When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks keep your family and possessions safe, but over time they may wear out or be altered. There are some telltale signs it's time to replace or rekey your lock.
While replacing locks is more involved than rekeying, it can be accomplished at home. Here are a few important reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving to a brand new house
Your door locks are an essential part of your home security. It is easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. You must be aware of the signs that it's time to replace your window.
If you are moving into a new home It's recommended to get the locks changed. This will ensure you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous owners may have entered your home without your permission.
Installing an entirely new lock is a straightforward procedure. First, you will need to remove the old lock. upvc door locks replacement barnsley is possible to remove the screws that hold the handle or knob in place by using the screwdriver. Next, use a template provided by the new lock set to mark the position of the handle/knob and latch. Once you have identified the positions, you can drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of the lock.
After the holes have been drilled then you need to install the new lock. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plates and door frame are all in line. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and be strong enough to secure it.
A hard blow to a lock or strike plate could easily cause damage to the hinges. Finally, if the lock is difficult to operate, then this may be a sign that it's time to get a replacement. It is best to let an expert locksmith replace the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the task gets done quickly and correctly.
There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, such as ending a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who may have a copy of your key, so changing the locks is a prudent step. This will ensure the safety of your family and possessions.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door.
A broken lock can be a nightmare particularly when it happens to one of your main entry doors. There are a few easy steps you can follow to prevent the issue from becoming worse and to be able to open the door as quickly as you are able to.
First, ensure whether your door lock isn't simply out of alignment. If this is the case, it could be as simple as tightening some of the screws. It is crucial to remember that if this doesn't resolve the issue it is likely that there is something wrong in the internal mechanics of the door lock.
Next, use the lubricant and see if it helps to unstick the locking mechanism. The idea behind this is to allow the key slide more easily into and out of the lock, so that it is able to be opened when needed. This is a good solution for most people. However, if the problem persists, you may need to consult an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years, you should consider replacing it. This is because door locks aren't designed to last the entire lifespan of a door and even the highest quality door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point in time.
To replace your lock you will need to remove the lock that you currently have. Once this is done it is important to determine the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a replacement that is a good fit. For example the cylinder locks are available in various shapes to fit different thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if the frame of your door is damaged in any way, you will need to replace the whole door. This is because the new lock needs to be secured into the frame using plates for latching, strike plate, and deadbolt, all of which are available as separate items.
3. You're worried that there will be an attack
The occurrence of a break-in could shake your faith in the security of your home. If the perpetrators have left marks on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they were in the house (smoothed out the wood around the lock knob, broken lock) Then you must replace your locks to ensure they are as safe and secure as possible.
Even if you were able to trust the previous owners, it's difficult to know if anyone else has copies. Keys holders are responsible for 67% of all illicit entry. It is recommended to change your locks as a good preventative measure.
Another indication that you need to replace your locks is if the knobs seem to be sticking or difficult to open. This indicates that the mechanism within the lock is damaged from the tampering of your locks or simply wear and tear, making it susceptible to damage and eventual failure.
If you're having issues with any of these you should consider installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors or pet sitters who need access. You can also purchase door locks with keys. This lets you get into the house without touching anything.
Getting a new lock isn't only about security and safety it could also be a means to improve the appearance of your home. Depending on the design of your door, you'll be able to choose locks that match it perfectly.
Talk to a locksmith in your area in case you are ready to change locks. They can help you choose the best lock and then install it quickly. Before you call a locksmith, be sure to take measurements of your door. It is crucial to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will fit correctly. If your door is more thick than the average, you might require a custom lock that fits securely. A good way to begin is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and positioned with the tapered edge against the slot for the lock. Place the tip of a screwdriver into the slot, then turn and pull the shim upwards. This will open the latches and screws that hold the knobs in place which allows them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's simple to upgrade your door lock to increase the security of your house. It's also an excellent DIY ability to have, particularly when you move frequently or are a landlord who has to replace locks for tenants. You can change a door lock in just a few hours if you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea if you trust and know the previous owners or tenants. You never know who might have the keys. This includes family members, friends contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In reality, those who have keys to your home are accountable for 67 percent of all illegal entry.
Before you start, ensure to buy a new lock that's compatible with the existing hardware and measurements. You can select between a deadbolt or a knob lock, based on the design of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing both knobs that were on the door. Then, take out the screws that hold the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws, take the latchplate off and remove the two screws that secure the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the door jamb.
Mark the location of the knob or handle on the door by using the template supplied with your lock set. Make sure the spindle (the long metal piece that extends from the knob's exterior) passes through the latch and operates it smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob using the provided screws. Insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch. Make sure that it is aligned correctly and that the key is compatible with the lock.
Finish by attaching the deadbolt and strike plate using the screws included in your new lock set to secure them in place. After you've completed the process, test your new lock to make sure it works properly and the interior knob can slide easily over the pins. Then, put everything back in reverse order and you're all set!