9 Signs That You're A Replacement Door Lock Expert

How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock Door locks are your home's most crucial security element. It's time to change your door locks if they become worn out or compromised. It's also an excellent method to refresh your interior decor, or provide a sense of security following divorce or a blended family. Learn the basics of installing a replacement door lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying Changing your locks is one method to increase the security of your property. There are pros and cons to changing versus rekeying a lock, though, so it's crucial to consider your alternatives carefully. Rekeying is generally the best option for those who are not looking to replace their entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker process than replacing completely your locks, as it only involves changing the key pins that are inside the cylinder, and not changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks can allow them to function with a different set of keys. This will nullify the previous keys and make it harder for anyone else to gain entry into your home or office. This is a popular option for homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key are unable to access the home without being spotted. It is also beneficial to those who are concerned about a mischievous office worker, as they could use it to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying can only provide limited security benefits. It's not enough to deter people from physically attempting to get into your home, and it does nothing to stop them if they manage to force their way in anyway. If you're worried about this, think about changing to a deadbolt instead of simply rekeying your existing locks. Rekeying locks could be required when your locks have been stolen. This is a regular event for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly if this happens. Rekeying your locks will prevent thieves from getting access to sensitive areas within your company. It will also make it easier for you to file a police report if something goes wrong. The most effective reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a stuck bolt that won't move or a damaged handle that won't open. It's also a good idea to change locks if they're constructed of low quality hardware that's easily altered, such as a lever or door knob with spring-loaded latches which can be easily bypassed using credit card. Take a look at your door Before you pick the lock you want, you need to know what dimensions you're working with. The best method to determine these is to use tape measure and pencil or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you the wrong measurements. The measurement should be taken of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Don't include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for interior door) or the top of the inner frame. If your door has been drilled to accommodate a mortise lock You'll need to take some additional measurements. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the pre-drilled hole. The most commonly used backsets (or 44mm and 57mm) are 1” and 2”. After you've chosen where you want your deadbolt you'll need to determine the depth of the hole in the door that is measured from the top of the door to the centerline of the latch's opening for actuation in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings. It is also important to determine if your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is important, as certain locks require specific installation techniques that are based on the direction of swing. It's time to shop for a new lock now that you have all of your measurements! Keep all of your measurements in a secure place and bring them with you when you go to pick the lock. This will help you to find the perfect fit for your door and ensure that it looks good. Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us with any questions! We're always here to help! We're open Monday-Saturday from 10AM-6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Find the Lock that is Right for You You'll need to select the right lock for your house. The best locks are top-quality and will deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are regarded as the most durable and are recommended for the front door. Start by visiting click here. of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete instructions for installation as along with a customer support hotline. They'll also provide suggestions on how to set up their products in your specific door. This will aid you in deciding if this is something you can do on your own or if a professional will be needed. If you're installing a new lock it is essential to have the correct size keyhole. If the hole is too small, you'll need to have it expanded or search for an alternative type of lock. You should also consider the thickness of your door and the type of deadbolt you choose, since not all deadbolts work with all doors. They are usually rated for either 2 3/8 inches or 2 ¾ inches, however if your door is thicker or thinner you'll need to find one that will fit perfectly. Another important thing to consider is the material that are used in the lock. You should not invest in a cheap lock that might be a simple target for thieves to break into your Burlington, MA, home. Find a lock that is rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest rating for quality. You might need to look up the security rating of the knob and lever on your door if you have a more recent door to ensure that they meet your needs. This is particularly true for families with children living in the home or the previous owners might still have keys to your home. Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. You can change your locks within an hour with the proper tools. This is a great way of updating the look of your home without spending a fortune. 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 store what's most valuable to you. You want to protect your family, pets or possessions. If a lock isn't doing its job, it's 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. A burglar can't pull or pick a deadbolt and a more hefty bolt makes it more difficult to get it into place using a wrench. If you're not certain what type of lock will work best on your door, you might want to ask a professional locksmith for assistance. Remove the lock that was previously installed from the door prior to installing the new lock. First, unscrew the screws inside that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then utilize a screwdriver to break the two lock halves apart. Then, take off the old latch and knob from the door. When you install your new door lock, ensure that you install it correctly. The latch should fit into the latch plate opening and have a tapered end that is able to fit into the hole for the turning lock. The screw holes should be aligned on the inside of your door for the deadbolt and latch to the rods that receive them. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and will prevent them from loosening in time. If you are using the same lock you can keep the latch and strike plate in place. Place them next to the new lock and compare to see if they meet, buy replacements that fit properly. Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt in the correct place. While doing this be sure to pay attention to the “up” mark on the deadbolt. This will remind you that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then, you can screw the interior and exterior plates together with the long screws that are included with the new lock.