How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most important security component. It's time to replace your door locks when they become worn out or compromised.
It can also be a great way to update your home decor, or to provide the feeling of security that comes with divorce or the birth of a blended family. Learn the basics of installing a replacement door lock.
Replacement vs. rekeying
Rekeying your locks is a method to increase the security of your home. There are pros and cons to changing locks versus rekeying them however, so it is important to weigh your choices carefully.
Rekeying is a good option if you don't need to replace the entire lockset. It's a faster and less expensive process than completely replacing your locks since it is only changing the key pins inside the cylinder, not changing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks can cause them to work with a new set of keys, which will obliterate the previous ones, making it harder for those with access to your business or home.
This is a popular option for new homeowners who want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else who has copies of the keys can't enter without getting arrested. It is also beneficial for those who are worried about a suspicious office worker, as they can use it to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas within the building.
Rekeying isn't a great idea, but it gives you a few security advantages. It's not enough to deter people from physically forcing their way in and does nothing to stop them if they do manage to get in anyway. If you're worried about this, think about upgrading your locks to a deadbolt instead of simply changing their keys.
Another situation in which you might consider rekeying your locks is if you've been the victim of theft. This is a common incident for businesses, so it's crucial to act swiftly if this happens. Rekeying your locks will stop thieves from getting access to sensitive areas within your company. It also makes it easier for you to file a police report if something goes wrong.
The most ideal reason to replace locks is if they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It can be something as simple as a bolt getting stuck or a handle that is broken and cannot function. You may want to replace your locks if they are made of low-quality hardware that is easily altered. For instance, a doorknob or lever with spring loaded latches can be bypassed using credit card.
Take a look at your door
Before you decide on the lock you want, you need to know what dimensions you're working with. You can measure these dimensions using an instrument like a tape or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you wrong measurements. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Don't include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for the door that is inside) or the top of the frame.
If your door has been drilled for 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 hole that was pre-drilled. The most popular backsets (or 44mm & 55mm) are 1" & 2". You'll need to measure the depth of your hole inside 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 a latch actuating hole for new installations or from the bottom to the top of a 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. This is important because some locks require a certain installation procedure based on the direction of swing.
It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you've got all your measurements! Make sure you keep all of your measurements in one place and bring them with you when you go in to choose a lock. This will help you to find the perfect fit for your door and ensure it looks fantastic. Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us with any concerns! We are always happy to assist! We are open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also contact us via Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll want to pick the right lock for your home. The best locks will be high-graded, and they can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and are recommended for front doors.
Start by visiting the official website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will offer complete 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 aid you in deciding whether it is something you can do by yourself or if a contractor will be needed.
If you are installing the lock for the first time it is crucial to have the correct keyhole size. If the keyhole is too small it will need to be increased or you might want to think about a different lock style. It is also important to consider the thickness of your doors as not all deadbolts work with all doors. They're typically classified as 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches but you will need to find a deadbolt that is suitable for your door.
A lock's materials are also important to take into consideration. You don't want to invest in an inexpensive lock that could be a simple target for thieves to gain entry to your Burlington, MA, home. Find a lock that is rated by the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality.
If you own a newer door, you might need to check the security ratings of your door knob and lever to ensure they are up to your standards. This is particularly true if there are children in the house, or if the previous owners still have the keys.
Replacing locks is a relatively simple DIY project. You can replace your locks within an hour using the proper tools. This is a great way to improve the look of your home without breaking the bank. You can also be confident that you and your family are safe.
Install the Lock
Your Burlington, MA home is the place where you store your most valuable items. Whether that's your pets, family members, or other possessions, you need to be sure that they are secure. If a lock isn't doing its job then it's time to replace it.
It's more expensive replace your lock than to rekey it, but you get the added benefit of locking your door into the frame. A burglar can't pick or pull on deadbolts and a larger bolt makes it harder to get it into place using the wrench. Get help from a locksmith if you aren't sure what type of lock is right for your door.
Before installing your new lock, you'll have to take the old lock out of the door. First, loosen the screws that hold the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Next you will need a screw driver to pry the two lock halves apart. Then, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock correctly. The latch should be placed in the latch plate opening and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole for the turning lock. Make sure that you align the screw holes for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door to the receiving rods on the interior side of the door. This will allow the screws to be threaded into the correct position and prevent them from loosing over time.
If you're using the same lock you can keep the latch and strike plate in place. Place them next to the new lock, and compare, and if they don't match, purchase replacements that fit properly.
Install window lock repair once you've installed the new hardware. Start by putting the deadbolt cylinder in its proper place. Pay attention 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 with the long screws that are included with the new lock.