When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock

Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings safe. However, they can become worn out or tampered with time. There are some telltale signs that it's time to think about changing or rekeying your lock.

While replacing locks is a more complex process than rekeying, it could be done at home. Here are a few main reasons to think about it:

1. You're moving into a new home

Your door locks are a crucial part of your home's security. If they're damaged it's easy for burglars to gain entry. You must be aware of the signs that it's time to replace your window.

It is a good idea, when you move to a new home and you want to change the locks. This will ensure you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous owners might have entered your house without permission.

Installing a new lock is an easy process. The first step is to take off the old lock. It is possible to remove the screws holding the knob or handle in place using the screwdriver. Next, make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the position of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked the locations, drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of your lock.

After the holes have been drilled, you will need to install the new lock. It is essential to ensure that the deadbolt as well as the strike plate fit well with the door frame. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to ensure it is secure.

It is also recommended to have hinges replaced, since they are susceptible to being damaged from a sharp impact on the strike plate or lock. Finally, if the lock is difficult to operate, this could indicate that it's time to get an upgrade. It is best to have a professional locksmith change the locks for you. This will ensure that the job gets done quickly and correctly.

There are many other reasons to replace your locks, for instance ending a roommate or rental agreement. It is impossible to determine who may have an unofficial copy of your key, so changing the locks is a wise precaution. It also ensures that your belongings and family are safe.

2. You are having trouble opening the door.

A broken lock can be a nightmare especially if it occurs to one of your primary entry doors. But the good thing is that there are easy steps you can take to ensure that the situation does not get any worse and that you can get access to your door as quickly as possible.

First, check that the lock on your door isn't just misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening some screws if this is the problem. If this doesn't solve the issue, there could be a problem with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.

Next, try using the lubricant and test if this can help to remove the lock. This helps keys slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, but it is important to keep in mind that if your issue persists, it could be a different issue and you'll have to contact an expert locksmith.

If your door lock is more than 10 years old it is recommended to replace it. This is because door locks aren't designed to last for the entire lifetime of a door, and even the best door locks will need to be replaced at some point.

To replace your lock, you must remove your existing lock. Once this is done it's crucial to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you will be able to find a replacement lock that is a good fit. For instance, cylinders are available in different shapes that can accommodate various thicknesses of doors. You may also have to replace your entire door when the frame of your door has been damaged. This is because the new lock will need to be secured to the frame with the latch plate, strike plate, and deadbolt, all of which are available separately.

3. You're worried about a burglary

A break-in can shake confidence in the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their marks (crowbar marks in your door's frame) or it's evident that they've entered your home (smoothed wood around the lock and broken lock knob) It is important to ensure your confidence by replacing your locks and ensuring they are as secure as they can be.

Even if you trust the previous owners, there is no way to know who else might have received the key. 67% of the crime is committed by those who have a key which is why changing locks is a great preventative measure.

Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be sticking or difficult to open. This could indicate that the mechanism within has been damaged through the force of tampering or just wear and tear caused by age. It leaves it vulnerable to damage.

If you're having issues with any of these, consider installing a keyless lock instead. They eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors and pet sitters that require access. You can also purchase door locks that come with keypads. This allows you to enter the house without touching anything.

A new lock can update the look of your home. It's not just about safety. You can find locks to be a match to the style of the door you have.

If you're looking to change locks, talk to the local locksmith. They can help you choose the best lock for your needs and install it swiftly. Before you call a locksmith, be sure to measure your door. It is crucial to determine the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will fit correctly. If your door is larger it may require a lock that's custom-made to fit snugly. Start by placing a wooden shim against the door with the tapered edge placed against the slot of the lock. Place the tip of a screwdriver into the slot and then twist and pull the shim upwards. This will open the latch and the screws that hold the knobs in place which will allow you to take them off. them.

4. You're tired of the same old keys

replacing lock on upvc door your door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. It's also a great DIY ability to have, particularly if you move often or are a landlord who has to replace door lock locks for tenants. You can replace a door lock in a matter of hours when you know the steps.

Installing new locks is a good idea when you are a trusted and reliable friend of the previous owners or tenants. You never know how many people may have a copy of the keys that were previously used that include relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In fact, those who have access to your house are responsible for a minimum of 67% of all unlawful entries.

Before you start, ensure to purchase a replacement lock that's compatible with your existing hardware and dimensions. You can select between a deadbolt or a knob lock based on the style of your door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:

Start by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws holding the latch plate to the edge of the front door. After removing the screws take the latchplate off and remove the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.

Using the template that comes with the lock set, mark the locations of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that is protruding from the knob on the outside) must pass through the latch smoothly. Then, attach the handle or knob to the interior using the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, ensuring that it is properly aligned and works with the key.

Attach the strike plates and deadbolt plates with the screws that are included in your replacement locking mechanism for upvc doors lock set. Check your new lock when you're done to confirm that it's working as intended and that the inside knob slides over the pins easily. Then, reassemble everything in reverse order.