How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's primary security component. It's time to replace your door locks as they get worn out or compromised.
The change of locks can be a great way to update your home decor or give you the feeling of security after divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a replacement lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
Changing your locks can improve the security of your property. There are pros and cons to changing versus rekeying a lock but it's crucial to consider your alternatives carefully.
Rekeying is a better option if you don't want to replace your entire lockset. It's a faster and less expensive process than replacing completely your locks, as it only involves changing the internal key pins within the cylinder, rather than changing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks can make them work with a different set of keys, which will obliterate the previous ones and making it harder for those who have access to enter your business or home.
This is a popular option for new homeowners who wish to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else with copies of the keys cannot enter the property without being arrested. This is also helpful for those worried about a suspicious office employee, as they could use it to stop them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying offers limited security benefits. Rekeying doesn't do much to stop people from physically forcing their way into the home, and it doesn't stop them from trying to force their entry however. If you're concerned about this, think about upgrading your locks to a deadbolt instead of simply changing their keys.
Rekeying locks could be required in the event that your locks have been stolen. This is a common incident for businesses, so it's important to act quickly when this happens. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able to prevent those who have stolen them from accessing sensitive areas of the company, and it will also allow you to have an easier time filing an investigation in the event that something does go wrong.
The best reason to replace locks is when they are damaged or broken beyond repair. This could be as easy as a bolt that won't move or a broken handle that won't open. It's also a good idea to change your locks if they're made of cheap hardware that is easily tampered with, such as the door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches which can be easily bypassed with a credit card.
Take a look at your door
It is essential to determine the dimensions of your door before you can select the lock. The best way to determine these is to use tape measure along with a pen or pencil. The measurements you take using your fingers or an arm's length are not accurate. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Be sure not to include the frame. You can also determine the height from the floor to the threshold (for interior doors) or up to the top of the interior part of the frame.
If your door is predrilled for mortise locking you'll need to measure it further. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole that was pre-drilled. The most commonly used backsets (or 44mm & 55mm) are 1" & 2". Once you've decided 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 strike in existing openings.
You'll also have to decide whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is important because some locks require specific installation techniques based on swing direction.
Once you've gathered all of your measurements now is the time to start shopping for a new lock! Make sure you keep all of your measurements in one place and bring them along when you visit the store to select the lock. This will help you to get the perfect fit for your door and ensure that it looks great. Have fun and enjoy shopping! Contact us with any concerns! We're always happy to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also contact us via Facebook or Twitter. We hope to hear from you soon!
Find the Lock that's right for you
You'll need to select the right lock for your house. The best locks will be high-quality, and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and recommended for front doors.
A good starting point is the manufacturer's website. The majority of manufacturers will offer complete instructions for installation as along with a customer support hotline. They'll also provide recommendations on how to install the product on your door. This will aid you in deciding if it is something you can do yourself or if a professional will be required.
If you are installing the lock for the first time it is crucial that you have the right keyhole size. If the hole is too small you'll have to have it enlarged or find a different style of lock. You will also need to take into consideration the thickness of your doors, as not all deadbolts will work with all doors. They usually come with a rating of 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but when your door is more or smaller, you'll need to find one that will fit properly.
The lock's materials are important to take into consideration. It is not necessary to purchase an inexpensive lock as it is possible for a burglar to gain entry into your Burlington home. Find locks that are 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 your door lever and knob in case you have a more recent door to make sure they meet your requirements. This is especially important when children are in the home or if the previous owners still have keys.
Replacing locks is an simple DIY project. With the proper tools and a bit of knowledge you can change your locks in less than an hour. It's also a great option to freshen up the look of your home without costing you a fortune. You can also rest assured that you and your family are protected.
Install the Lock
Your Burlington, MA home is where you keep your most valuable possessions. You're looking to secure your family, pets, or things. If your lock isn't working, 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 thief can't pick or pull on a deadbolt and a more hefty bolt is more difficult to secure it using the wrench. Get help from a locksmith when you're not sure what kind of lock is the best for your door.
Before installing the new lock, you'll have to remove the lock you have already installed from the door. First, remove the screws that hold the handle section to exterior lock sections. Then utilize a screwdriver to break the two lock halves apart. Then, you can take the old knob and latch from the door.
When installing your new door lock be sure to place it in the correct way. The latch should be set in the latch plate and should have an edge that is tapered and is able to fit into the hole for the locking mechanism. The screw holes should be aligned on the inside of your door for the deadbolt and latch to the rods for receiving. This will allow screws to be threaded correctly and prevent them from becoming loose over time.
If you are using the same lock, you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Compare them to the new lock, and if you find that they don't fit you can purchase replacements.
Once you have the new hardware in place now is the time to install the lock. Start by placing the deadbolt cylinder in its proper spot. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will assist you in locating it on the right-hand side of the door. Then, you can screw the interior and exterior plates together using the long screws that are included with the new lock.