When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your family and possessions safe, but over time they'll wear down or be tampered with. There are some telltale indications that it's time for you to consider replacing or rekeying your lock.
While lock replacement is more involved than rekeying, it can still be done at home. Here are some important reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into a new house
Your door locks are a crucial part of your home's security. When they're damaged it's possible for burglars to gain entry. You need to know the signs that it's time to replace your window.
If repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are moving into a new house It's a good idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you are the only person with keys and will remove any suspicions of unauthorised entry from previous residents.
The installation of a new lock is a simple procedure. You will first need to remove the existing lock. You can take out the screws holding the knob or handle in place with a screwdriver. Utilize the template supplied with the new lock to mark the locations of the handle/knob, and latch. After you've marked the positions, you can drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of your lock.
Once the holes are drilled and the lock is installed, you must install the new lock. It is essential that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the doors and be tight enough to ensure it is secure.
It's also recommended to have the hinges replaced, as they can be damaged by a hard hit on the lock or strike plate. If the lock is difficult to operate, then this could indicate that it's time to get an upgrade. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith replace the locks for you to ensure that the job is done efficiently and swiftly.
You may also want to replace your locks if you've gotten rid of an agreement to rent or a roommate. It's impossible to know who may have copies of your keys thus changing the locks is a wise precaution. It also ensures that your belongings and family are secure.
2. You're having trouble opening the door
A broken lock can be a nightmare, especially when it happens to one of your main entry doors. However, the good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to ensure it doesn't get worse and that you can open your door as soon as you can.
The first step is to examine your door lock and ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening a few screws if this is the problem. If this doesn't solve the issue, there could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Next, try applying the lubricant and see if this will help to free the lock. The purpose of this is to help the key slide more easily into and out of the lock, so that it can be opened when needed. This is a good solution for the majority of people. However, if the problem persists, you may need to talk to an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years, you should consider replacing it. Door locks aren't made to last the life of the door. Even the most durable door locks need to be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock, you'll need to remove the current lock from your door. Once this is done it is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you will be able to find a replacement lock that is suitable for your door. For instance, cylinders come in different shapes that can accommodate various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if the frame of your door has been damaged in some way, you will need to replace the whole door. The new lock will require the strike plate and latch plate to be inserted into the frame. These are available separately.
3. You're worried there will be an attack
A burglary could make you doubt the security of your home. If the perpetrators have left their marks on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they are inside (smoothed out the wood around the lock, broken lock knob) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure they are as secure and safe as you can.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's difficult to find out if anyone else has copies. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have keys which is why changing locks is an effective preventative measure.
If the knobs are clogged or difficult to open, this is a further indication that your locks require to be replaced. This is a sign that the mechanism within the lock is damaged due to the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, leaving it vulnerable to damage and eventual failure.
Consider installing a lock that is keyless If you're experiencing any of these problems. These locks eliminate the requirement for keys and can be programmed to allow access for only one time for pet-sitters, contractors, or contractors. You can also purchase door locks that come with keys. This allows you to get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can be used to update the look of your home. It's not just about safety. You can find locks that match the style of your home's door.
If you're ready to make the switch, talk to an experienced locksmith in your area. They can assist you in choosing the best lock for your needs and install it quickly. Be sure to measure the door prior to calling a professional locksmith. It is essential to measure the thickness of your door in order to ensure that the replacement lock will fit correctly. If your door is more thick than average, you might need to get a custom-made lock that can be installed securely. A good way to begin is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Slide the tip of the screwdriver into the slot, then turn it, pulling up the shim. This will release the latches and screws that keep the knobs in place, allowing them to be removed.
4. You're tired with the same keys
It is easy to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY project, particularly in the event that you frequently move or you are a landlord who has to change locks on tenants. Learn the steps to replace locks on doors and you'll be able do it yourself in just a few short hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea even when you are a trusted and reliable friend of the previous homeowners or tenants. You never know who may have the old keys. This includes family members, friends and contractors as well as babysitters. In fact the people who have access to your house are accountable for 67% of all unlawful entries.
Be sure to buy a replacement lock compatible with the hardware you have and the dimensions. Depending on the style of your door, you could choose from deadbolt locks or doorknob lock. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. Once this is done, remove the latch plate, as well as the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Using the template that comes with the lock set, mark the positions of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the front of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the knob on the outside) should slide through the latch smoothly. Then, attach the handle or knob to the interior using the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch, ensuring that it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Finalize by securing the strike plates and deadbolt plate using the screws included in your new lock set to secure them into the correct position. Once you've finished, test your new lock to ensure that it functions correctly and that the knob inside is able to slide smoothly over the pins. Reassemble everything in reverse order.