How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most crucial security feature. If they get worn out or become compromised it's the right time to replace them.
It can also be an excellent way to modernize your home decor, or to provide the feeling of security that comes with a divorce or an unmarried family. Learn the basics of installing a replacement door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of a property. It is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of replacing locks versus rekeying them.
Rekeying is generally the better option for those who are not planning to replace their entire lockset. It's a speedier and less expensive option than replacing the entire lockset since you just have to change the pins in the cylinder. Rekeying locks could make them work with new keys. This will nullify the old ones and make it difficult for anyone to gain entry to your office or home.
This is a popular option for new homeowners, who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone who has a duplicate key can't enter the house without being caught. It's also useful 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 can only provide limited security benefits. It's not much to deter people from physically forcing their way into your home, and it does nothing to stop them if they do manage to force their way into the premises in any way. If you're concerned about this, consider upgrading to a deadbolt instead of rekeying the existing locks.
Another situation in which you might consider changing your locks is if you've had them stolen. This is a common incident for businesses, so it's crucial to act swiftly if this happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able stop those who have stolen them from accessing sensitive areas of the business, and it will also help you have an easier time filing an investigation in the event that there is a problem.
The most effective reason to replace your locks is when they're damaged or damaged beyond repair. This can be as simple as a stuck bolt that isn't moving or a broken handle that won't open. It's also an ideal idea to swap out your locks if they're made from cheap hardware that is easily tampered with for example, the door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that could be easily bypassed with a credit card.
Measure Your Door
You must first know the dimensions of your door before you select a lock. The best method to determine these is to use a tape measure and pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length is very inaccurate and will give you the incorrect measurements. The measurement should be taken of the opening from the top, middle and bottom. Do not include the frame. You can also measure the height from the floor to the threshold (for doors with interior doors) or the top of the interior part of the frame.
If your door has already been drilled to accommodate mortise locks, you'll need to take a few extra measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of the door to the center hole. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). Once you've decided the location you'd like your deadbolt to be you'll need to determine the depth of the hole inside the door, which is measured from the top of the door to the centerline of the latch's actuating hole in new installations, or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings.
You'll also need to decide whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial since some locks require a specific installation procedure dependent on the direction of swing.
It's time to go shopping for a new lock, now that you have all your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a secure place and bring them with you when you decide to select a lock. This will ensure that you have the right fit and that your door is beautiful! Have fun shopping and best of luck! Contact us for any questions! We're always here to help! We're open Monday-Saturday from 10AM-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 want to pick the best lock for your home. The most secure locks are top-quality and provide a good protection against thieves who might be looking to steal your home. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and recommended for front doors.
A good starting point is to visit the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions, as well as a customer support hotline. They'll also provide guidelines on how to install the product inside your home. This will help you decide whether this is something you could do by yourself or if a contractor will be required.
It is crucial to ensure you have the proper size of the keyhole to install the new lock. If the hole isn't big enough it will need to be it expanded or search for a different style of lock. You should also consider the thickness of your doors, as not all deadbolts work with all doors. They are usually classified as 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4, but you will need to find a deadbolt that will fit your door.
Another thing to keep in mind is the materials that are used in the lock. You do not want to purchase an inexpensive lock that could be a simple target for thieves to break into your Burlington, MA, home. Choose a lock that has the highest rating from BHMA.
You might need to look up the security rating on your door lever and knob when you have a recent door to make sure they meet your needs. This is especially important if you have kids in the house or if the previous owners have keys to your house.
The replacement of locks is an simple DIY project. You can replace your locks in less than an hour if you have the appropriate tools. This is a fantastic method to update the appearance of your house without breaking the bank. replacement window locks can also be confident that your family and you are protected.
Install the Lock
Your Burlington, MA home is the place where you store your most valuable items. If it's your family, pets or your possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't performing its job and you're looking to replace it, it's time to do so. it.
It is more expensive to replace your lock than rekey it, but you get the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. A thief can't pull or pick on deadbolts and a larger bolt makes it more difficult to gain purchase with a wrench. Ask a locksmith for help if you aren't sure what type of lock is best for your door.
Remove the lock that was previously installed from the door prior to installing the new lock. First, unscrew interior screws that hold the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Next utilize a screwdriver to break the two halves of the lock apart. You can then take the knob and latch from the door.
Install the new door lock properly. The latch should be positioned in the latch plate and have an edge that is tapered and can be inserted into the hole that houses the locking mechanism. Be sure to align the holes for screws for the deadbolt and latch on the side of the door to the rods for receiving on the inside of the door. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and prevent them from loosening over time.
If you are using the same lock you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Compare them with the new lock and, if you discover that they're not compatible, buy replacements.
Install the lock after having installed the new hardware. Start by putting the deadbolt into its proper location. Pay special attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering to place it on the right hand side of the door. Then, you can screw the interior and exterior plates together using the long screws that are included with the new lock.