How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most crucial security feature. It's time to replace your door locks if they get worn out or damaged.
It's also an excellent way to modernize your interior decor, or provide an element of security after divorce or an unmarried family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a replacement door lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
The change of locks can increase the security of a property. It's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of replacing locks or rekeying them.
Generally speaking, rekeying is the preferred option for those who are not looking to change out their entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker process than completely replacing your locks, since it only involves changing the key pins that are inside the cylinder, and not changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks can allow them to work with a different set of keys. This will nullify the old ones and make it more difficult for anyone to gain access into your home or office.
This is a popular choice for homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key cannot enter the house without being spotted. It's also useful for those who are concerned about a mischievous employee in the office, since it can be used to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying has limited benefits for security. It's not much to stop people from physically attempting to get into the premises, and it does nothing to stop them if they do succeed in forcing their way in anyway. If you're worried about this, you ought to consider upgrading to a deadbolt instead of simply rekeying your locks.
Rekeying locks could be required in the event that your locks have been taken. It's a regular occurrence for businesses, and it's crucial to act quickly in the event of a theft. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able to stop those who stole them from accessing sensitive areas of the company. It will also give you an easier time filing an investigation in the event that something does go wrong.
Ultimately, the best reason to replace your locks is if they're damaged or damaged beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt that is stuck or a handle that's broken and won't work. It is possible to replace your locks if you are using low-quality hardware that is easily altered. For instance, a doorknob or lever with spring loaded latches can be re-enforced with a credit card.
Take a look at your door
Before you decide on a lock, you'll need to know the dimensions you're working with. You can determine these dimensions with a tape and a pencil or pen. The measurements you get using your fingers or arm's-length are not accurate. First, determine the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Be sure to not include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for the door that is inside) or the top of the inner frame.
If your door is already fitted with mortise locking you'll need to measure it further. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most common backsets (or 44mm and 55mm) are 1" and 2". You'll need to determine the depth of your hole inside the door once you've chosen the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edges of the opening and the centerline of a latch actuating hole in new installations or from the bottom to the top of a strike for openings that are already in place.
In the end, you'll need decide if your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial because certain locks require a specific installation method based on the direction of the swing.
Once you've gathered all of your measurements, it's time to shop for a new lock! Make sure you keep all of your measurements in one place and bring them along when you visit the store to select the lock. This will allow you to get the perfect fit for your door and make sure that it looks fantastic. Good luck and happy shopping! Contact us with any concerns! We're always here to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also contact us via Facebook or Twitter. We hope to hear from you soon!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll need to select the appropriate lock for your home. The most secure locks are top-quality and provide a good security measure against potential thieves. Grade 1 locks are regarded as the most durable and are recommended for the front door.
Start by visiting the official website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and also have hotlines for customer support. They'll also provide suggestions on how to install their products on your particular door. This will give you a good idea of whether or not this is a task you can do it yourself or if you'll require assistance from an expert.
It is crucial to make sure you have the right dimension of the keyhole to install an entirely new lock. If the hole is too small it will need to be it enlarged or find a different style of lock. You will also need to consider the thickness of your door, as not all deadbolts will work with all doors. They're usually rated at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4, 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 should not invest in an inexpensive lock that could be easy for a thief to get into your Burlington, MA, home. Find a lock that has the highest rating from BHMA.
If you have a brand new door, you may need to examine the security ratings on your door knob and lever to ensure they meet your standards. This is particularly true if you have kids in the house or if the previous owners might still have keys to your house.
Replacing locks is an simple DIY project. You can change your locks within an hour using the right tools. It's also a great way to improve the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. You can also be confident that you and your family are safe.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entry to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most important to you. You want to safeguard your family, pets or possessions. If your lock isn't performing its job then it's time to replace it.
Replacing your lock can be more expensive than simply rekeying it but it offers the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. they said can't pick or pull on deadbolts and a more hefty bolt is more difficult to gain purchase with a wrench. If you're not certain which type of lock is best for your door, consider asking an expert locksmith for help.
Remove the old lock from the door prior to installing the new one. First, loosen the screws that hold the handle section to exterior lock sections. Then you will need a screw driver to pry the two lock halves away. Then, take the knob and latch from the door.
Install the new door lock properly. The latch should sit in the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole for the turning lock. Make sure that you align the screw holes for the deadbolt and latch on the side of the door to the receiving rods on the outside of the door. This will allow the screws to thread into place properly and prevent them from loosing over time.
If you're using the same lock you can leave the latch and strike plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock, and compare to see if they match, you can purchase replacements that will fit properly.
Once you have the new hardware in place, it's time to install the lock. Begin by placing the deadbolt in its correct place. While doing this be sure to pay attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will help you remember that you're inserting it on the right side of the door. Then make use of the long screws included with the lock to attach the plates on the exterior and interior.