How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most important security feature. When they wear out or become compromised, it's time to replace them.
It can also be a great way to update your home decor, or to provide the feeling of security that comes with a divorce or the birth of a blended family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a replacement door lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
Changing your locks can improve the security of a property. It's important to consider the pros and cons of replacing locks or rekeying them.
Rekeying is the best option if you don't need to replace the entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper option than replacing the entire lockset since you just need to change the pins in the cylinder. Rekeying locks could make them work with different keys. This will erase the old keys and make it difficult for anyone to gain access to your office or home.
This is a popular option for new homeowners who want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else who has an original copy of the key cannot enter the property without being taken in. It is also beneficial to those who are concerned about a rogue office employee, as they can use it to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying has limited benefits for security. It doesn't do much to deter people from physically attempting to get into your home and does nothing to stop them if they do succeed in forcing their way in anyway. If you're worried about this, consider changing to a deadbolt instead of rekeying your existing locks.
Rekeying locks may be necessary in the event that your locks have been stolen. This is a regular occurrence for businesses, and it's crucial to act swiftly if this happens. Rekeying your locks can stop thieves from having access to sensitive areas within your company. It will also make it easier to make a police report in the event that something goes wrong.
Ultimately, the best reason to replace your locks is if they're damaged or damaged beyond repair. repair window locks upvc could be as simple as a stuck bolt that won't budge or a damaged handle that isn't opening. You might want to replace your locks if you are using low-quality hardware that is easily tampered with. For example a lever or doorknob with spring loaded latches can be bypassed using a credit card.
Measure Your Door
Before you decide on a lock, you'll need to know the dimensions you're working with. The best way to find these is to use tape measure and a pen or pencil. Using your fingers or an arm's length is very inaccurate and will give you wrong measurements. Take measurements of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Don't include the frame. You can also determine the height from the floor to the threshold (for doors with interior doors) or the top of the interior part of the frame.
If your door is fitted with a mortise locking system it is necessary to take some extra measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). Once you've decided the location you'd like your deadbolt to be, you'll need to know the depth of the hole inside the door that is measured from the edge of the door to the centerline of the latch opening for actuation in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings.
It is also important to determine whether your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is important because some locks require a particular installation method dependent on the direction of swing.
It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you have all of your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a safe place and bring them with you when you're looking for the lock. This will ensure you get the right fit and that your door is beautiful! Have fun and enjoy shopping! Contact us with any questions! We're always happy to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also contact us via Facebook or Twitter. We hope to hear from you soon!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll have to choose the appropriate lock for your home. The most secure locks are top-quality and offer a great deterrent to would-be thieves. Grade 1 locks are considered the strongest and are recommended for front door.
A good starting point is to visit the manufacturer's website. Most manufactures will offer full installation instructions and also have customer support hotlines. They'll also give you suggestions on how to install their products on your particular door. This will give you an idea of whether or not this is a project you can tackle on your own or if you'll require assistance from a professional.
It is important to ensure you have the proper size of keyhole in order to install an entirely new lock. If the keyhole is too small it will have to be expanded or you might want to consider the design of your lock. Also, you'll need to think about the size of your door since not all deadbolts fit all doors. They usually come rated for either 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, however should your door be thicker or thinner you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits perfectly.
Another important thing to consider is the materials that are used in the lock. You don't need to buy an inexpensive lock since it's possible for burglars to gain entry into your Burlington home. Choose an item that is certified by the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality.
If you have a newer door, you might want to examine the security ratings on the lever and knob to ensure they meet your standards. This is especially important if there are children living in the house or previous owners may still have the keys.
Replacing your locks is a relatively simple DIY project. With the appropriate tools and a little bit of knowledge, you can replace your locks in just an hour. It's also a great option to freshen up the look of your home without spending a fortune. You'll also be able to be sure that your family and belongings are safe.
Install the Lock
Your Burlington, MA home is where you keep your most valuable belongings. If it's your family, pets, or your possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't working properly, it's likely time to replace it.
It's more expensive to replace your lock rather than rekey it however, you have the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. Deadbolts are impossible to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it harder for a thief to gain entry using a wrench. If you're not sure which type of lock is best for your door, think about asking an expert locksmith for advice.
Remove the old lock from the door before installing the new one. First, unscrew interior screws that secure the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Next utilize a screwdriver to break the two halves of the lock apart. Then, you can take the old knob and latch from the door.
Install the new door lock correctly. The latch should be placed in the latch plate opening and have a tapered end that is able to fit into the hole for the turning lock. Be sure to align the holes for screws for the latch and deadbolt on the inside of the door with the receiving rods on the outside of the door. This will allow the screws to be threaded into place properly and prevent them from becoming loose over time.
If you're using the same lock as the previous it is possible to leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Compare them to the new lock, and if you find that they don't fit, buy replacements.
Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt in its correct position. Pay attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering that you're inserting it on the right side of the door. Then utilize the long screws provided in the lock to join the interior and exterior plates.