How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most important security feature. When they wear out or are damaged it's the right time to replace them.
Changing locks can also be an effective way to freshen up your home decor or give you an additional sense of security after divorce or a blended family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a new door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of a property. There are pros and cons of replacing locks versus rekeying them but it is important to consider your alternatives carefully.
In general, rekeying is the best option for those not looking to replace their entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker procedure than replacing all of your locks since it involves changing just the key pins that are inside the cylinder, rather than swapping out the whole lock. Rekeying your locks could make them operate with a brand new set of keys, removing the previous ones, making it harder for those with access to enter your home or business.
replace upvc window lock is a popular choice for new homeowners, who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key cannot access the home without being spotted. It's also a good option for those who are worried about a rogue employee at the office, as it can be used to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying can only provide limited security benefits. It's not enough to deter people from physically forcing their way into the premises and does nothing to stop them if they manage to get in anyway. If you're worried about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt, rather than simply changing the keys.
Rekeying locks could be required in the event that your locks have been taken. This is a common occurrence for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly if this happens. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able to stop the thieves from accessing sensitive areas of the company. It will also give you an easier time filing a police report in case something goes wrong.
The best reason to replace your locks is when they're damaged or damaged beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt getting stuck or a handle that is broken that won't work. It may also be an excellent idea to swap your locks if they're made of low quality hardware that's easily tampered with, such as a lever or door knob with spring-loaded latches that could be easily bypassed using a credit card.
Take a look at your door
You must first know the dimensions of your door before you select the lock. You can determine these dimensions using the tape, a pencil or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you the wrong measurements. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom to the middle to the top. Don't 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 been drilled to accommodate mortise locks, you'll need to take some additional measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most popular backsets (or 44mm and the 57mm) are 1" and 2". You'll need to determine the depth of the hole in the door after you've chosen the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edge 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 determine if the door you want to install is going to be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial because certain locks require a particular installation procedure that is based on the direction of the swing.
It's time to go shopping for a new lock now that you have all your measurements! Keep all of your measurements in a safe place and bring them with you when you go to pick a lock. This will ensure that you have the right fit and that your door looks great! Happy shopping and good luck! If you have any questions, feel at ease to reach us! We're always ready to assist! We are open from Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also contact us on Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Right Lock
You'll need to select the best lock for your home. The best locks are high-quality, and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are regarded as the most durable and are recommended for front door.
Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and have customer support hotlines available. They will also have recommendations on how to install their products on your particular door. This will assist you in determining if this is something you could do yourself or if a contractor will be needed.
If you're installing the lock for the first time it is essential that you choose the right keyhole size. If the keyhole is too small it will need to be increased or you may need to consider the design of your lock. It is also important to take into consideration the thickness of your door, as not all deadbolts are compatible with all doors. They are usually rated for either 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, however if your door is thicker or smaller, you'll have to find a deadbolt that fits properly.
Another aspect to be aware of is the materials used in the lock. You do not want to purchase an inexpensive lock that could be easy for a thief to gain entry to 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 of the lever and knob to make sure they meet your standards. This is especially true when you have children living in the home or the previous owners might still have keys to your home.
Replacing locks is a relatively simple DIY project. With the proper tools and a amount of experience you can change your locks in just an hour. This is a great way to update the appearance of your house without costing you a fortune. You'll also be able to be sure that your possessions and family are protected.
Install the Lock
Your front door is the entry point to your Burlington, MA, home where you keep what's most valuable to you. It could be your family, pets or possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If a lock isn't doing its job then it's time to replace it.
It's more expensive replace your lock than to change the key however, you have the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. Deadbolts are impossible to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it more difficult for a thief to gain access using an axe. If you're not sure which lock type will work best on your door, think about asking an expert locksmith for advice.
Before installing your new lock, you'll need to take the old lock out of the door. The first step is to remove the screws inside that connect the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Next utilize a screwdriver to pry the two lock halves apart. Then, take off the old latch and knob from the door.
When installing your new door lock, make sure you place it in the correct way. The latch should be placed on the latch plate and should have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole for the locking mechanism. Make sure that you align the holes for screws for the latch and deadbolt on the inside of the door with the rods that receive the latch on the inside of the door. This will allow the screws to be threaded into place properly and prevent them from loosing over time.
If you're using the same lock you can keep the strike plate and latch plate in place. Compare them to the new lock, and if you find that they're not compatible you can purchase replacements.
Once you have the new hardware in place, it's time to install the lock. Begin by placing the deadbolt cylinder in its correct place. While doing this, pay special attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering to place it on the right hand side of the door. Then, screw the interior and exterior plates together using the long screws that come with the new lock.