How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
The door lock is the most crucial component of your home's security. When they wear out or become compromised, it's time to replace them.
It can also be an excellent method to refresh your interior decor, or provide an element of security after a divorce or an unmarried family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a new door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
The change of locks can increase the security of your property. There are pros and cons to replacing locks, versus rekeying one, though, so it's important to weigh your choices carefully.
Rekeying is repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk if you don't want to replace your entire lockset. It's a quicker and less expensive option than replacing the entire lockset because you only have to change the pins in the cylinder. Rekeying locks could make them operate with new keys. This will erase the previous keys and make it difficult for anyone to gain entry into your home or office.
This is a popular option for homeowners who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone who has a duplicate key can't enter the house without being caught. It is also beneficial for those who are worried about a mischievous office worker, since they can use it to block them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas within the building.
However, rekeying only gives you a limited amount of security advantages. It's not enough to deter people from physically forcing their way into the premises and does nothing to stop them if they do succeed in forcing their way in anyway. If you're worried about this, you ought to consider switching to a deadbolt, instead of rekeying your existing locks.
Rekeying locks may be necessary in the event that your locks have been taken. This is a frequent issue for businesses, and it's crucial to act quickly when it happens. Rekeying your locks can stop thieves from having access to sensitive areas within your business. It also makes it easier for you to submit a police report if something goes wrong.
Ultimately, the best reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt getting stuck or a handle broken and won't work. It's also an ideal idea to swap locks if they're made of low quality hardware that's easily altered, such as the door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that could be easily bypassed with a credit card.
Take a look at your door
You must first know the dimensions of your door before you can choose a lock. The best method to determine these is to use a tape measure and a pen or pencil. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length is very inaccurate and will give you the wrong measurements. Measure the width of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Be sure to not include the frame. You can also determine the height from the floor to the threshold (for doors that are inside) or to the top of the interior part of the frame.
If your door is fitted with a mortise locking system you'll need to measure it further. The backset is measured from the edge of the door to the center hole. The most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need to determine the depth of your hole inside the door after 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 for new installations or from the bottom to the top of a lock strike for openings that are already in place.
You'll also have to decide if your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is crucial since some locks require a particular installation procedure dependent on the direction of the swing.
Once you've gathered all of your measurements you're ready to shop for your new lock! Keep all of your measurements in a secure place and bring them with you when you're looking for a lock. This will help you find the perfect lock for your door and make sure that it looks good. Good luck and happy shopping! If you have any questions, feel at ease to reach us! We're always here to assist you! We're open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also contact us on Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll need to select the right lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded, and they can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors.
The best starting point is the manufacturer's website. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions, as along with a customer support hotline. They'll also give you suggestions on how to install their products in your specific door. This will give you a good idea of whether this is a project you can handle yourself or if you'll require assistance from a professional.
It is essential to ensure you have the proper size of keyhole in order to install the new lock. If the keyhole is too small, it will need to be increased or you might want to think about a different lock style. You'll also need to think about the thickness of your door because not all deadbolts are suitable for all doors. They are usually with ratings of 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, however if your door is thicker or smaller, you'll need to find one that fits correctly.
A lock's materials are also important to take into consideration. You don't need to buy a cheap lock because it could be easy for a burglar to gain entry into your Burlington home. Look for a lock that is rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest quality rating.
You may need to check the security rating on the knob and lever of your door if you have a more modern door to ensure they meet your requirements. 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 easy DIY project. With the appropriate tools and a little amount of experience you can change your locks in under an hour. It's also a great way to refresh the appearance of your home without costing you a fortune. You can also rest assured that your family and you are protected.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entrance to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most important to you. You want to protect your family, pets or things. If your lock isn't working properly, it's likely time to replace it.
The replacement of your lock is more expensive than simply rekeying it, however, it comes with the benefit of locking your door to the frame. The thief isn't able to pick or pull on deadbolts and a more hefty bolt makes it more difficult to get it into place using a wrench. If you're not sure what type of lock will work best on your door, think about asking an expert locksmith for advice.
Before installing the new lock, you'll have to remove the existing one from the door. First, unscrew the screws inside that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then using a screwdriver pry apart the two lock halves. Then, you can take the knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock correctly. The latch should be placed in the latch plate opening and have a tapered end that fits in the hole for the turning lock. Make sure that you align the holes for screws for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door to the receiving rods on the outside of the door. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and prevent them from loosening in time.
If you are using the same lock you can leave the latch and strike plate in place. Check them against 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. Start by putting the deadbolt cylinder into its proper place. 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 are included with the new lock.