15 Things You Didn't Know About Replacement Door Lock

When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock

Door locks are designed to keep your belongings and family members safe but, over time, they'll wear down or be tampered with. There are some telltale signs that it's time to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.

Although replacing locks is more complicated than rekeying, it can be accomplished at home. Here are a few of the most compelling reasons to consider it:

1. You're moving to a new home

Your door locks are an important part of your home's security. It's easy for burglars gain access to damaged locks. You must be aware of the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.

It is a good idea in the event of moving to a new home and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you're the only one with keys, and remove any suspicions of unauthorised entry by previous residents.

Installing a new lock is a simple process. First, you'll need to remove the old lock. You can take out the screws holding the knob or handle in place with a screwdriver. Next, use a template provided by the new lock set to mark the positions of the handle/knob and latch. Once you've identified the positions, you are able to drill the face hole in accordance with the lock specifications.

After drilling the holes, you will need to install the new lock. It is essential to ensure that the deadbolt as well as the strike plate fit well with the existing door frame. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to secure it.

A hard impact on a lock or strike plate can easily damage the hinges. If the lock is hard to operate, it could be time to replace it. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith replace your locks for you to ensure that the job is done correctly and quickly.

There are many other reasons to replace your locks, like ending a lease or roommate agreement. It is impossible to know who may have duplicate keys to your key. Changing the locks is therefore a sensible precaution. This will ensure the safety of your family and possessions.

2. You are having trouble opening the door

A broken lock can be an absolute nightmare. Particularly when it happens on your main entry door. But the good news is that there are easy steps you can take to ensure that the situation does not get any worse and that you can open your door as soon as possible.

First, make sure that the lock on your door isn't just misaligned. If this is the case, it may be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. It is important to remember, though, that if this does not resolve the issue then there's something wrong with the internal mechanics that operate the door lock.

Then, try an oil-based lubricant to determine if this helps to free the lock. The idea behind this is to allow the key slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it can be opened when necessary. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, but it's important to keep in mind that if the issue continues to persist then there may be some other issue, and you will need to speak with locksmith.

If your door lock is older than 10 years it is recommended to replace it. Door locks aren't designed to last for the lifetime of the door. Even the most durable door locks need to be replaced at some point.

To replace your lock you will need to remove the lock that you currently have. After removing the lock, you'll need to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that a replacement will fit. For instance Cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit different thicknesses of doors. You will also need to replace the entire door in the event that the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock will have to be secured into the frame with the latch plate or strike plate and deadbolt, all of which are available separately.

3. You're worried that there will be an armed robbery

The possibility of a burglary can shake confidence in the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their marks (crowbar marks on your door's frame) or it's evident that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken lock knob) It is important to give yourself renewed security by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as you can.

Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's difficult to determine if someone else has copies. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have keys and therefore changing locks is a great preventative measure.

Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be sticking or difficult to open. This means that the mechanism within the lock is damaged due to alteration or just wear and tear, leaving it susceptible to failure and damage.

Consider installing a keyless lock If you're experiencing any of these problems. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors and pet sitters who need access. You can also purchase door locks that come with keys. This lets you get into the house without touching anything.

Repair My Windows And Doors  can be used to update the look of your home. It's not only about safety. Depending on the style of your door, you can choose locks that match it perfectly.

If you're looking to change locks contact an experienced locksmith in your area. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate lock and install it quickly. Before calling a locksmith, be sure to measure your door. It is essential to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement lock will fit properly. If your door is more thick than the average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be fitted securely. The best way to begin is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then turn, pulling up the shim. This will let loose the latches and screws that hold the knobs in position, allowing them to be removed.

4. You're tired of the same old keys

Replacing your door lock is an easy upgrade that can add to the security of your home. It's also a great DIY skill to have, especially when you move frequently or are a landlord who needs to replace locks for tenants. You can change a door lock within a matter of minutes If you know the steps.

Even when you trust the previous homeowners or tenants it is best to protect yourself by installing new locks. After all, you never know how many people might have copies of the keys that were previously used, including relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In reality the people who have a key to your house are responsible for 6-7 percent of all illegal entries.

Be sure to buy an upgrade lock that matches the current hardware and dimensions. Depending on the style of your door, you could choose from deadbolt locks or doorknob lock. Follow these steps to install your new lock:

Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that hold the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws, remove the latchplate and the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.

Using the template that comes with your lock set, mark the positions of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the front of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long piece of steel that is affixed to the knob's exterior) passes through the latch and operates smoothly. Then, attach the knob or handle to the inside using the screws supplied and insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, making sure that it aligns correctly and operates with the key.

Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws included in your new lock set. After you've completed the process testing your new lock, make sure you test it to make sure it works properly and the inside knob can slide easily over the pins. Then, reassemble everything in reverse order.