How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's primary security element. When they wear out or become compromised it's the right time to replace them.
It's also an excellent way to modernize your home decor, or to provide an element of security after divorce or an unmarried family. Learn how to install a replacement lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
The option of changing your locks is a option to increase the security of your home. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of replacing locks or rekeying them.
Rekeying is a good option if you don't need to replace your entire lockset. It's a quicker and less expensive alternative to replacing the entire lockset as you only have to change the pins in the cylinder. Rekeying locks can allow them to operate with a different set of keys. This will eliminate the previous keys and make it more difficult for anyone to gain access to your office or home.
This is a common option for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else with an original copy of the key cannot enter the property without being caught. This is also helpful for those worried about a mischievous office worker, since they can use it to block them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas in the building.
Rekeying isn't a great idea, but it gives you limited security benefits. It doesn't do much to deter people from physically attempting to get into the premises, and it does nothing to stop them if they manage to get into the premises in any way. If you're worried about this, you should consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt instead of simply rekeying them.
Another situation in which you might want to consider changing your locks is if you've had them stolen. It's a common problem for businesses and it's imperative to act swiftly if it happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able stop those who stole them from accessing sensitive areas of the company. It will also help you have the chance to file police reports in the event that something does go wrong.
The best reason to replace your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt stuck that isn't moving or a broken handle that won't let you open. It's also an excellent idea to swap your locks if they're constructed of low quality hardware that's easily tampered with for example, a door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that can be easily manipulated using a credit card.
Measure Your Door
It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before you select the lock. The best way to determine these is to use tape measure and pencil or pen. The measurements you get using your fingers or an arm's length are not accurate. The measurement should be taken of the opening from the top, middle and bottom. 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 mortise locks you'll need some additional 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 are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). Once you've decided the location you'd like your deadbolt to be, you'll need to know the depth of the hole inside the door that is measured from the top of the door to the centerline of the latch opening for actuation in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings.
Finally, reference 'll need to decide if your new door will be in-swing or out-swing. This is important, as certain locks require specific installation methods based on swing direction.
Now that you've got all of your measurements you're ready to shop for your new lock! Keep all your measurements in a secure place and bring them along when you go to pick the lock. This will ensure that you have the perfect fit and your door looks fantastic! Happy shopping and good luck! Contact us with any concerns! We're always happy to help! We're open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Right Lock
You'll want to choose the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks will be top-quality and will discourage thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors.
A good starting point is the website of the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions, as well as a customer service hotline. They will also have recommendations on how to install their products on the door you have chosen. This will give you an idea of whether or not this is a task you can do it yourself or if you'll need the help of a professional.
If you are installing an entirely new lock it is crucial to have the correct keyhole size. If the keyhole isn't big enough, it will need to be increased or you might want to think about an alternative lock style. Also, you'll need to consider the thickness of your door because there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They're typically rated at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but you'll need find a deadbolt that will fit your door.
The materials used in a lock are also important to take into consideration. You do not want to purchase a cheap lock that might be easy for a burglar to break into your Burlington, MA, home. Choose a lock that has the highest rating from the BHMA.
It is possible to verify the security rating of your door lever and knob when you have a recent door to make sure they meet your requirements. This is especially important for families with children living in the house, or if the previous owners might still have keys to your house.
The replacement of locks is an easy DIY project. You can replace your locks within an hour using the right tools. It's also a great way to freshen up the look of your home without breaking the bank. You'll also be able to be sure that your family and belongings are protected.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entry to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most valuable to you. You're looking to secure your family, pets or things. If your lock isn't performing its job and you're looking to replace it, it's time to do so. it.
Replacing your lock is more expensive than simply rekeying it, however, it comes with the benefit of locking your door to the frame. A deadbolt is impossible to pick or pull, and the longer bolt makes it harder for a thief to gain entry using the use of a wrench. Ask a locksmith for help when you're not sure what type of lock is best for your door.
Before you install your new lock, you'll have to remove the lock you have already installed from the door. First, loosen the screws that secure the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Next, use a screw driver to pull the two lock halves apart. After that, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door.
When installing your new door lock make sure you place it in the correct way. The latch should be set on the latch plate and have a tapered edge that can be inserted into the hole that houses the locking mechanism. Align the screw holes on the inside of your door for the deadbolt and latch to the rods that receive them. This will allow screws to thread into place correctly and stop them from loosening over time.
If you're using the same lock you can keep the latch and strike plate in place. Bring them up to the new lock and then compare, and if they don't meet, buy replacements that fit properly.
Once you have the new hardware in place now is the time to install the lock. Start by putting the deadbolt cylinder in its proper place. 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, you can screw the interior and exterior plates together with the long screws that come with the new lock.