When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family safe. However, they may get worn out or interfere with time. There are certain indicators that tell you it's time to replace or rekey your lock.
Even though 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 new home
The locks on your door are an important aspect of the security of your home. It's easy for burglars gain access to locks that are damaged. It is important to recognize the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea, in the event of moving into a new house and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys and will eliminate any suspicions of unauthorized entry by previous residents.
Installing an entirely new lock is an easy procedure. First, you will need to take off the old lock. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the knob or handle in place. Then, make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the knob/handle and latch. Once you've marked the positions, you can drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be strong enough to lock the door.
It is also recommended to have the hinges replaced, as they are susceptible to being damaged by a strong impact on the lock or strike plate. If the lock is difficult to operate, this could indicate that it's time to get a replacement. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith change the locks for you and ensure that the job is completed efficiently and swiftly.
There are many other reasons to replace your locks, for instance ending a roommate or rental agreement. It is impossible to tell who may have an duplicate of your key. It is therefore a prudent precaution. This will ensure the safety of your household and belongings.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock is an unnerving experience. Especially when it occurs at the entrance to your home. There are a few easy steps you can follow to prevent the issue from getting worse and be able to open the door as soon as you are able to.
The first step is to check your door lock and make sure that it's not just misaligned. If this is the case, it could be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. If this does not fix the issue, it could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, use the lubricant and check if it helps unstick the locking mechanism. This will help keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is generally an effective solution for the majority of people, but it's crucial to be aware that if your problem persists, it could be another issue that is causing it and you'll need to contact locksmith.
In the end, if your door lock is more than 10 years old It's likely time for a replacement. This is because door locks aren't made to last the full lifetime of a door, and even the highest quality door locks are likely to require replacement at some point.
To change your lock, you must remove the lock that you currently have. Once this is done, it's important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that you will be able to find a replacement lock that is suitable for your door. For example, cylinders come in various shapes that are able to accommodate various thicknesses of doors. You may also have to replace the entire door if the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock needs to be secured to the frame using plates for latching or strike plate as well as a deadbolt, which are all available separately.
3. You're worried that there could be an attack
The possibility of a burglary can shake confidence in the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their marks (crowbar marks in your door frame) or it's clear that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken knobs for locks) It is important to ensure your security by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as you can.
Even if you trust the previous owners, there is no way to tell who else could have had a copy of the key. 67% of the crime is committed by people who have a key and therefore changing locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another indicator that you should replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be stuck or difficult to open. This is a sign that the mechanism inside the lock is damaged due to tampering or just age-related wear and tear, leaving the lock vulnerable to damage and failure.
Consider installing a keyless lock if you are experiencing any of these issues. These locks eliminate the requirement for keys and can be programmed to permit access for only one time for pet-sitters, contractors, or contractors. You can also buy door locks with keypads. This allows you to access your home without touching anything.
A new lock isn't only about security and safety It can also be a way to improve the appearance of your home. There are locks that be a match to the design of your door.
If you're looking to switch locks, talk to an experienced locksmith in your area. They can help you choose the right lock and install it quickly. Before you call a locksmith, be certain to measure your door. The thickness of the door is vital to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is more thick it may require a lock that's custom-made to fit snugly. A good starting point is placing a wood shim against the door and positioned with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Place the screwdriver's tip into the slot and twist and pull the shim upwards. This will let loose the latches and screws that hold the knobs in place and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock to increase the security of your house. This is an excellent DIY option, especially when you move frequently or you are a landlord that needs to replace locks on tenants. You can replace a door lock within a matter of minutes If you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea even in the case that you trust and know the previous homeowners or tenants. In the end, you don't know how many people may have a copy of the old keys that include family, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In fact, 6-7 percent of all illegal entry is committed by those who have keys to your home.
Be sure to buy an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the current hardware and dimensions. Depending on the design of your door, you could pick deadbolt locks or a doorknob lock. Once you've got your new lock and you're ready to install it, follow these steps: install it:
Start by removing both knobs that were on the door. Then, take out the screws that hold the latch plate to the edge of the door. Once this is done remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate into the door jamb.
Using the template that comes with your lock set, mark the location of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the front of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the exterior knob) should slide through the latch with ease. Attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided. Place the lock cylinder into the latch in the interior. Check that replacement upvc door lock repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is correctly aligned and the key is working with the lock.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws provided in your new lock set. Check your new lock when you're done to ensure it's working as intended and that the inside knob slides over the pins easily. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.