When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they can become worn out or tampered with time. There are a few telltale signs that it's time to consider replacing or rekeying the lock.
While replacing locks is a more in-depth process than rekeying, it could still be done at home. Here are some of the top reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a new house
The locks on your door are an important aspect of the security of your home. It's easy for burglars to gain access to locks that are damaged. This is why you need to know when it's the right time to purchase a replacement.
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 are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicions that previous residents might have entered your house without permission.
New lock installation is an easy process. First, you'll need to remove the old lock. You can remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in place by using the screwdriver. Then, you can use a template provided by the new lock set to mark the location of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked the positions, you can drill the face hole in accordance with the lock specifications.
Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the door's edge and be strong enough to ensure it is secure.
It's also a good idea to have hinges replaced as they are susceptible to being damaged by a strong impact on the lock or strike plate. Finally, 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 a professional locksmith change the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the job is done quickly and properly.
There are many other reasons to change your locks, for instance ending a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who might have copies of your keys and therefore changing your locks is a wise precaution. This will ensure the security of your household and belongings.
2. You're having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be an unnerving experience. Particularly when it happens on the main entrance door. There are a few steps you can take to prevent the issue from becoming worse and to be able to open the door as quickly as you can.
The first step is to examine the door lock to ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. It is important to keep in mind that if this doesn't resolve the issue it is likely that there is something wrong with the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Then, apply an oil-based lubricant to see if it helps to remove the locking mechanism. The concept behind this is to assist the key to slide more easily into and out of the lock, so that it is able to be opened if needed. This is a suitable solution for the majority of people. However in the event that the issue persists you might need to speak with a locksmith.
If your door lock is older than a decade is it time to replace it. Door locks aren't made to last the life of the door. Even the most durable door locks must be changed at some point.
To change your lock, you must remove the lock you have currently. Once this is done it is important to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that you will be able to find a replacement lock that will fit properly. For instance Cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. You may also have to replace your entire door when the frame of your door has been damaged. The new lock will require an latch plate and strike plate to be fitted inside the frame. They are available separately.
3. You're worried that there could be an armed robbery
The occurrence of a break-in could shake your faith in the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their marks (crowbar marks on your door's frame) or it's obvious that they've been inside (smoothed wood around the lock and broken lock knob), you need to restore your security by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there is no way to tell who else may have received the key. 67% of the crime is committed by people who have a key, so changing your locks is a good preventative measure.
Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be sticking or difficult to open. This is a sign that the internal mechanism has been damaged through the force of tampering or just age-related wear. It leaves it vulnerable to being damaged.
If you're experiencing any of these issues think about installing a door lock that is keyless instead. They eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to permit access for only one time for pet-sitters or contractors. You can also purchase doors that have keys that allow you to open the door without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to change the appearance of your home. It's not just about safety. Based on patio door lock replacement repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of your door, you'll be able to choose locks that match it perfectly.
If you're ready to make the switch consult the local locksmith. They can assist you in selecting the best lock and install it quickly. Before calling a locksmith, make sure to measure your door. The door's thickness is crucial to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is thicker than average, you might require a custom lock that can be installed securely. Begin by putting a wooden shim against the door and the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Slide the tip of the screwdriver into slot and turn, pulling up the shim. This will release the latch and the screws that hold the knobs in place, allowing you to remove them.
4. You're tired with the same old keys
It is easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your home. It's also a great DIY ability to have, particularly if you move often 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 even if you are familiar with and trust the previous homeowners or tenants It is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. In the end, you don't know how many people might have a copy of the old keys that include friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In reality the people who have keys to your home are accountable for 67 percent of all illegal entry.
Be sure to purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the hardware you have and the dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt and a knob lock based on the style of the door. Once you've got your new lock, follow these steps to install it:
Start by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that secure the latch plate to the edge of the door. After removing the screws, take off the latchplate as well as the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Using the template that comes with your lock set, mark the locations of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the front of the door. Make sure that the spindle (the long metal piece that is affixed to the exterior knob) can pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the knob or handle to the inside using the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch, making sure that it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Finish by attaching the strike plates and deadbolt plate using the screws that come with your replacement lock installed to secure them in the correct position. Test your new lock once you're done to ensure it's working as intended and that the interior knob slides over the pins easily. Reassemble everything in reverse order.