How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
The door lock is the most crucial element of your home's security. It's time to change your door locks if they become worn out or compromised.
It's also an excellent method to refresh your home decor, or to provide the feeling of security that comes with divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a replacement lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Rekeying your locks is a option to increase the security of your property. It's important to consider the pros and cons of replacing versus rekeying locks.
Rekeying is the best option if you don't need to replace your entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper process than completely replacing your locks since it involves changing just the key pins inside the cylinder, rather than changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks can make them function with a different set of keys. This will erase the previous keys and make it difficult for anyone else to gain entry into your home or office.
This is a popular option for new homeowners, who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key cannot access the home without being caught. window locks repair near me is also helpful to those who are concerned about a rogue office employee, as they can use it to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas within the building.
Rekeying has limited benefits for security. It's not enough to stop people from physically attempting to get in, and it does nothing to stop them if they do manage to get in anyway. If you are concerned about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing their keys.
Another scenario where you might want to consider changing your locks is if you've had them stolen. This is a common incident for businesses, so it's imperative to act swiftly in the event of this happening. Rekeying your locks will stop the thieves from gaining access to the sensitive areas of your business. It will also make it easier to submit a police report if something goes wrong.
Ultimately, the best reason to replace your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt getting stuck or a handle broken that won't work. It may also be an ideal idea to swap out your locks if they're made of low quality hardware that's easily altered like the door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that can be easily manipulated using a credit card.
Take a look at your door
First, you must know the dimensions of your door before you select the lock. You can determine these dimensions with the tape, a pencil or pen. The measurements you get using your fingers or an arm's length are not accurate. First, determine the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Don't include the frame. You can also determine the height from floor to threshold (for doors that are inside) or the top of the interior part of the frame.
If your door has been drilled to accommodate mortise locks you'll need a few extra measurements. 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 & 57mm) are 1" & 2". You'll need to determine the depth of your hole in the door once you've chosen the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edges of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole for new installations, or from the bottom to the top of a lock strike for existing openings.
It is also important to determine whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial, since certain locks require special installation methods based on swing direction.
It's time to shop for a new lock now that you've got all your measurements! Keep all of your measurements in a secure place and bring them with you when you're looking for the lock. This will ensure that you get the right fit and that your door is beautiful! Have fun shopping and best of luck! Contact us for any questions! We're always ready to assist! We're open Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. We can also be reached via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward hearing from you!
Find the Right Lock
You'll have to choose the best lock for your home. The best locks are top-quality and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are regarded as the toughest and are recommended for the front door.
Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions as well as a customer service hotline. They will also have recommendations on how to set up their products in your specific door. This will give you a good idea of whether or not this is a project you can tackle on your own or if you'll require the assistance of an expert.
It is essential to ensure that you have the right size of keyhole in order to install a new lock. If the hole isn't big enough it will need to be it enlarged or look for a different style of lock. You'll also need to consider the thickness of your door because not all deadbolts fit all doors. They typically are with a rating of 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but should your door be thicker or smaller, you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits perfectly.
Another important thing to consider is the materials used in the lock. You don't have to purchase an inexpensive lock since it's possible for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Choose an item that is certified by the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality.
It is possible to verify the security rating of your door lever and knob in case you have a more recent door to ensure that they meet your needs. This is especially true when there are children in the house, or if the previous owners still have the keys.
Replacing locks is an simple DIY project. With the proper tools and a bit of knowledge, you can replace your locks in under an hour. This is a fantastic method to update the appearance of your home without costing you a fortune. 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 keep what's most important to you. Whether that's your family, pets or possessions, you want to know they are protected. If your lock isn't working properly, it's probably time to replace it.
The replacement of your lock is more expensive than simply rekeying it but it offers the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. A deadbolt is difficult to pull or pick and the larger bolt makes it more difficult for thieves to gain access with the use of a wrench. If you're unsure of what type of lock is best for your door, you might want to ask an expert locksmith for advice.
Before installing the new lock, you'll have to remove the existing one from the door. First, loosen the screws that hold the handle section to exterior lock sections. Next utilize a screwdriver to pull the two lock halves apart. Then, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door.
Install the new door lock properly. The latch should be placed in the latch plate opening and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole that will be used for the turning lock. Be sure to align the holes for screws for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door with the rods for receiving on the inside of the door. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and prevent them from becoming loose in time.
If you are using the same lock you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Bring them up to the new lock and then compare the two locks. If they don't meet, buy new locks that are compatible with the original.
Once you have the new hardware in place, it's time to install the lock. Begin by placing the deadbolt in its correct location. When you do this pay particular attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will help you remember to insert it on the right hand side of the door. Then utilize the long screws included with the lock to connect the interior and exterior plates.