that you currently have. It is possible to remove the screws holding the knob or handle in place by using a screwdriver. Use the template included with the new lock to mark the location of the knob or handle, as well as the latch. Once you've marked the locations, drill the face hole to match the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is crucial to ensure that the deadbolt and strike plate fit properly to the door frame. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the door's edge and be tight enough to secure it.
A strong impact on a strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, it could be time to replace. It is best to have a professional locksmith change the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the work gets done quickly and correctly.
It is also possible to change your locks if you've gotten rid of an agreement to rent or a roommate. It is difficult to determine who might have duplicate keys to your key. It is therefore a prudent precaution. This will ensure the safety of your family and possessions.
2. You're having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be a major issue particularly when it happens to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few easy steps you can follow to prevent the issue from getting worse and to be in a position to open the door as quickly as you are able to.
The first step is to look at the door lock to ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening some screws in the event that this is the issue. If this does not fix the problem, there may be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Then, apply a lubricant and check if it helps remove the locking mechanism. The purpose of this is to help the key to slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it is able to be opened when needed. This is generally a good solution for most people, however it is important to keep in mind that if your problem persists, then there may be some other issue that is causing it and you'll have to consult locksmith.
If your door lock is older than a decade It's likely time to replace it. This is because door locks aren't made to last the full lifetime of a door, and even the best door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point in time.
In order to replace the lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After that it is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you will be able to find a replacement lock that will fit properly. For instance the cylinder locks are available in a variety of shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if the frame of your door has been damaged in some way, you'll need to replace the whole door. This is because the new lock needs to be secured to the frame with a latch plate or strike plate as well as a deadbolt. All of these are available separately.
3. You're worried that there could be a break-in
A break-in can shake your faith in the security of your home. If the culprits have left marks on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they were in the house (smoothed out the wood around your lock knob, broken lock), then you should replace your locks to ensure they are as secure and secure as they can be.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's impossible to find out if anyone else has a copy. 67% of the crime is committed by those who have a key which is why changing locks is 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 internal mechanism has been damaged by manipulation, or simply due to wear and tear caused by age. It makes it more vulnerable to damage.
If you're experiencing any of these issues think about installing a keyless door lock instead. They eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors and pet sitters that require access. You can also purchase doors that have keys that allow you to enter the premises without touching anything.
A new lock can change the appearance of your home. It's not only about security. You can find locks that match the style of your home's door.
Speak to a locksmith in your area when you are ready make a switch. They can assist you in choosing the right lock and install it quickly. Before you call a locksmith, make sure to take measurements of your door. It is crucial to determine the thickness of your door in order to ensure that the new lock will be fitted properly. If your door is more thick, you may need a lock that is custom-made to fit snugly. A good place to start is by placing a wood shim against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. 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 hold the knobs in position and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
The replacement of your door lock is a simple upgrade that can increase the security of your home. It's also a great DIY skill to have, especially in the event that you frequently move or are a landlord that needs to replace locks for tenants. You can replace a door lock within a matter of minutes when you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea in the case that you trust and know the previous homeowners or tenants. You never know who might have the keys. This includes friends, family members, contractors and babysitters. In reality, 67 percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have access to your home.
Be sure to purchase an upgrade lock that matches the current hardware and dimensions. Based on the style of your door, you could choose from deadbolt locks or doorknob lock. Once you've purchased your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Start by removing both the knobs that were previously attached to the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate at the edge of the front door. Once you've done this, remove the latch plate as well as the two screws that hold the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb.
Mark the location of the knob or handle on the door using the template included with the lock set. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the knob on the outside) should pass through the latch with ease. Then, attach the handle or knob to the interior using the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure it is in the correct position and functions with the key.
Attach the deadbolt plates and strike plates using the screws provided in your replacement lock set. Test your new lock once you're done to make sure it's functioning properly and that the knob inside slides over the pins easily. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.