Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Replacement Door Lock?

When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they may become worn out or tampered with time. There are a few telltale indications that it's time for you to consider replacing or rekeying the lock. Even though replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it is possible to do it at home. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to consider it: 1. You're moving into a new home The locks on your doors are a crucial element of your home's security. If they're damaged it's easy for burglars to gain access. This is why it's important to know when it's the right time to purchase a replacement. It is a good idea, when you move into a new residence, to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the only one with keys, and make it impossible to suspect unauthorized entry from previous residents. Installing a new lock is an easy process. The first step is to take off the old lock. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in the position. Then, you can make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the position of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked the positions, you can drill the hole for the face according to the lock specifications. Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is essential to ensure that the deadbolt as well as the strike plate are compatible with the existing door frame. The bolt should extend approximately ½ inch past the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to ensure the door is secured. It is also a good idea to have hinges replaced, since these can easily become damaged by a strong collision with the strike plate or lock. If the lock is difficult to operate, it could be time to replace it. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith change the locks for you to ensure that the job is done efficiently and swiftly. There are many other reasons to replace your locks, such as ending a lease or roommate agreement. It is difficult to determine who might have duplicate keys to your key. The need to change the locks is therefore a wise step. It will also ensure that your belongings and family are safe. 2. You are having trouble opening the door A broken lock can be an absolute nightmare. Particularly when it occurs at the entrance to your home. There are a few simple steps you can follow to stop the issue from becoming worse and to be able to open the door as soon as you are able to. The first step is to look at your door lock and make sure that it's not misaligned. If this is the case, it may be as simple as tightening some of the screws. If this doesn't solve the issue, it could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of your door lock. Next, try using a lubricant to see if this will help to free the lock. The concept behind this is to allow the key slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it can be opened when necessary. This is a good solution for the majority of people. However in the event that the issue persists, you may need to speak with a locksmith. If your door lock is older than a decade, it's probably time to replace it. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire lifetime of a door, and even the best door locks are likely to need to be replaced at some point in time. To replace your lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After this it's crucial to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a replacement that is suitable for your door. For instance, cylinders are available in a variety of shapes that can accommodate a variety of door thicknesses. It is also important to know that if your door's frame is damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the whole door. This is because the new lock will need to be secured to the frame using plates for latching, strike plate, and deadbolt. All of these are available separately. 3. You're worried that there will be an armed robbery The occurrence of a break-in can shake confidence in the security of your home. If the culprits have left their marks on your door frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they are inside (smoothed out the wood around the lock knob, broken lock) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure that they are as safe and secure as possible. Even if you believe in the previous owners, there's no way to tell who else could have had a copy of the key. Keys holders are responsible for 67% of all illicit entry. Change your locks is an effective preventative measure. If the knobs are clogged or difficult to open, this is a further sign that your locks need to be replaced. This indicates that the mechanism inside is damaged due to tampering, or simply wear and tear caused by age. It makes it more vulnerable to damage. If you're having any of these issues you should consider installing a door lock that is keyless instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys, and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors or pet sitters who require access. You can also get door locks that have a keypad, allowing you to open the door without touching anything. A new lock isn't just about security and safety, it can also be a means to improve the appearance of your home. Depending on the style of your door, you'll find locks that complement it perfectly. If you're looking to change locks contact an experienced locksmith in your area. They can assist you in selecting the right lock and then install it quickly. Make sure you measure your door before you call an expert locksmith. The thickness of the door is crucial to ensure that the lock is properly fitted. If your door is thicker than average, you may 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 facing the slot for the lock. Then, slide the tip of the screwdriver into the slot, then turn it by pulling the shim up. This will release the latches and screws holding the knobs in position which allows them to be removed. 4. You're tired of the same old keys The replacement of your door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. It's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly if you move often or are a landlord who has to change locks for tenants. Learn the steps for replacing the lock on your door and you'll be able to complete the task yourself in just a few short hours. Installing new locks is a good idea even if you trust and know the previous owners or tenants. In the end, you don't know how many people could have copies of your old keys which includes relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In fact, 67 percent of all illegal entry is committed by people with a key to your home. Be sure to buy a replacement lock compatible with the hardware you have and the dimensions. Depending on repairmywindowsanddoors of your door, you could pick deadbolt locks or a doorknob lock. Once you've got your new lock then follow these steps to install it: Begin by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Then, take out the screws that attach the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws take off the latchplate as well as the two screws that secure the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door. Using the template that comes with your lock set, mark the positions of the interior handle/knob and the latch on the face of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long piece of metal that sticks out of the knob on the outside) can pass through the latch and operates it smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into the latch, ensuring that it is in the correct position and functions with the key. Attach the strike plates and deadbolt plates using the screws included in the set of replacement locks. Test your new lock once you're done to confirm that it's working as intended and that the interior knob slides over the pins easily. Reassemble everything in reverse order.