When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family secure. However, they can get worn out or interfere with time. There are certain indicators that tell you it's time to change or change the key on your lock.
Although lock replacement is a more in-depth process than rekeying it can be done at home. Here are a few of the best reasons to think about it:
1. You're moving into a brand new home
The locks on your door are an essential part of your home security. It's easy for burglars gain access to locks that are damaged. You must be aware of the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
If you are moving into a new residence then it's an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will ensure that you're the only one with keys and remove any suspicions of unauthorised entry by previous residents.
New lock installation is an easy process. The first step is to remove the old lock. You can take out the screws holding the knob or handle in place by using a screwdriver. Then, you can make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked the locations, drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of your lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all aligned. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to ensure the door is secured.
A hard impact on a lock or strike plate can easily damage the hinges. If the lock is hard to operate, it could be time to replace it. It is best to have a professional locksmith change the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the work is completed quickly and efficiently.
You may also want to change your locks if you've terminated the lease or a roommate agreement. It is impossible to know who may have duplicate keys to your key. upvc door locks replacement repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to change the locks is therefore a wise step. This will ensure the safety of your household and belongings.
2. You're having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a major issue particularly when it occurs to one of your main entry doors. But the good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to ensure that it doesn't get worse and that you can open your door again as soon as possible.
The first step is to check your door lock to ensure that it's not misaligned. If this is the case, it may be just as easy as tightening one of the screws. It is important to remember that if this doesn't solve the problem, then there is likely something wrong with the internal mechanics of your door lock.
Next, try using an oil-based lubricant to see if this will help to unstick the lock. This is done to make the key slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is a great solution for most people. However in the event that the issue persists it is possible to speak with a locksmith.
If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is recommended to replace it. This is because door locks are not made to last the full lifespan of a door and even the best door locks will typically need to be replaced at some point.
In order to replace your lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your door. After you have removed the lock, you'll have to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement will be suitable. For instance Cylinder locks come in different shapes to accommodate different thicknesses of doors. It is also possible to replace the entire door if the frame of your door has been damaged. The new lock will require a strike plate and latch plate to be installed inside the frame. They are available separately.
3. You're worried there will be an armed robbery
The possibility of a burglary can shake confidence in the security of your home. The perpetrators may have left their mark (crowbar marks in the door frame) or it's obvious that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken lock knob) It is important to ensure your security by replacing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can.
Even if you were able to trust the previous owners, it's difficult to find out if anyone else has copies. People with keys are responsible for 67% of all illegal entry. It is recommended to change your locks as a good preventative measure.
If the knobs are stuck or difficult to open, it is a sign that your locks need to be replaced. This indicates that the internal mechanism has been damaged through tampering, or simply wear and tear caused by age. It makes it more vulnerable to damage.
If you're having any of these issues you should consider installing a keyless door lock instead. They eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time entry codes for contractors or pet sitters that require access. You can also purchase door locks with keys that allow you to open the door without touching anything.
The purchase of a new lock isn't only about safety and security, it can also be a way to improve the appearance of your home. Depending on the design of your door, you'll be able to find locks that complement it perfectly.
If you're looking to change locks, talk to the local locksmith. They can help you select the best lock and install it swiftly. Make sure you measure your door before you call a professional locksmith. The thickness of the door is essential to ensuring the lock you choose fits correctly. If your door is larger than average, you might require a custom lock that fits securely. The best starting point is placing a wood shim against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Then, slide the tip of a screwdriver into the slot and twist to pull the shim upwards. This will release the latches and screws that hold the knobs in position and allow them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
Replacing your door lock is a simple upgrade that can add to the security of your home. It's also a great DIY ability to have, particularly if you move often or are a landlord that needs to replace locks for tenants. Learn the steps for replacing locks on doors and you'll be able to complete the task yourself in just a few hours.
Installing new locks is a good idea even if you trust and know the previous tenants or homeowners. You never know how many people might have copies of your keys from the past which includes relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In reality those with a key to your house are accountable for 67 percent of all illegal entries.
Be sure to purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the hardware you have and the dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt and a knob lock, based on the style of your door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Start by removing the knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate to the edge of the front door. After that take off the latch plate and the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb.
Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the locations of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the front of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the exterior knob) should slide through the latch with ease. Attach the interior handle/knob with the screws provided and insert the lock cylinder into the interior latch, making sure it is properly aligned and works with the key.
Finish by attaching the deadbolt and strike plate using the screws included in the lock replacement set to secure them into place. After you've completed the process, test your new lock to ensure it operates correctly and that the knob inside can slide easily over the pins. After that put everything back together in reverse order, and you're all set!