When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your belongings and family members secure, but over time they may wear out or be tampered with. There are certain indicators that tell you it's time for you to replace or rekey your lock.
While lock replacement 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 to a brand new home
The locks on your doors are a vital element of your home's security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. You need to know the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
If you are moving into a new residence then it's recommended to get the locks changed. This will ensure that you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous owners may have entered your home without your permission.
Installing the new lock is an easy procedure. First, you will need to take off the old lock. You can take out the screws that hold the handle or knob in place by using the 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 in accordance with the specifications of your lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the doors and should be sufficiently tight to secure it.
A hard impact on a lock or strike plate can cause damage to the hinges. Finally, if the lock is difficult to operate, it could be a sign that it's time to get an upgrade. just click the following page to have the professional locksmith replace your locks for you and ensure that the job will be done efficiently and swiftly.
You might also want to change your locks if you've terminated a lease or roommate agreement. It is impossible to tell who might have duplicate keys to your key. It is therefore a prudent precaution. It will also ensure that your belongings and family are secure.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be an unnerving experience. Particularly when it happens at the entrance to your home. But the good thing is that there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that the situation doesn't get worse and that you can open your door again as soon as you can.
The first step is to examine your door lock and ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening a few screws if this is the problem. It is important to remember that if this does not solve the issue then there's something wrong in the internal mechanics of the door lock.
Next, try applying the lubricant and determine if this helps to remove the lock. This is done to make the keys slide in and out of the locks more easily, allowing them to be opened. This is a great solution for most people. However, if the problem persists you might need to consult an expert locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is older than 10 years old It's likely time for a replacement. This is because door locks are not designed to last for the entire life of a door, and even the best door locks are likely to require replacement at some point.
To replace the lock, you'll need to remove the existing lock from your door. After removing the existing lock, you'll need determine the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement will fit. For example, cylinders come in a variety of shapes that can accommodate various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if your door frame has been damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the whole door. The new lock will require an latch plate and strike plate to be installed inside the frame. They are sold separately.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A burglary can cause you to be concerned about the security of your home. If the perpetrators left marks on the door frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they were inside (smoothed out wood around the lock, broken lock knob) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure they are as secure and secure as possible.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there is no way to know who else might have received the key. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have keys, so changing your locks is a good 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 is damaged due to tampering, or simply age-related wear. It makes it more vulnerable to damage.
If you're experiencing any of these issues, consider installing a keyless lock instead. These locks do away with the requirement for keys and can be programmed to allow access only once for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also buy door locks that have a keypad. This lets you access your home without touching anything.
A new lock isn't just about safety and security it could also be a way to update the look of your home. Depending on the design of your door, you can choose locks that match it perfectly.
If you're ready to make the switch consult a local locksmith. They can help you select the best lock and install it quickly. Before calling a locksmith, be certain to measure your door. It is crucial to determine the thickness of your door in order to ensure that the replacement lock will fit properly. If your door is thicker than average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be installed securely. Begin by putting an shim of wood against the door, with the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then twist to pull the shim upwards. This will open the latches and screws that keep the knobs in position, allowing them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your house. This is an excellent DIY option, especially if your move frequently or you are a landlord that has to change locks on tenants. You can change a door lock in just a few hours if 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 may have the old keys. This includes friends, family members, contractors and babysitters. In fact, 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by those with a key to your home.
Make sure you purchase a replacement lock compatible with the current hardware and dimensions. You can pick between a deadbolt and a knob lock, based on the style of your door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing both the knobs that were previously attached to the door. Then, remove the screws that secure 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 the deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.
Find the location of the knob or handle on the door using the template included with the lock set. The spindle (the metal piece that protrudes from the knob's exterior) must pass through the latch without difficulty. Attach the knob or handle to the inside using the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into the latch, making sure that it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Attach the deadbolt plates and strike plates using the screws provided in the set of replacement locks. After you've completed the process the process, test your new lock to ensure it operates correctly and that the knob inside is able to slide smoothly over the pins. After that put everything back together in reverse order and you're good to go!