How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock The door lock is the most important component of your home's security. When they start to wear out or become compromised it's the right time to replace them. It's also an excellent method to refresh your interior decor, or provide an element of security after divorce or an unmarried family. Learn how to install a replacement lock. Replacement vs. rekeying Changing your locks can improve the security of a property. It's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of replacing locks or rekeying them. Rekeying is generally the better alternative for those not planning to replace their entire lockset. It is a faster and less expensive option than replacing your entire lockset, since you just need to change the pins inside the cylinder. Rekeying your locks can make them work with a different set of keys, which will obliterate the previous ones and making it harder for those who have access to your home or business. This is a popular option for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else who has copies of the keys isn't able to enter without being taken in. It's also a good option for those who are worried about a suspicious employee in the office, since it can be used to prevent them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying isn't a great idea, but it gives you limited security benefits. Rekeying does not do much to deter people from physically forcing their way into an apartment, and it doesn't hinder them from attempting to get in regardless. If you're worried about this, you ought to consider changing to a deadbolt instead of simply rekeying your locks. Rekeying locks may be necessary if your locks have been stolen. This is a common event for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly if this happens. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able to stop the thieves from accessing sensitive areas of the company. It will also allow you to have an easier time filing an investigation in the event that something does go wrong. The most effective 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 broken that won't work. You may want to replace your locks if you are using low-quality hardware that is easily changed. For example a lever or doorknob with spring-loaded latches can be re-enforced with credit card. Take a look at your door Before you can choose the lock you want, you need to know what dimensions you're working with. You can measure these dimensions with an instrument like a tape or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you wrong measurements. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Do not include the frame. You can also measure the height from the floor to the threshold (for doors with interior doors) or the top of the inner part of the frame. If your door has been drilled to accommodate mortise locks you'll need a few extra measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most commonly used backsets (or 44mm & 55mm) are 1" & 2". You'll need the depth of your hole inside the door after you've decided on the location of your deadbolt. It 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 strike for openings that are already in place. You'll also need to decide whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is important, as some locks require specific installation methods based on swing direction. Once you've gathered all of your measurements you're ready to shop for your replacement lock! Keep all of your measurements in a safe place and bring them along when you go to pick a lock. This will ensure you get the right fit and that your door looks fantastic! Happy shopping and good luck! If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us! We're always here to help! We are open from Monday to Saturday, 10AM-6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Find the Lock that is Right for You You'll want to pick the best lock for your home. The best locks are high-quality, and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are considered the strongest and are recommended for front door. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/walsall-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ starting point is to visit the manufacturer's website. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and have customer support hotlines available. They'll also provide suggestions on how to install their products in your specific door. This will give you a good idea of whether or not this is a task you can handle yourself or if you'll need the help of an expert. It is important to make sure you have the correct size of the keyhole to install a new lock. If the keyhole isn't big enough it will need to be enlarged or you might want to consider a different lock style. Also, you'll need to consider the size of your door since not all deadbolts are suitable for all doors. They usually come with a rating of 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, but should your door be thicker or thinner you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits perfectly. Another aspect to be aware of is the materials that are used in the lock. It is not necessary to purchase a cheap lock because it could be easy for burglars to gain entry into your Burlington home. Choose a lock that has the highest rating from BHMA. It is possible to verify the security rating of the knob and lever on your door when you have a recent door to ensure that they meet your needs. This is particularly true if you have kids living in the house, or if the previous owners might still have keys to your house. Replacing your locks is a simple DIY project. With the right tools and a small amount of knowledge you can change your locks in under an hour. This is a fantastic method of updating the look of your home without spending a fortune. You can also rest assured that your family and you are secure. Install the Lock Your Burlington, MA home is the place where you store your most precious items. It could be your family, pets, or other possessions, you need to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't performing its job and you're looking to replace it, it's time to do so. it. The replacement of your lock is more expensive than simply rekeying it however, it comes with the benefit of locking your door to the frame. A burglar can't pull or pick on deadbolts and a more hefty bolt is more difficult to secure it using the wrench. Ask a locksmith for help in case you're not sure which type of lock is right for your door. Before you install your new lock, you'll have to remove the existing one from the door. First, loosen the screws that secure the handle section to exterior lock sections. Then, using a screwdriver, remove the two locks halves. You can then remove the old latch and knob 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 end that fits in the hole for the turning lock. Align the screw holes on the side of your door to align the deadbolt and latch with the rods that receive them. This will allow the screws to thread into the correct position and prevent them from loosening over time. If you're using the same lock as the previous one you might be able to leave the latch plate and strike plate in place. Place them next to the new lock and then compare, and if they don't match, you can purchase replacements that will fit properly. Install the lock after having installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt in the correct location. Pay attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will help you remember to insert it on the right side of the door. Then utilize the long screws that come in the lock to join the interior and exterior plates.