How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
The door lock is the most vital part of your home's security. It's time to change your door locks if they wear out or become compromised.
The change of locks can be an effective way to update your home decor or give you an additional sense of security following a divorce or blended family. Learn the basics of installing a new door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Changing your locks can improve the security of a property. It is important to consider the pros and cons of replacing locks or rekeying them.
Generally speaking, rekeying is the better alternative for those not looking to change out their entire lockset. It is a faster and less expensive option than replacing the entire lockset since you just need to change the pins inside the cylinder. Rekeying locks can make them operate with new keys. This will eliminate the previous keys and make it difficult for anyone else to gain entry into your home or office.
This is a popular choice for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that previous owners or anyone else with a copy of the key cannot enter the property without being taken in. It's also useful for those who are worried about a suspicious employee in the office, since it can be used to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
However, rekeying only gives you a limited amount of security benefits. Rekeying does not do much to deter people from physically attempting to enter a home however it doesn't stop them from trying to force their entry regardless. If you're concerned about this, you should think about upgrading to a deadbolt instead of rekeying the existing locks.
Rekeying locks could be required if your locks have been taken. This is a common event for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly when this happens. Rekeying your locks will prevent the thieves from gaining access to the sensitive areas of your business. It also makes it easier for you to submit a police report if something goes wrong.
The best reason to replace locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt stuck that isn't moving or a damaged handle that won't let you open. It may also be an ideal idea to swap locks if they're constructed of low quality hardware that's easily tampered with like a lever or door knob with spring-loaded latches that could be easily bypassed using credit card.
Take a look at your door
Before you pick a lock, you have to know the dimensions you're working with. The best method to determine these is to use tape measure and a pen or pencil. Using your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you the wrong measurements. First, measure the width of the door from the bottom to the middle to the top. Be sure not to include the frame. You can also determine the height from the floor to the threshold (for doors with interior doors) or the top of the inner portion of the frame.
If your door has already been drilled to accommodate mortise locks you'll need some additional measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need to measure the depth of the hole in the door once 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 strike for openings that are already in place.
You'll also have to decide whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is important because some locks require specific installation methods dependent on the direction of the swing.
It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you've got all your measurements! Keep all of your measurements handy and bring them with you when you visit the store to select a lock. This will ensure you get the right fit and that your door looks great! Have fun shopping and best of luck! Contact us if you have any concerns! We're always here to help! We're open Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We would love to hear from you!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll want to pick the best lock for your home. The best locks will be high-quality, and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are considered the toughest and are recommended for the front door.
Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. Most manufactures will offer full installation instructions and have hotlines for customer support. They'll also give you suggestions on how to install their products on your particular door. This will give you an idea of whether or not this is a task you can tackle on your own or if you'll require assistance from a professional.
If you are installing a new lock it is essential to have the correct keyhole size. If the keyhole is too small it will have to be enlarged or you might want to think about the design of your lock. You'll also have to consider the thickness of your door as not all deadbolts fit all doors. They typically are with ratings of 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, however should your door be thicker or thinner you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits correctly.
Another thing to keep in mind is the material used in the lock. You do not want to purchase an unreliable lock that could be easy for a thief to gain entry to your Burlington, MA, home. Find locks that are rated by the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality.
You may need to check the security rating of the knob and lever of your door if you have a more recent door to make sure they meet your needs. This is especially important if there are children living in the house or previous owners may 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 method to freshen up the look of your home without costing you a fortune. You can also be confident that you and your family are secure.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entrance to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most important to you. You're looking to secure your family, pets or possessions. If a lock isn't doing its job then it's time to replace it.
Replacing your lock is more expensive than simply rekeying it, but it also has the benefit of locking your door to the frame. door lock window repairs isn't able to pull or pick on a deadbolt and a more hefty bolt makes it more difficult to gain purchase with a wrench. Contact a locksmith when you're not sure what type of lock is best for your door.
Before installing your new lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have already installed from the door. First, remove the interior screws that secure the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Then using a screwdriver remove the two locks halves. After that, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock in the correct way. The latch should be placed within the latch plate and have an edge that is tapered and is able to fit into the hole for the locking mechanism. Align the screw holes on the inside of your door to match the deadbolt as well as the rods that receive them. This will allow screws to thread into the correct position 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 with the new lock, and if you find that they don't fit, buy replacements.
Once you have the new hardware in place It's time to put in the lock. Start by placing the deadbolt in its correct position. Pay particular attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then utilize the long screws that come with the lock to connect the interior and exterior plates.