How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
The door lock is the most important element of your home's security. When they wear out or are damaged it's the right time to replace them.
The change of locks can be an effective way to freshen up your decor or provide a new sense of security after divorce or blended family. Learn how to install a new lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
Changing your locks can improve the security of your property. There are pros and cons to changing locks versus rekeying them however, so it's important to weigh your alternatives carefully.
Rekeying is a good alternative if you don't wish to replace the entire lockset. It's a quicker and less expensive alternative to replacing your entire lockset, as you only need to change the pins inside the cylinder. Rekeying locks can allow them to function with a different set of keys. This will erase the old keys and make it difficult for anyone else to gain entry into your home or office.
This is a popular option for homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone who has a duplicate key can't enter the home without being caught. It's also useful for those who are concerned about a mischievous employee in the office, since it can be used to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying offers limited security benefits. It's not much to stop people from physically forcing their way in, and it does nothing to stop them if they do succeed in forcing their way into the premises in any way. If you're concerned about this, you should consider switching to a deadbolt, instead of rekeying your existing locks.
Rekeying locks can be required if your locks have been stolen. double glazed window lock repair is a common occurrence for businesses, and it's important to act quickly in the event of this happening. Rekeying your locks will stop thieves from getting access to sensitive areas within your business. It also makes it easier to file a police report if something goes wrong.
The best reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. This could be as easy as a bolt stuck that won't budge or a broken handle that won't let you open. You might want to replace your locks if they are made of low-quality hardware that can easily be altered. For instance a lever or doorknob with spring loaded latches can be removed using a credit card.
Measure Your Door
It is essential to know the dimensions of your door before you select the lock. The best method to determine these is by using tape measure along with pencil or pen. The measurements you get using your fingers or arm's-length aren't accurate. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Do not 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 to accommodate mortise locks you'll need some additional measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most common backsets (or 44mm & 55mm) are 1" and 2". You'll need the depth of your hole in the door after you've determined the location of your deadbolt. This is measured between the edges of the opening and the centerline of a latch actuating hole for new installations or from the bottom to the top of a lock strike for existing openings.
In the end, you'll need decide if your new door is going to be in-swing or out-swing. This is crucial since some locks require a specific installation procedure based on the direction of swing.
It's time to go shopping for a new lock, now that you have all your measurements! Keep all of your measurements handy and bring them with you when you visit the store to choose the lock. This will help you to find the perfect fit for your door and ensure it looks fantastic. Good luck shopping and happy shopping! Contact us for any questions! We're always happy to help! We're open Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also contact us via Facebook or Twitter. We hope to hear 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 are top-quality and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are thought to be the most durable and are recommended for front door.
Start by visiting the official website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions, as well as a customer service hotline. They will also give you guidelines on how to install the product inside your home. This will assist you in determining if this is something you could do yourself or if a professional would be required.
If you're installing the lock for the first time it is crucial that you choose the right size keyhole. If the hole isn't big enough, you'll need to have it enlarged or find another type of lock. You will also need to consider the thickness of your doors as not all deadbolts will work with all doors. They usually come rated for either 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, but when your door is more or smaller, you'll need to find one that fits properly.
The materials used in a lock are also important to consider. You don't need to buy an inexpensive lock as it could be easy for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Choose locks that are rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest quality rating.
If you have 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 you have kids living in the house, or if the previous owners have keys to your home.
Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. With the appropriate tools and a little 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 your family and you are protected.
Install the Lock
Your door is the entrance to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most valuable to you. You're looking to secure your family, pets or items. If your lock isn't working, it's probably time to replace it.
It's more expensive to replace your lock than to rekey it however, you have the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. Deadbolts are impossible to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry using the use of a wrench. Contact a locksmith in case you're not sure which type of lock is best for your door.
Before you install your new lock, you'll need to take the old lock out of the door. First, unscrew the interior screws that secure the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Next utilize a screwdriver to pry the two lock halves away. Then, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door.
Install your new door lock properly. The latch should be positioned within the latch plate and should have a tapered edge that can be inserted into the hole that houses the locking mechanism. Make sure that the screw holes are aligned on the inside of your door for the deadbolt and latch with the receiving rods. This will allow screws to be threaded into place correctly and prevent them from becoming loose over time.
If you're using the same lock as the previous, you may be able to leave the strike and latch plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock and then compare to see if they meet, buy replacements that will fit properly.
Install the lock after having installed the new hardware. Begin by placing the deadbolt cylinder in its proper place. When doing so, pay special attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering to place it on the right-hand side of the door. Then make use of the long screws that come with the lock to connect the exterior and interior plates.