How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most important security feature. It's time to change your door locks when they wear out or become damaged.
Changes to locks can also be an effective way to freshen up your decor or add an additional sense of security following divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a replacement lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
The option of changing your locks is a option to increase the security of your property. There are pros and cons to changing versus rekeying a lock, though, so it's crucial to consider your options carefully.
Rekeying is generally the best option for those not looking to replace their entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper process than completely replacing your locks since it involves changing just the key pins inside the cylinder, rather than replacing the entire lock. Rekeying locks can allow them to operate with a different set of keys. This will nullify the old ones and make it difficult for anyone to gain entry into your home or office.
This is a popular option for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that previous owners or anyone else with copies of the keys cannot enter the property without being arrested. This is also helpful for those who are worried about a rogue office worker, since they can use it to block them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas within the building.
Rekeying isn't a great idea, but it gives you a limited amount of security benefits. Rekeying doesn't do much to discourage people from physically attempting to enter a home however it doesn't hinder them from attempting to gain entry anyway. If you're worried about this, think about upgrading to a deadbolt instead of rekeying the existing locks.
Rekeying locks may be necessary when your locks have been stolen. This is a frequent event for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly if this happens. Rekeying your locks can stop the thieves from gaining access to sensitive areas within your company. It also makes it easier for you to make a police report in the event that something goes wrong.
The most ideal reason to change locks is when they are damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a bolt stuck that won't move or a broken handle that won't let you open. It's also a good idea to change out your locks if they're made of poor quality hardware that can be easily tampered with, such as a lever or door knob with spring-loaded latches that can be easily manipulated using credit card.
Take a look at your door
Before you can choose the lock you want, you need to know the dimensions you're working with. You can determine these dimensions with a tape and a pencil or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you incorrect measurements. Measure the width of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Don't include the frame. You can also determine the height from floor to threshold (for interior doors) or the top of the interior part of the frame.
If your door is already drilled for a mortise locking system it is necessary to take some extra measurements. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole already drilled. The most popular backsets (or 44mm and 57mm) are 1" & 2". Once you've decided where you want your deadbolt it is important to know the depth of the hole inside the door, which is measured from the top of the door to the centerline of the latch's actuating hole in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings.
In the end, you'll need decide if your new door is going to be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial because certain locks require a specific installation method dependent on the direction of the swing.
Once you've gathered all of your measurements you're ready to shop for your replacement lock! Keep all your measurements in a safe spot and bring them with you when you go to pick a lock. This will ensure that you have the perfect fit and your door looks great! Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us if you have any questions! We're always here to help! We're open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll need to choose the best lock for your house. The best locks are top-quality and will discourage thieves. window locks repair are regarded as the strongest and are recommended for front door.
The best starting point is to visit the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions, as well as a customer support hotline. They will also have recommendations on how to install their products in the door you have chosen. This will help you decide if it is something you can do on your own or if a professional will be required.
If you're installing the lock for the first time it is essential that you choose the right keyhole size. If the hole isn't big enough you'll have to have it enlarged or look for another type of lock. You'll also have to consider the size of your door since there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They typically are rated for either 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, but if your door is thicker or thinner you'll need to find one that will fit correctly.
The lock's materials are important to take into consideration. You don't have to purchase an inexpensive lock since it's possible for burglars to gain entry into your Burlington home. Find a lock that has the highest rating from the BHMA.
If you have a brand new door, you may need to look at the security ratings on the lever and knob to ensure they meet your standards. This is especially important when you have children in the house or if the previous owners still have keys to your house.
Replacing your locks is a simple DIY project. You can replace your locks within an hour if you have the appropriate tools. It's also a great option to refresh the appearance of your home without spending a fortune. You'll also be able rest assured that your belongings and family are secure.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entrance to your Burlington, MA, home where you will keep the things that are most valuable to you. It could be your pets, family members, or other possessions, you need to know they are protected. If your lock isn't working, it's likely time to replace it.
Replacing your lock can be more expensive than simply rekeying it, but it offers the added benefit of securing your door to the frame. A burglar can't pick or pull on a deadbolt, and a longer bolt makes it more difficult to gain purchase with the wrench. If you're not certain which type of lock will work best on your door, think about asking an expert locksmith for advice.
Remove the lock that was previously installed from the door before installing the new one. First, remove the interior screws that secure the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then, using a screwdriver, remove the two lock halves. Then, you can take the old latch and knob from the door.
Install your new door lock properly. The latch should sit in the opening of the latch plate and have a tapered end that is fitted into the hole for the turning lock. Make sure to align the holes for screws for the deadbolt and latch on the side of the door with the rods for receiving on the outside of the door. This will allow screws to thread into place properly and prevent them from loosening over time.
If you are using the same lock you can keep the latch and strike plate in place. Compare them to the new lock and if you discover that they don't fit, buy replacements.
Once you have the new hardware in place now is the time to install the lock. Start by placing the deadbolt into its proper place. When doing so pay particular attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will assist you in locating it on the right-hand side of the door. Then utilize the long screws provided with the lock to attach the exterior and interior plates.