How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's primary security feature. If they get worn out or are damaged it's the right time to replace them.
The change of locks can be a good way to freshen up your decor or add an additional sense of security following divorce or blended family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a new door lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
Changing your locks is one method to increase the security of your home. There are pros and cons of replacing locks versus rekeying them but it's important to weigh your choices carefully.
Rekeying is a good alternative if you don't wish to replace your entire lockset. It is a faster and less expensive option than replacing your entire lockset, as you only have to change the pins in the cylinder. Rekeying your locks can make them work with a different set of keys, which will obliterate the previous ones and making it more difficult for those who have access to your home or business.
This is a common option for new homeowners who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key are unable to enter the house without being caught. It's also a good option for those who are concerned about a suspicious employee in the office, since it can be used to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying can only give you a limited amount of security benefits. Rekeying does not do much to stop people from physically attempting to enter a home however it doesn't hinder them from attempting to force their entry anyway. If you are concerned about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing the keys.
Another situation in which you might consider rekeying your locks is if you've been the victim of theft. It's a regular occurrence for businesses and it's imperative to act swiftly when it happens. Rekeying your locks will stop thieves from getting access to sensitive areas within your company. It will also make it easier for you to submit a police report if there is a problem.
Ultimately, the best reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or damaged beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt that is stuck or a handle that is broken that won't work. You might want to replace your locks if you have poor quality hardware that can be easily altered. For instance, a doorknob or lever with spring-loaded latches can be bypassed using a credit card.
Measure Your Door
Before you can choose a lock, you have to know the dimensions you're working with. You can measure these dimensions with a tape and a pencil or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you incorrect measurements. First, determine the width of the door from the bottom to the middle to the top. Do not include the frame. You can also determine the height from the floor to the threshold (for doors that are inside) or the top of the inner portion of the frame.
If your door is fitted with a mortise locking system, you will need to take some extra measurements. window lock replacements is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most popular backsets (or 44mm and 57mm) are 1" & 2". Once you've determined the location of your deadbolt you'll need to determine the depth of the hole in the door that is measured from the edge of the door to the centerline of the latch's actuating hole in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings.
Finally, you'll need to decide whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial because certain locks require a certain installation procedure dependent on the direction of swing.
It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you have all your measurements! Keep all of your measurements on hand and bring them with you when you go in to pick a lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock for your door and ensure that it looks fantastic. Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us with any concerns! We are always happy to help! We are open from Monday to Saturday, 10AM-6PM. We can also be reached via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Right Lock
You'll need to choose the right lock for your house. The best locks will be top-quality and will deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are considered the strongest and are recommended for front door.
A good starting point is to visit the website of the manufacturer. Most manufactures will offer full installation instructions and also have customer support hotlines available. They'll also give you suggestions on how to put the product on your door. This will aid you in deciding whether this is something you can do on your own or if a professional would be required.
It is important to make sure you have the proper dimension of the keyhole to install an entirely new lock. If the keyhole isn't big enough it will have to be expanded or you may need to think about the design of your lock. Also, you'll need to think about the thickness of your door because there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They're typically classified as 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but you will need to find a deadbolt that is suitable for your door.
The lock's materials are important to consider. You don't want to invest in an inexpensive lock that could be easy for a thief to break into your Burlington, MA, home. Find a lock that has the highest rating from BHMA.
It is possible to verify the security rating on the knob and lever on your door in case you have a more recent door to make sure they meet your needs. This is especially important if there are children in the house, or if previous owners may still have the keys.
The replacement of locks is an easy DIY project. You can change your locks within an hour if you have the appropriate tools. It's also a great way to freshen up the look of your home without breaking the bank. You can also rest assured that you and your family are protected.
Install the Lock
Your front door is the entry point to your Burlington, MA, home where you will keep the things that are most valuable to you. It could be your family, pets or other possessions, you need to be confident that they're safe. If your lock isn't working, it's probably time to replace it.
Replacing your lock can be more expensive than simply rekeying it but it also has the benefit of securing your door to the frame. A burglar can't pick or pull on deadbolts and a more hefty bolt is more difficult to secure it using a wrench. If you're not sure what type of lock will best fit your door, think about asking an expert locksmith for advice.
Remove the old lock from the door prior to installing the new one. First, remove the screws that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then with a screwdriver pry apart the two lock halves. Then, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door.
Install the new door lock properly. The latch should be placed in the latch plate and should have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole for the locking mechanism. Make sure to align the screw holes for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door with the rods for receiving on the interior side of the door. This will allow the screws to be threaded into the correct position and prevent them from becoming loose over time.
If you're using the same lock, you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Compare them to the new lock and, if you discover that they don't fit you can purchase replacements.
Install the lock after having installed the new hardware. Begin by placing the deadbolt into its proper location. Pay attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will assist you in locating it on the right-hand side of the door. Then utilize the long screws included with the lock to connect the exterior and interior plates.