14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Replacement Door Lock
How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's primary security feature. It's time to replace your door locks as they get worn out or damaged.
It's also an excellent method to refresh your home decor, or to provide the feeling of security that comes with divorce or an unmarried family. Learn how to install a replacement lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Changing your locks can improve the security of a property. There are pros and cons to changing locks versus rekeying them but it is important to weigh your choices carefully.
In general, rekeying is the better option for those who are not planning to replace their entire lockset. It's a faster and less expensive process than replacing completely your locks, as it involves changing just the key pins that are inside the cylinder, rather than changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks can make them work with new keys. This will nullify the previous keys and make it difficult for anyone else to gain entry to your office or home.
This is a popular option for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else who has copies of the keys cannot enter the property without being arrested. It's also a good option for those who are worried about a rogue employee at the office, since it can be used to prevent them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying has limited benefits for security. Rekeying isn't enough to stop people from physically attempting to enter the home, and it doesn't stop them from trying to gain entry anyway. If you're concerned about this, you should consider switching to a deadbolt, instead of rekeying your existing locks.
Another scenario where you might want to consider changing your locks is when you've had them stolen. window lock repair cost is a common incident for businesses, so it's imperative to act swiftly if this happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able stop the thieves from gaining access to sensitive areas of the company. It will also allow you to have an easier time submitting a police report in case there is a problem.
The most ideal reason to replace locks is if they're damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a bolt stuck that won't budge or a broken handle that won't let you open. It's also an excellent idea to swap locks if they're made from low quality hardware that's easily tampered with like a door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed using credit card.
Take a look at your door
Before you can choose the lock you want, you need to know the dimensions you're working with. You can determine these dimensions with the tape, a pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length is very inaccurate and will give you the wrong measurements. First, determine the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Don't include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for an interior door) or the top of the frame.
If your door is predrilled for mortise locking you'll need to measure the backset. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole that was pre-drilled. The most commonly used backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need the depth of your hole in the door once you've decided on 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 existing openings.
Finally, you'll need to decide if your new door is going to be in-swing or out-swing. This is important because some locks require a certain installation method that is based on the direction of swing.
It's time to shop for a replacement lock now that you've got all your measurements! Make sure you keep all of your measurements on hand and bring them with you when you go in to pick a lock. This will help you to get the perfect fit for your door and make sure that it looks fantastic. Good luck shopping and happy shopping! If you have any concerns, feel at ease to reach us! We're always ready to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also reach us on Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Find the Right Lock
You'll need to choose the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded and provide a good security measure against potential thieves. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and recommended for front doors.
Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions, as well as a customer support hotline. They'll also give you suggestions on how to install their products in your particular door. This will aid you in deciding if this is something you can do by yourself or if a contractor will be needed.
It is important to ensure that you have the correct size of keyhole in order to install the new lock. If the hole is too small you'll have to have it enlarged or find another type of lock. You'll also have to think about the thickness of your door as not all deadbolts are suitable for all doors. They usually come with a rating of 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, but should your door be thicker or thinner you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits properly.
Another important thing to consider is the material that are used in the lock. You should not invest in an inexpensive lock that could be easy for a thief to get into your Burlington, MA, home. Choose locks that are rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest quality rating.
If you own a newer door, you might want to look at the security ratings of your door knob and lever to ensure that they are up to your standards. This is especially true when children are living in the house or the previous owners still have the keys.
Replacing your locks is a relatively simple DIY project. You can change your locks within an hour if you have the appropriate tools. It's also a great option to refresh the appearance of your home without costing you a fortune. You can also rest assured that you and your family are secure.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entrance to your Burlington, MA, home where you will keep the things that are most important to you. You want to protect your family, pets or items. If your lock isn't working properly, it's probably time to replace it.
It's more expensive to replace your lock than to change the key however, you have the added benefit of locking your door into the frame. A deadbolt is difficult to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it harder for a thief to gain access using an axe. Contact a locksmith when you're not sure what kind of lock is the best for your door.
Remove the old lock from the door before installing the new one. First, remove the interior screws that secure the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Next utilize a screwdriver to break the two lock halves apart. Then, you can take the knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock correctly. The latch should sit in the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered edge that fits in the hole that will be used 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 screws to be inserted properly and stop them from becoming loose in time.
If you're using the same lock as the one you used previously you might be able to leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock and compare to see if they match, purchase replacements that fit properly.
Install the lock once you've installed the new hardware. Begin by placing the deadbolt in the correct location. When you do 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, screw the interior and exterior plates together using the long screws that come with the new lock.