How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock The door lock is the most important part of your home's security. It's time to replace your door locks when they become worn out or damaged. It's also an excellent method to refresh your decor, or add an element of security after a divorce or a blended family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a replacement door lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying The option of changing your locks is a way to improve the security of your home. There are pros and cons to replacing locks versus rekeying them, though, so it is important to weigh your alternatives carefully. In general, rekeying is the better option for those who are not looking to replace their entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker procedure than replacing all of your locks since it is only changing the key pins inside the cylinder, and not swapping out the whole lock. Rekeying your locks can cause them to work with a different set of keys, nullifying the previous ones, making it more difficult for those with access to enter your business or home. This is a common option for new homeowners, who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key cannot enter the home without being spotted. It's also helpful for those who are concerned about a suspicious employee in the office, as it can be used to prevent them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying can only provide limited security benefits. Rekeying does not do much to discourage people from physically forcing themselves into a home, and it doesn't hinder them from attempting to get in however. If you're worried about this, you should consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing the keys. Another scenario where you may want to think about changing your locks is when you've had them stolen. This is a frequent occurrence for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly if this happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able to stop those who have stolen them from gaining access to sensitive areas of the company, and it will also allow you to have an easier time filing an investigation in the event that there is a problem. The most effective reason to replace your locks is if they're damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a stuck bolt that won't budge or a broken handle that won't open. It is possible to replace your locks if they are made of low-quality hardware that can easily be changed. For instance a lever or doorknob with spring loaded latches can be removed using credit card. Take a look at your door You must first be aware of the dimensions of your door before you can choose the lock. The best method to determine these is to use tape measure and a pen or pencil. Using your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you the wrong measurements. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Be sure not to include the frame. You can also determine the height from floor to threshold (for doors with interior doors) or up to the top of the inner part of the frame. If your door has already been drilled for mortise locks, you'll need to take some additional measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of the door to the center hole. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need to measure the depth of the hole in the door once you've chosen the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edge of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole for new installations or from the bottom to the top of a strike for existing openings. Then, you'll have to decide if your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is important because some locks require a particular installation technique dependent on the direction of swing. Now that you've got all of your measurements, it's time to shop for a new lock! Keep https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/gloucester-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ in a safe spot and bring them with you when you decide to select a lock. This will help you get the perfect fit for your door and ensure it looks good. Have fun shopping and best of luck! Contact us if you have any concerns! We're always ready to assist! We're open Monday-Saturday from 10AM-6PM. We can also be reached via Facebook or Twitter. We would love to hear from you! Find the Lock that is Right for You You'll have to choose the best lock for your house. The best locks are high-graded and are a good protection against thieves who might be looking to steal your home. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors. Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and also have customer support hotlines. They'll also give you guidelines on how to install the product in your door. This will assist you in determining whether it is something you can do yourself or if a contractor will be required. It is crucial to ensure you have the correct dimension of the keyhole to install an entirely new lock. If the hole isn't big enough it will need to be it expanded or search for another style of lock. Also, you'll need to think about the size of your door since not all deadbolts fit all doors. They're typically classified as 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches but you'll need find a deadbolt that will fit your door. Another thing to keep in mind is the materials used in the lock. You don't want to invest in a cheap lock that might be a simple target for thieves to gain entry to your Burlington, MA, home. Look for an item that is certified with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest rating for quality. If you own a newer door, you might want to look at the security ratings of your door knob and lever to ensure they meet your requirements. This is especially true for families with children living in the house, or if the previous owners might still have keys to your home. The replacement of locks is an easy DIY project. With the right tools and a small amount of knowledge you can replace your locks in under an hour. This is a fantastic method to improve the look of your house without breaking the bank. You can also rest assured that you and your family are safe. 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 possessions. If a lock isn't doing 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 but it also has the benefit of securing your door to the frame. A deadbolt is impossible to pick or pull and the larger bolt makes it more difficult for a thief to gain entry using an axe. If you're unsure of which lock type will best fit your door, you might want to ask an expert locksmith for advice. Remove the old lock from the door before installing the new lock. The first step is to remove the interior screws that secure the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then utilize a screwdriver to break the two halves of the lock apart. You can then remove the knob and latch from the door. When you install your new door lock, make sure you place it in the correct way. The latch should be placed within the latch plate, and it should have an edge that is tapered and can be inserted into the hole that houses the locking mechanism. The screw holes should be aligned on the inside of your door to match the deadbolt as well as the rods that receive them. This will allow screws to be threaded into place correctly and will prevent them from becoming loose as time passes. If you're using the same lock as the one you used previously, you may be able to leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock, and compare, and if they don't match, you can purchase replacements that will fit properly. Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt in its correct place. While doing this pay particular attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then, screw the inside and exterior plates together with the long screws that come with the new lock.