How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most important security component. When they start to wear out or become compromised it's time to replace them.
It can also be an excellent way to modernize your interior decor, or provide a sense of security following a divorce or the birth of a blended family. Learn how to install a new lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Changing your locks can improve the security of your home. There are pros and cons to changing versus rekeying a lock however, so it is important to consider your choices carefully.
Rekeying is the best alternative if you don't wish to replace your entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker procedure than replacing all of your locks, since it only involves changing the key pins inside the cylinder, and not replacing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks can make them operate with a brand new set of keys, nullifying the previous ones and making it harder for those with access to your home or business.
This is a popular choice for new homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key are unable to enter the house without being spotted. This is also useful to those who are concerned about a mischievous office worker, since they could use it to stop them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas within the building.
Rekeying isn't a great idea, but it gives you limited security benefits. It's not much to deter people from physically forcing their way into your home, and it does nothing to stop them if they succeed in forcing their way into your home in any way. If you're worried about this, consider upgrading to a deadbolt instead of rekeying your locks.
Another scenario where you might want to consider changing your locks is if you've been the victim of theft. This is a frequent issue for businesses, and it's crucial to act quickly if it happens. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able stop those who have stolen them from gaining access to sensitive areas of the company, and it will also allow you to have an easier time submitting a police report in case something goes wrong.
The best reason to replace locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It can be something as simple as a bolt that's stuck or a handle that's broken that won't work. It could also be an excellent idea to swap your locks if they're made of poor quality hardware that can be easily tampered with like a door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed with a credit card.
Take a look at your door
It is essential to be aware of the dimensions of your door before you can choose the lock. The best way to determine these is by using a tape measure and a pen or pencil. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you the wrong measurements. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom to the middle to the top. Don't include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for an interior door) or the top of the frame.
If your door has been drilled for a mortise lock you'll need a few extra measurements. The backset is the distance that runs from the edge of the door to the center of the hole that was pre-drilled. The most commonly used backsets (or 44mm & the 57mm) are 1" & 2". You'll need to measure the depth of the hole in the door after you've decided on the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edge of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole for new installations, or from the bottom to the top of a lock strike for openings that are already in place.
Then, you'll have to decide whether your new door is going to be out-swinging or in-swinging. double glazed window lock repairs is important, as certain locks require specific installation techniques dependent on the direction of the swing.
Once you've gathered all of your measurements now is the time to start shopping for your new lock! Keep all your measurements in a safe spot and bring them along when you decide to select a lock. This will ensure you get the perfect fit and your door looks great! Have fun shopping and best of luck! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! We are always happy to assist! We're open Monday-Saturday from 10AM-6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward hearing from you!
Find the Lock that's right for you
You'll need to select the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded, and they can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are considered the strongest and are recommended for front door.
Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and also have hotlines for customer support. They'll also provide recommendations on how to install the product on your door. This will help you decide if this is something you can do yourself or if a professional would be needed.
It is essential to ensure you have the correct dimension of the keyhole to install an entirely new lock. If the keyhole isn't big enough it will need to be expanded or you may need to consider the design of your lock. You will also need to consider the thickness of your doors 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 3/4 inches, however should your door be thicker or smaller, you'll need to find one that fits correctly.
Another aspect to be aware of is the materials used in the lock. You don't have to purchase a cheap lock because it's possible for burglars to break into your Burlington home. Look for a lock with the highest rating from BHMA.
You might need to look up the security rating of the knob and lever of your door if you have a more recent door to ensure that they meet your needs. This is especially true if you have kids in the house or if the previous owners have keys to your house.
Replacing locks is an simple DIY project. You can replace your locks in less than an hour with the right tools. It's also a great method to refresh the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. You can also rest assured that you and your family are secure.
Install the Lock
Your Burlington, MA home is the place where you store your most precious possessions. If it's your pets, family members, or possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't performing its job then it's time to replace it.
It's more expensive replace your lock rather than rekey it however, you have the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. A thief can't pick or pull on deadbolts and a larger bolt makes it harder to secure it using a wrench. Get help from a locksmith in case you're not sure which type of lock is right for your door.
Remove the old lock from the door before installing the new one. First, remove the screws inside that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then you will need a screw driver to pull the two halves of the lock apart. Then, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock in the correct way. The latch should sit in the latch plate opening and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole that will be used for the turning lock. Make sure to align the holes for screws for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door with the rods for receiving on the outside of the door. This will allow the screws to thread into the correct position and prevent them from loosening over time.
If you are using the same lock, you can leave the latch and strike plate in place. Compare them with the new lock and, if you discover that they're not compatible you can purchase replacements.
Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Begin by placing the deadbolt cylinder into its correct place. When doing so be sure to pay attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then utilize the long screws provided with the lock to attach the exterior and interior plates.