When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they may be damaged or worn out with time. There are some telltale signs it's time for you to change or rekey your lock.
While replacing locks is more involved than rekeying, it can be accomplished at home. Here are a few main reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a new home
Your door locks are a vital part of your home security. If they're damaged it's possible for burglars to gain entry. It is important to recognize the signs that it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea, in the event of moving into a new residence and you want to change the locks. replacement upvc door locks will ensure that you're the only person with keys, and remove any suspicions of unauthorised entry from previous residents.
The installation of a new lock is a simple procedure. First, you'll need take off the lock you have already installed. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver to remove the screws that keep the knob or handle in place. Next, make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the position of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've identified the positions, you can drill the face hole according to the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all in line. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the doors and be tight enough to ensure it is secure.
It's also an excellent idea to get hinges replaced, since they are susceptible to being damaged from a sharp collision with the lock or strike plate. If the lock is difficult to operate, it could be time to replace. It is best to have an expert locksmith replace the locks for you. This will ensure that the job gets done quickly and correctly.
There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, such as ending a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to tell who may have copies of your keys thus changing the locks is a prudent step. This will ensure the security of your possessions and family members.
2. You are having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be an unnerving experience. Particularly when it occurs on the main entrance door. There are a few easy steps you can follow to prevent the problem from becoming worse and to be in a position to open the door as soon as you can.
First, make sure that the lock on your door isn't simply out of alignment. It could be as simple as tightening a few screws to fix the issue. If this doesn't fix the issue, there could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, use an oil-based lubricant to see if it helps to remove the locking mechanism. The idea behind this is to allow the key to slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when necessary. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, but it's crucial to be aware that if your issue persists, it could be a different issue that is causing it, and you will need to consult locksmith.
If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is recommended to replace it. Door locks are not meant to last for the entire life of the door. Even the most durable door locks have to be changed at some point.
To replace your lock you will need to remove your existing lock. After removing the existing lock, you'll need measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will be suitable. For example the cylinder locks are available in a variety of shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if your door's frame has been damaged in any way, you will need to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock will have to be secured to the frame using a latch plate, strike plate, and deadbolt. All of these are available as separate items.
3. You're worried that there could be a break-in
The occurrence of a break-in can shake your faith in the security of your home. The perpetrators may have left their marks (crowbar marks on your door's frame) or it's clear that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and broken lock knob), you need to restore your peace of mind by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as possible.
Even if you were able to trust the previous owners, it's impossible to know if anyone else has a copy. People with keys are responsible for a minimum of 67% of illicit entry. Changing your locks is an effective preventative measure.
If the knobs are stuck or are difficult to open, it is a indication that your locks require to be replaced. This indicates that the mechanism inside has been damaged by tampering, or simply wear and tear from age. It makes it more vulnerable to damage.
If you're having issues with any of these, consider installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors or pet sitters who require access. You can also buy door locks that have a keypad. This lets you get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can update the look of your home. It's not just about safety. Depending on the style of your door, you can find locks that complement it perfectly.
If you're looking to change locks consult an experienced locksmith in your area. They can assist you in selecting the right lock and install it swiftly. Be sure to measure your door before you call a professional locksmith. It is essential to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will fit properly. If your door is more thick than average, you may require a custom lock that fits securely. Begin by placing a wooden shim against the door, with the tapered edge positioned against the slot of the lock. Slide the tip of the screwdriver into slot and turn upwards, bringing the shim up. This will release the latch and the screws that hold the knobs in place and allow you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same keys
Replacing your door lock is a simple upgrade that can add to the security of your home. It's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly in the event that you frequently move or are a landlord who needs to change locks for tenants. You can replace a doorlock in just a few hours when you know the steps.
Even even if you are familiar with and trust the previous tenants or homeowners it is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. You never know who might have the keys. This includes friends, family members, contractors and babysitters. In reality those with keys to your home are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entries.
Before starting, make sure to purchase a replacement lock that's compatible with the existing hardware and measurements. You can pick between a deadbolt or knob lock depending on the style of your door. Once you've received your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Begin by removing both of the knobs that were on the door. Then, take out the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. After that, remove the latch plate as well as the two screws that hold the deadbolt or strike plate to the jamb.
Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the locations of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make sure that the spindle (the long piece of metal that extends from the knob on the outside) passes through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the handle/knob to the interior using the provided screws. Insert the lock cylinder in the latch inside. Make sure that it is properly aligned and that the key is working with the lock.
Attach the strike plates and deadbolt plates with the screws that are included in the set of replacement locks. After you've completed testing your new lock, make sure you test it to make sure it works properly and the inside knob is able to slide smoothly over the pins. Then, reassemble everything in reverse order.