How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most crucial security component. When they start to wear out or become compromised it's the right time to replace them.
It can also be an excellent way to modernize your decor, or add a sense of security following a divorce or the birth of a blended family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a replacement door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
The option of changing your locks is a option to increase the security of your home. There are pros and cons of replacing locks versus rekeying them however, so it is important to consider your choices carefully.
Rekeying is a good option if you don't want to replace the entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper process than completely replacing your locks, since it is only changing the internal key pins within the cylinder, rather than swapping out the whole lock. Rekeying your locks can make them work with a different set of keys, nullifying the previous ones, making it harder for those with access to enter your business or home.
This is a common option for homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key are unable to enter the house without being caught. It's also useful for those who are concerned about a mischievous employee in the office, since it can be used to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying isn't a great idea, but it gives you a limited amount of security benefits. It's not enough to stop people from physically forcing their way into the premises and does nothing to stop them if they do manage to force their way into your home in any way. If you're worried about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt instead of simply rekeying them.
Another reason you might want to consider changing your locks is if you've had them stolen. It's a common problem for businesses and it's crucial to act quickly if it happens. Rekeying your locks can stop thieves from having access to the sensitive areas of your business. It also makes it easier for you to file a police report if there is a problem.
The most effective reason to replace locks is if they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It can be something as simple as a bolt that's stuck or a handle broken and won't work. It could also be an ideal idea to swap locks if they're made from poor quality hardware that can be easily altered, such as a door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches which can be easily bypassed with credit card.
Measure Your Door
It is essential to determine the dimensions of your door before you can select the lock. You can measure these dimensions with a tape and a pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length is very inaccurate and will give you incorrect measurements. Measure the width of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Make sure that you do not 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 a mortise locking system 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 already drilled. The most common backsets (or 44mm and 55mm) are 1" & 2". You'll need the depth of your hole inside the door once you've chosen the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edge of the opening and the centerline of a latch actuating hole for new installations or from the bottom to the top of a lock strike for existing openings.
You'll also need to decide if your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. replace window lock www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is important because certain locks require specific installation techniques based on swing direction.
Now that you've got all of your measurements, it's time to shop for your replacement lock! Keep all your measurements in a safe spot and bring them with you when you decide to select the lock. This will ensure that you have the perfect fit and your door looks fantastic! Best of luck and have fun shopping! If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us! We're always ready to assist! We're open Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Lock that's right for you
You'll want to pick the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded and provide 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 manufactures will offer full installation instructions as well as customer support hotlines. They will also give you recommendations on how to install the product inside your home. This will assist you in determining if this is something you can do on your own or if a contractor will be required.
If you're installing a new lock it is crucial that you have the right size keyhole. If the keyhole isn't big enough, it will need to be enlarged or you may need to think about an alternative lock style. You'll also need to consider the thickness of your door because not all deadbolts fit all doors. They're typically classified as 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches but you'll need find a deadbolt that fits your door.
Another important thing to consider is the materials that are used in the lock. You don't need to buy an inexpensive lock as it could be easy for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Look for locks that are rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest quality rating.
You may need to check the security rating on the knob and lever of your door when you have a recent door to make sure they meet your requirements. This is especially important when you have children living in the home or the previous owners might still have keys to your home.
Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. You can replace your locks in less than an hour with the right tools. It's also a great method to refresh the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. You can also rest assured that you and your family are secure.
Install the Lock
Your Burlington, MA home is where you keep your most valuable belongings. You want to safeguard your family, pets, or possessions. If a lock isn't doing its job then it's time to replace it.
Replacing your lock can be more expensive than simply rekeying it but it also has the benefit of securing your door to the frame. A thief can't pull or pick on deadbolts and a larger bolt makes it harder to secure it using the wrench. Ask a locksmith for help when you're not sure what type of lock is best for your door.
Remove the old lock from the door before installing the new lock. The first step is to remove the interior screws that secure the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Then you will need a screw driver to break the two lock halves apart. Then, you can take the knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock properly. 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. The screw holes should be aligned on the inside of your door to match the deadbolt as well as the rods that receive them. This will allow screws to be threaded into place correctly and will prevent them from loosening as time passes.
If you're using the same lock as the previous one you might be able to leave the strike and latch plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock and compare to see if they meet, buy replacements that fit properly.
Install the lock once you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt cylinder in its correct place. 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, use the long screws provided with the lock to connect the interior and exterior plates.