5 Reasons To Be An Online Replacement Door Lock And 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't
When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings secure. However, they may be damaged or worn out with over time. There are some telltale signs it's time to change or change the key on your lock.
Although replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it is possible to do it at home. Here are some important reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into a brand new home
The locks on your door are an important part of your home's security. If they're damaged or broken, it can be easy for burglars to gain access. This is why it's important to know when it's the right time to purchase the replacement.
It is a good idea, when you move into a new residence and you want to change the locks. This will ensure you are the sole owner of the keys and remove any suspicions that previous residents could have entered your home without permission.
Installing an entirely new lock is a simple process. The first step is to take off the old lock. You can remove the screws holding the handle or knob in place with a screwdriver. Then, you can make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the position of the knob/handle and latch. Once you have identified the positions, you can drill the hole for the face according to the lock specifications.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be tight enough to lock the door.
It is also a good idea to have the hinges replaced, as they are susceptible to being damaged by a hard impact on the lock or strike plate. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, this may be a sign that it's time for an upgrade. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith change your locks for you and ensure that the job will be done correctly and quickly.
It is also possible to replace your locks if you've ended the lease or a roommate agreement. It is impossible to know who may have a duplicate of your key. It is therefore a sensible precaution. It will also ensure that your belongings and family are safe.
2. You are having trouble opening the door.
A broken lock can be a nightmare. Especially when it occurs on your main entry door. But the good thing is that there are easy steps you can take to ensure that the situation doesn't get any worse and you can get access to your door as soon as you can.
The first step is to look at your door lock and ensure that it's not misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening some screws in the event that this is the issue. If this doesn't fix the problem, there may be a problem with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Then, apply the lubricant and check if it helps unstick the locking mechanism. The purpose of this is to help the key to slide more easily in and out of the lock so that it is able to be opened when needed. This is a good solution for most people. However should the issue persist, you may need to consult a locksmith.
If your door lock is older than a decade is it time to replace it. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire life of a door, and even the best door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point.
To replace your lock, you must remove the lock you have currently. After removing the existing lock, you'll have to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement will be able to fit. For example, cylinders come in a variety of shapes that can accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to remember that if your door's frame has been damaged in some way, you'll need to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock will have to be anchored into the frame with plates for latching or strike plate as well as a deadbolt. All of these are available separately.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A burglary can cause you to doubt the security of your home. The perpetrators may have left their mark (crowbar marks in your door's frame) or it's clear that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and broken knobs on the lock), you need to ensure your peace of mind by changing your locks and making sure they are as secure as possible.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there's no way to tell who else might have received the key. Keys holders are responsible for 6-7% of all illicit entry. It is recommended to change your locks as a good preventative measure.
If the knobs are clogged or are difficult to open, it is a indication that your locks require to be replaced. This is a sign that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged due to alteration or just wear and tear, which makes the lock vulnerable to damage and eventual failure.
If you're experiencing any of these issues think about 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 and pet sitters who require access. You can also purchase door locks that have a keypad, allowing you to enter without touching anything.
A new lock can update the look of your home. It's not only about safety. You can find locks to fit the style of your home's door.
Speak to a locksmith in your neighborhood if you are ready to change locks. They can help you choose the appropriate lock and then install it quickly. Before you contact a locksmith, be sure to measure your door. It is important to measure the thickness of your door in order to ensure that the replacement lock will fit properly. If your door is more thick then you might require an individual lock designed to fit securely. Start by placing a wooden shim against the door and the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then turn, pulling up the shim. This will release the latch and the screws holding the knobs in place and allow you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's simple to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your house. It's also a great DIY technique to master, particularly if you move often or are a landlord that needs to change locks for tenants. Learn the steps for replacing the lock on your door and you'll be able do it yourself in a couple of hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea even when you are a trusted and reliable friend of the previous homeowners or tenants. In the end, you don't know how many people may have copies of your keys from the past, including relatives, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In fact, 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by those who have keys to your home.
Make sure you purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the current hardware and dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt or knob lock depending on the design of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Begin by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate at the edge of the front door. After that remove the latch plate as well as the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.
Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the locations of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. Make replacement door lock that the spindle (the long piece of steel that sticks out of the knob on the outside) is able to pass through the latch and operates it smoothly. Then, attach the interior handle/knob with the screws supplied and insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch, ensuring that it is in the correct position and functions with the key.
Attach the deadbolt and strike plates using the screws included in your replacement lock set. Check your new lock when you're done to make sure it's functioning properly and that the knob inside can slide smoothly over the pins. Reassemble everything in reverse order.