How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock Door locks are your home's most crucial security component. If they get worn out or are damaged it's time to replace them. Changing locks can also be an effective way to update your home decor or give you the feeling of security following divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a new lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying The option of changing your locks is a method to increase the security of your home. It's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of replacing locks or rekeying them. In general, rekeying is the better option for those who are not planning to replace their entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker process than completely replacing your locks, as it is only changing the key pins inside the cylinder, not swapping out the whole lock. Rekeying your locks can cause them to work with a new set of keys, removing the old ones and making it harder for those with access to enter your business or home. This is a popular option for new homeowners, who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key are unable to enter the home without being caught. It's also helpful for those who are concerned about a suspicious employee in the office, as it can be used to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying can only provide limited security benefits. Rekeying doesn't do much to stop people from physically attempting to enter an apartment, and it doesn't hinder them from attempting to force their entry anyway. If you're concerned about this, you should consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing the keys. Rekeying locks can be required if your locks have been stolen. It's a common problem for businesses and it is important to act fast in the event of a theft. By rekeying your locks, you'll be able stop the thieves from gaining access to sensitive areas of the company, and it will also help you have an easier time filing a police report in case there is a problem. Ultimately, the best reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt getting stuck or a handle that's broken that won't work. You may want to replace your locks if you are using poor quality hardware that can be easily tampered with. For instance, a doorknob or lever with spring loaded latches can be removed using a credit card. Measure Your Door First, you must be aware of the dimensions of your door before you can select the lock. The best way to determine these is to use tape measure along with pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you incorrect measurements. First, determine 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 inner frame. If your door has been drilled for a mortise lock, you'll need to take a few extra measurements. The backset is the distance that runs from the edge of the door to the center of the pre-drilled hole. The most popular backsets (or 44mm and 57mm) are 1" and 2". After you've chosen the location of your deadbolt you'll need to determine the depth of the hole inside the door that is measured from the edge of the door to the centerline of the latch's the actuating hole for new installations, or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings. It is also important to determine if your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is crucial, since some locks require specific installation methods dependent on the direction of the swing. It's time to go shopping for a new lock now that you've got all of your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a secure place and bring them with you when you're looking for the lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock for your door and ensure it looks good. Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us with any questions! We're always ready to assist! We're open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. You can also reach us on 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 will be high-graded, and they can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are thought to be the most durable and are recommended for front door. The best starting point is the manufacturer's website. Most manufacturers will provide full installation instructions as well as a customer support hotline. They'll also give you suggestions on how to put the product on your door. This will give you an idea of whether or not this is a task you can handle yourself or if you'll need assistance from an expert. It is important to ensure you have the correct size of keyhole in order to install an entirely new lock. If the hole is too small you'll have to have it expanded or search for an alternative style of lock. Also, you'll need to think about the size of your door since not all deadbolts fit all doors. They typically are rated for either 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, however should your door be thicker 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 want to invest in a cheap lock that might be easy for a thief to break into your Burlington, MA, home. Find a lock that has the highest rating from the BHMA. If you own a newer door, you may need to examine the security ratings on the lever and knob to ensure that they meet your requirements. This is especially true when there are children in the house, or if previous owners may still have the keys. Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. With the right tools and a amount of experience you can change your locks in less than an hour. It's also a great method to freshen up the look of your home without costing you a fortune. You'll also be able to be sure that your possessions and family are secure. Install the Lock Your door is the entry to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most valuable to you. If it's your pets, family members, 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. It's more expensive to replace your lock than to change the key however, you have the added benefit of locking your door to the frame. The thief isn't able to pull or pick on a deadbolt and a more hefty bolt is more difficult to get it into place using the wrench. Get help from a locksmith when you're not sure what type of lock is right for your door. Before installing the new lock, you'll have to remove the lock you have already installed from the door. First, unscrew interior screws that hold the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then with https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bristol-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ break the locks halves. You can then remove the old latch and knob from the door. When you install your new door lock be sure to place it in the correct way. The latch should be placed on the latch plate and have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole for the locking mechanism. Be sure to align the holes for screws for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door to the rods for receiving on the outside of the door. This will allow the screws to thread into place correctly and stop them from loosening over time. If you are using the same lock, you can leave the latch and strike plate in place. Compare them to the new lock and if you discover that they're not the right fit, buy replacements. Once you have the new hardware installed now is the time to install the lock. Begin by placing the deadbolt cylinder in its proper place. Pay special attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will remind you that you're inserting it on the right side of the door. Then make use of the long screws included in the lock to join the exterior and interior plates.