How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's primary security component. If they get worn out or become compromised it's time to replace them.
Changes to locks can also be an effective method to refresh your decor or add the feeling of security after divorce or blended family. Learn how to install a new lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
Rekeying your locks is a method to increase the security of your property. It is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of replacing versus rekeying locks.
Rekeying is a better alternative if you don't wish to replace the entire lockset. It's a faster and less expensive process than completely replacing your locks, since it is only changing the key pins that are inside the cylinder, and not changing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks can cause them to work with a new set of keys, which will obliterate the old ones and making it harder for those with access to gain entry into your business or home.
This is a common option for homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone who has a duplicate key can't access the home without being spotted. It's also a good option for those who are concerned about a rogue employee at the office, as it can be used to prevent them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying can only give you limited security advantages. Rekeying isn't enough to stop people from physically attempting to enter a home but it won't stop them if they manage to force their entry regardless. If you're worried about this, think about upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing their keys.
Another scenario where you might consider rekeying your locks is if you've had them stolen. This is a frequent issue for businesses and it's imperative to act swiftly in the event of a theft. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able to prevent the thieves from accessing sensitive areas within the business, and it will also allow you to have the chance to file police reports in the event that something does go wrong.
Ultimately, the best reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt that isn't moving or a damaged handle that isn't opening. It could also be an excellent idea to swap your locks if they're constructed of cheap hardware that is easily tampered with like a door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed using a credit card.
Take a look at your door
First, you must be aware of the dimensions of your door before you choose the lock. The best way to determine these is to use a tape measure and a pen or pencil. Using your fingers or an arm's length is very inaccurate and will give you the incorrect measurements. window lock repair should be taken of the opening from the top, middle and bottom. Do not 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 inner part of the frame.
If your door is already fitted with mortise locking systems you'll need to measure it further. The backset is the distance that runs from the edge of the door to the center of the hole that was pre-drilled. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). After you've chosen 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's the actuating hole for new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the strike in existing openings.
It is also important to determine if your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial because certain locks require a certain installation technique that is based on the direction of the swing.
Now that you've got all of your measurements you're ready to shop for a new lock! Be sure to keep all of your measurements on hand and bring them with you when you visit the store to choose a lock. This will allow you to get the perfect fit for your door and ensure it looks fantastic. Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us with any questions! We're always here to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also contact us via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll need to select the best lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded and are a good security measure against potential thieves. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and recommended for front doors.
Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions, as well as a customer service hotline. They'll also give you suggestions on how to put the product in your door. This will help you decide whether this is something you can do on your own or if a professional would be required.
It is essential to ensure that you have the right dimension of the keyhole to install a new lock. If the keyhole isn't big enough, it will need to be expanded or you may want to think about the design of your lock. Also, you'll need to consider the size of your door since not all deadbolts are suitable for all doors. They typically are with ratings of 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, however should your door be thicker or smaller, you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits correctly.
Another thing to keep in mind is the materials used in the lock. You do not want to purchase an inexpensive lock that could be a simple target for thieves to gain entry to your Burlington, MA, home. Find a lock that has the highest rating from the BHMA.
If you have a newer door, you may need to look at the security ratings of your door knob and lever to make sure they meet your standards. This is particularly true if there are children living in the house or previous owners may still have keys.
The replacement of locks is an simple DIY project. With the proper tools and a small amount of knowledge you can replace your locks in less than an hour. This is a great way to improve the look of your home without breaking the bank. You'll also be able to feel secure knowing that your family and belongings are safe.
Install the Lock
Your front door is the entry point to your Burlington, MA, home where you keep what's most important to you. It could be your pets, family members, or possessions, you want to know they are protected. If your lock isn't performing its job and you're looking to replace it, it's time to do so. it.
It's more expensive to replace your lock than replace it however, you have the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. Deadbolts are impossible to pick or pull and the larger bolt makes it harder for thieves to gain access with an axe. If you're not certain what type of lock will work best on your door, you might want to ask an expert locksmith for help.
Before installing your new lock, you'll need remove the existing one from the door. First, remove the screws that secure the handle section to exterior lock sections. Next, use a screw driver to pry the two lock halves away. Then, you can take the knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock correctly. The latch should be placed in the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole that will be used for the turning lock. Be sure to align the holes for screws to the deadbolt and latch on the side of the door with the rods that receive the latch on the inside of the door. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and will prevent them from becoming loose in time.
If you're using the same lock as the previous one you might be able to leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock, and compare the two locks. If they don't meet, buy replacements that will fit properly.
Install the lock once you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt in the correct place. While doing this be sure to pay attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering to place it on the right-hand side of the door. Then utilize the long screws provided in the lock to join the interior and exterior plates.