How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock The door lock is the most important component of your home's security. It's time to replace your door locks if they become worn out or compromised. Changing locks can also be a great way to update your decor or add a new sense of security after a divorce or blended family. Learn the basics of installing a replacement door lock. Replacement vs. rekeying Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of your home. There are pros and cons to replacing locks, versus rekeying one, though, so it is important to consider your choices carefully. Rekeying is a good option if you don't want 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 your locks could make them work with a different set of keys, removing the old ones and making it harder for those with access to your business or home. This is a popular option for new homeowners who wish to ensure that previous owners or anyone else with copies of the keys isn't able to enter without being arrested. It's also useful for those who are worried about a mischievous employee in the office, since it can be used to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building. However, rekeying only gives you a limited amount of security benefits. It doesn't do much to stop people from physically forcing their way in and does nothing to stop them if they succeed in forcing their way into your home in any way. If you are concerned about this, think about upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing their keys. Another reason you may want to think about changing your locks is when you've been the victim of theft. This is a common event for businesses, and it's important to act quickly when this happens. Rekeying your locks will prevent thieves from getting access to sensitive areas within your company. It will also make it easier for you to file a police report if there is a problem. The best reason to change locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It can be something as simple as a bolt getting stuck or a handle that is broken and cannot function. You may want to replace your locks if you are using poor quality hardware that can be easily altered. For example the lever or doorknob that has spring-loaded latches could be re-enforced with credit card. Measure Your Door You must first know the dimensions of your door before you can choose a lock. The best method to determine these is by using tape measure and a pen or pencil. The measurements you get using your fingers or arm's length are not accurate. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom to the middle to the top. Do not include the frame. You can also measure the height from floor to threshold (for doors that are inside) or up to the top of the interior part of the frame. If your door has already been drilled for a mortise lock you'll need a few extra measurements. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole already drilled. The most common backsets (or 44mm & 55mm) are 1" & 2". You'll need 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 in new installations, or from the bottom to the top of a strike for existing openings. Finally, you'll need to determine if the door you want to install is going to be in-swing or out-swing. This is important because some locks require a particular installation method based on the direction of the swing. It's time to go shopping for a new lock, now that you have all your measurements! Keep all of your measurements in a safe place and bring them with you when you're looking for the lock. This will allow you to find the perfect fit for your door and ensure it looks good. Good luck and happy shopping! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! We're always here to help! We're open Monday to Saturday, 10AM-6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Find the Right Lock You'll need to select the best lock for your home. The top locks are of high-quality and offer a great security measure against potential thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors. Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will offer complete instructions for installation as along with a customer support hotline. They'll also provide suggestions on how to set up their products in the door you have chosen. This will assist you in determining if this is something you could do by yourself or if a professional would be required. It is important to make sure you have the proper size of the keyhole to install a new lock. If the keyhole is too small, it will need to be enlarged or you may need to consider a different lock style. You will also need to consider the thickness of your doors as not all deadbolts work with all doors. They usually come rated for either 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, but if your door is thicker or thinner you'll need to find one that will fit correctly. Another important thing to consider is the material that are used in the lock. You don't need to buy a cheap lock because it is possible for burglars to gain entry into your Burlington home. Look for a lock with the highest rating from BHMA. If you own a newer door, you might want to examine the security ratings on the lever and knob to ensure they are up to your standards. This is especially important when you have children living in the home or the previous owners have keys to your house. The replacement of locks is an simple DIY project. With the appropriate tools and a little bit of knowledge you can replace your locks in under an hour. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/walsall-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ 's also a great way to freshen up the look of your home without breaking the bank. You can also be confident that your family and you are safe. Install the Lock Your door is the entry to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most valuable to you. Whether that's your family, pets or possessions, you want to know they are protected. If a lock isn't doing its job, it's time to replace it. It's more expensive replace your lock than replace it, but you get the added benefit of locking your door in the frame. A thief can't pick or pull on deadbolts and a larger bolt is more difficult to gain purchase with a wrench. Contact a locksmith if you aren't sure what kind of lock is the best for your door. Remove the lock that was previously installed 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 you will need a screw driver to pry the two lock halves away. Then, you can remove the old latch and knob from the door. When installing your new door lock ensure that you install it correctly. The latch should fit into the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered edge that is fitted into the hole for the turning lock. Make sure to align the screw holes for the deadbolt and latch on the inside of the door with the rods that receive the latch on the outside of the door. This will allow screws to be threaded correctly and will prevent them from loosening as time passes. If you're using the same lock as the previous one you might be able to leave the strike and latch plate in place. Place them next to the new lock, and compare the two locks. If they don't match, you can purchase replacements that will fit properly. Once you have the new hardware installed now is the time to install the lock. Begin by placing the deadbolt in the correct location. While doing this, pay special attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will help you remember that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then, screw the inside and exterior plates together using the long screws that come with the new lock.