How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
The door lock is the most vital component of your home's security. It's time to change your door locks as they wear out or become damaged.
Changing locks can also be an effective way to update your decor or provide an additional sense of security after divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a new lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of a property. There are pros and cons of replacing versus rekeying a lock however, so it's crucial to weigh your alternatives carefully.
Rekeying is a good option if you don't want to replace the entire lockset. It's a faster and less expensive process than completely replacing your locks, as it involves changing just the key pins that are inside the cylinder, rather than changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks can allow them to operate with new keys. This will nullify the old keys and make it difficult for anyone to gain access to your office or home.
This is a popular option for new homeowners who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone else who has copies of the keys can't enter without getting arrested. It's also useful for those who are concerned about a suspicious employee in the office, since it can be used to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying has limited benefits for security. Rekeying does not do Repair My Windows And Doors to discourage people from physically forcing themselves into the home but it won't stop them if they manage to gain entry anyway. If you're worried about this, you should consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing the keys.
Rekeying locks may be necessary in the event that your locks have been stolen. It's a common problem for businesses and it's imperative to act swiftly if it happens. Rekeying your locks will prevent the thieves from gaining access to the sensitive areas of your company. It also makes it easier to make a police report in the event that something goes wrong.
The best reason to replace your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a bolt that isn't moving or a broken handle that won't let you open. It is possible to replace your locks if you have low-quality hardware that can easily be changed. For example the lever or doorknob that has spring-loaded latches could be removed using credit card.
Take a look at your door
It is essential to be aware of the dimensions of your door before you can select the lock. The best way to find these is to use a tape measure and a pen or pencil. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you the incorrect measurements. First, determine the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Make sure that you do 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 frame.
If your door has already been drilled to accommodate a mortise lock, you'll need to take 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 commonly used backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need the depth of your hole inside the door once you've decided on the location of your deadbolt. This 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.
In the end, you'll need decide whether your new door is going to be in-swing or out-swing. This is crucial because certain locks require a certain installation method based on the direction of the swing.
It's time to go shopping for a new lock, now that you've got all of your measurements! Be sure to keep all of your measurements in one place and bring them along when you visit the store to choose the lock. This will ensure that you get the perfect fit and your door is beautiful! Good luck and happy shopping! If you have any concerns, feel at ease to reach us! We're always happy to help! We're open from Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also reach us on Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll want to pick the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks will be top-quality and will deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors.
A good starting point is to visit the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and have hotlines for customer support. They'll also provide recommendations on how to install the product on your door. This will help you decide whether this is something you can do on your own or if a professional would be needed.
If you are installing the lock for the first time it is essential that you have the right keyhole size. If the keyhole isn't big enough it will have to be expanded or you might want to think about a different lock style. Also, you'll need to think about the size of your door since not all deadbolts fit all doors. They're usually measured at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4, but you will need to find a deadbolt that is suitable for your door.
The materials used in a lock are also important to consider. You don't want to invest in an unreliable 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 might want to examine the security ratings of the lever and knob to ensure that they meet your standards. This is particularly true when children are in the home or if the previous owners still have keys.
Replacing locks is a relatively easy DIY project. With the appropriate tools and a little bit of knowledge you can change your locks in just an hour. It's also a great method to refresh the appearance of your home without spending a fortune. You'll also be able rest assured that your family and belongings are secure.
Install the Lock
Your Burlington, MA home is the place where you store your most valuable belongings. It could be your family, pets or possessions, you want to be confident that they're safe. If your lock isn't working, it's time to replace it.
It is more expensive to replace your lock than replace it however, you have the added benefit of locking your door in the frame. A thief can't pull or pick on a deadbolt and a more hefty bolt makes it harder to secure it using a wrench. Get help from a locksmith when you're not sure what type of lock is best for your door.
Remove the old lock from the door prior to installing the new lock. First, unscrew the screws on the inside that hold the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then utilize a screwdriver to break the two lock halves away. Then, you can take the old latch and knob from the door.
When installing your new door lock, ensure that you install it correctly. The latch should be placed in the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole for the turning lock. Align the screw holes on the inside of your door to match the deadbolt as well as the rods for receiving. This will allow the screws to thread into the correct position and prevent them from becoming loose over time.
If you are using the same lock you can leave the latch and strike plate in place. Bring them up to the new lock and compare the two locks. If they don't match, purchase new locks that are compatible with the original.
Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt into its proper position. Pay particular attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will help you remember that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then utilize the long screws provided with the lock to attach the plates on the exterior and interior.