Leonie Mariano

When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock

Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family secure. However, they can become worn out or tampered with over time. There are some telltale signs that it's time to consider replacing or rekeying your lock.

Although replacing locks is more complex than rekeying it is possible to do it at home. Here are the top reasons why you should consider it:

1. You're moving into your new home

Your door locks are a crucial aspect of the security of your home. It's easy for burglars to gain access to locks that are damaged. This is the reason you need to know when it's time for a replacement lock for composite door.

It is a good idea, when you move into a new residence and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you are the sole owner of keys and will eliminate any suspicions that previous residents might have entered your house without your permission.

Installing a new lock is an easy procedure. You will first need to remove the lock that you currently have. It is possible to remove the screws holding the handle or knob in place by using the screwdriver. Use the template that comes with the new lock replacement upvc door to mark the location of the handle/knob, and latch. After you've marked the positions, you can drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of your lock.

Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all in line. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door, and should be tight enough to secure the door.

A hard blow to a strike plate or lock could easily cause damage to the hinges. In the end, if the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time for a replacement. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith change your locks for you, as this will guarantee that the job is done efficiently and swiftly.

There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, like ending a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who may have an unofficial copy of your key and therefore changing your locks is a wise precaution. This will ensure the security of your household and belongings.

2. You are having difficulty opening the door

A broken lock can be a major issue especially if it happens to one of your primary entry doors. But the good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to ensure that it doesn't get any worse and you can open your door again as soon as possible.

First, make sure whether your door lock isn't just misaligned. If this is the case, it may be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. It is important to remember, though, that if this doesn't solve the problem it is likely that there is something wrong with the internal mechanics that operate your door lock.

Then, try an oil-based lubricant to see if this will help to unstick the lock. The concept behind this is to allow the key to slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it can be opened if needed. This is a great solution for most people. However, if the problem persists it is possible to speak with an expert locksmith.

If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is time to consider replacing it. Door locks aren't made to last for the entire life of the door. Even the top quality door locks must be changed at some point.

To replace your lock, you must take off the lock you have currently. Once this is done, it's important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that you can find a replacement lock for composite door that is a good fit. For instance, cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if the frame of your door has been damaged in some way, you'll have to replace the whole door. This is because the new lock needs to be secured into the frame using a latch plate, strike plate, and deadbolt. All of these are available in separate.

3. You're worried about a burglary

The occurrence of a break-in can shake confidence in the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their marks (crowbar marks in your door frame) or it's clear that they're inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a damaged lock knob) You must give yourself renewed peace of mind by changing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can.

Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there is no way to determine who else might have received the key. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people who have a key, so changing your locks is a good preventative measure.

If the knobs are stuck or are difficult to open, this is a further indication that your locks need to be replaced. This is a sign that the mechanism inside has been damaged through the force of tampering or just wear and tear caused by age. It leaves it vulnerable to being damaged.

Consider installing a keyless lock if you are experiencing any of these problems. These locks do away with the necessity for keys and can be programmed to allow access only for pet-sitters, contractors, or contractors. You can also purchase door locks that come with a keypad. This allows you to get into the house without touching anything.

A new lock isn't only about safety and security, it can also be a method to update the look of your home. Depending on the style of your door, you'll be able to find locks that will complement it perfectly.

If you're ready to make the switch consult a local locksmith. They can assist you in selecting the right lock and then install it quickly. Before calling a locksmith, make sure to measure your door. The thickness of the door is crucial to ensure that the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is more thick, you may need a lock that's custom-made to fit securely. Begin by putting an shim made of wood on the door and the tapered edge positioned against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into slot and turn, pulling up the shim. This will release the latches and screws that keep the knobs in place, allowing them to be removed.

4. You're tired of the same old keys

It is easy to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your home. It's also an excellent DIY technique to master, particularly in the event that you frequently move or are a landlord who has to change locks for tenants. You can change a door lock in just a few hours when you know the steps.

Even when you trust the previous homeowners or tenants it is best to protect yourself by installing new locks. You never know who may have keys from the past. This includes friends, family members and contractors as well as babysitters. In fact, 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by those who have access to your home.

Before starting, make sure to purchase a replacement lock that's compatible with your existing hardware and measurements. You can choose between a deadbolt and a knob lock based on the style of your door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:

Begin by removing both of the old knobs from the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate at the edge of the front door. After removing the screws, remove the latchplate and the two screws holding the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the door jamb.

Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the positions of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long piece of steel that is affixed to the knob's exterior) passes through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the handle/knob to the interior with the screws provided. Place the lock cylinder in the interior latch. Check that it is correctly aligned and the key is working with the lock.

Then, attach the deadbolt and strike plate using the screws included with your replacement lock set to secure them into place. After you've completed the process testing your new lock, make sure you test it to ensure it operates properly and the inside knob can slide easily over the pins. Reassemble everything in reverse order.