How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most crucial security element. It's time to change your door locks if they get worn out or damaged.
Changing Repair My Windows And Doors can also be a good way to update your decor or provide an additional sense of security following a divorce or blended family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a replacement door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of a property. There are pros and cons to changing locks, versus rekeying one however, so it's important to weigh your choices carefully.
Generally speaking, rekeying is the better option for those who are not looking to change out their entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker procedure than replacing all of your locks, since it involves changing just the internal key pins within the cylinder, not swapping out the whole lock. Rekeying locks can make them work with different keys. This will nullify the old keys and make it more difficult for anyone else to gain entry to your office or home.
This is a popular option for new homeowners, who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key are unable to access the home without being caught. It's also helpful for those who are worried about a suspicious employee in the office, since it can be used to prevent them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying has limited benefits for security. Rekeying isn't enough to discourage people from physically attempting to enter the home however it doesn't stop them from trying to gain entry however. If you are concerned about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt, rather than simply rekeying them.
Another scenario where you may want to think about rekeying your locks is if you've been the victim of theft. This is a frequent issue for businesses and it's imperative to act swiftly if it happens. Rekeying your locks will stop thieves from getting access to sensitive areas within your business. It will also make it easier for you to file a police report if something goes wrong.
The best reason to change locks is when they are damaged or broken beyond repair. This could be as easy as a bolt stuck that isn't moving or a broken handle that won't open. You may want to replace your locks if you have poor quality hardware that can be easily changed. For instance, a doorknob or lever that has spring-loaded latches could be bypassed using credit card.
Take a look at your door
Before you pick the lock you want, you need to know what dimensions you're working with. You can measure these dimensions using an instrument like a tape or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you wrong measurements. Take measurements of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Don't include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for interior door) or the top of the inner frame.
If your door is already predrilled for mortise locking systems it is necessary to take some extra measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of the door to the center hole. The most commonly used backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need to measure the depth of your hole inside the door after you've determined the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edges of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole for new installations, or from the bottom to the top of a lock strike for openings that are already in place.
It is also important to determine whether your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is important, as some locks require specific installation methods that are based on the direction of swing.
It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you have all your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a secure place and bring them along when you decide to select the lock. This will help you find the perfect lock for your door and ensure that it looks great. Have fun shopping and best of luck! If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us! We're always here to help! We're open from Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also contact us via Facebook or Twitter. We hope to hear from you soon!
Find the Lock that's right for you
You'll need to choose the appropriate lock for your house. The best locks will be high-quality, and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors.
The best starting point is the manufacturer's website. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions, as along with a customer support hotline. They will also give you guidelines on how to install the product inside your home. This will assist you in determining if this is something you could do yourself or if a professional would be required.
It is important to make sure you have the proper size of keyhole in order to install an entirely new lock. If the hole is too small, you'll need to have it enlarged or look for a different type of lock. You will also need to consider the thickness of your doors and the type of deadbolt you choose, since not all deadbolts work with all doors. They are usually classified as 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but you'll need find a deadbolt that is suitable for your door.
The materials used in a lock are also important to consider. You don't have to purchase a cheap lock because it is possible for burglars to gain entry into your Burlington home. Look for a lock with the highest rating from BHMA.
If you have a newer door, you might need to check the security ratings on the lever and knob to make sure they meet your requirements. This is especially true if there are children in the house, or if previous owners may still have keys.
The replacement of locks is an simple DIY project. You can replace your locks in less than an hour using the proper tools. It's also a great option to improve the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. You can also rest assured that your family and you are protected.
Install the Lock
Your front door is the entry point to your Burlington, MA, home where you keep what's most valuable to you. Whether that's your family, pets, or possessions, you want to know they are protected. If your lock isn't working properly, it's likely time to replace it.
Replacing your lock is more expensive than simply rekeying it but it also has the benefit of locking your door to the frame. A deadbolt is impossible to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it more difficult for thieves to gain access with a wrench. If you're unsure of what type of lock will best fit your door, think about asking an expert locksmith for help.
Before installing your new lock, you'll need remove the existing one from the door. First, remove the interior screws that secure the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Then with a screwdriver break the locks halves. Then, take the old latch and knob from the door.
When you install your new door lock, make sure you put it in correctly. The latch should be set within the latch plate, and it should have an edge that is tapered and fits into the hole for the locking mechanism. Make sure that the screw holes are aligned on the inside of your door to match the deadbolt and latch to the receiving rods. This will allow screws to be threaded correctly and will prevent them from becoming loose as time passes.
If you're using the same lock as the previous it is possible to leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock and compare to see if they match, purchase replacements that fit properly.
Once you have the new hardware in place It's time to put in the lock. Start by placing the deadbolt cylinder in its correct place. Pay attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will remind you that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then, use the long screws that come with the lock to connect the interior and exterior plates.