How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock The door lock is the most vital component of your home's security. If they get worn out or become compromised it's time to replace them. It's also a great way to update your home decor, or to provide the feeling of security that comes with divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a replacement lock. Replacement vs. rekeying Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of your home. It's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of replacing locks or rekeying them. Generally speaking, rekeying is the best option for those not looking to change out their entire lockset. It's a quicker and less expensive alternative to replacing the entire lockset because you only need to change the pins in the cylinder. Rekeying your locks can cause them to work with a new set of keys, which will obliterate the old ones and making it harder for those who have access to enter your home or business. This is a common option for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else with an original copy of the key cannot enter the property without being caught. This is also helpful for those worried about a suspicious office worker, since they could use it to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas within the building. Rekeying has limited benefits for security. Rekeying does not do much to stop people from physically forcing their way into the home however it doesn't stop them if they manage to force their entry regardless. If you're worried about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing the keys. Another situation in which you may want to think about changing your locks is if you've been the victim of theft. This is a frequent issue for businesses, and it's important to act fast if it happens. Rekeying your locks will prevent thieves from having access to the sensitive areas of your company. It will also make it easier for you to submit a police report if there is a problem. The best reason to replace your locks is if they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt that won't budge or a broken handle that isn't opening. You may want to replace your locks if you are using low-quality hardware that is easily altered. For instance the lever or doorknob with spring-loaded latches can be bypassed using credit card. Take a look at your door You must first be aware of the dimensions of your door before you can select the lock. The best way to find these is to use tape measure along with pencil or pen. Using your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you incorrect measurements. Take measurements of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Be sure to not include the frame. You can also measure the height from floor to threshold (for interior doors) or the top of the inner part of the frame. If your door has already been drilled for a mortise lock you'll need some additional measurements. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole already drilled. The most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). Once you've decided where you want your deadbolt you'll need to determine the depth of the hole in the door that is measured from the top of the door to the centerline of the latch's actuating hole in new installations, or from the bottom of the door to the top of the strike in existing openings. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/southampton-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ 'll also need to decide whether your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is crucial since some locks require a particular installation technique that is based on the direction of swing. It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you have all your measurements! Make sure you keep all of your measurements on hand and bring them with you when you visit the store to choose the lock. This will help you to get the perfect fit for your door and ensure that it looks fantastic. Have fun and enjoy shopping! If you have any questions, feel at ease to reach us! We're always happy to help! We are open from Monday to Saturday, between 10AM and 6PM. You can also reach us via Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Find the Right Lock You'll want to pick the right lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded, and they can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are considered the most durable and are recommended for the front door. A good starting point is 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 this is a project you can tackle on your own or if you'll require the assistance of an expert. If you are installing an entirely new lock it is crucial that you choose the right keyhole size. If the hole is too small, you'll need to have it enlarged or look for a different type of lock. Also, you'll need to think about the size of your door since there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They're typically rated at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches however, you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits your door. A lock's materials are also important to consider. You don't have to purchase an inexpensive lock as it is possible for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Find a lock that has the highest rating from the BHMA. You may need to check the security rating of the knob and lever of your door when you have a recent door to make sure they meet your needs. This is particularly true for families with children living in the house, or if the previous owners still have keys to your house. Replacing locks is a relatively easy DIY project. With the appropriate tools and a little bit of knowledge you can change your locks in just an hour. It's also a great option to improve the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. You can also be confident that your family and you are secure. Install the Lock Your door is the entry to your Burlington, MA, home where you will keep the things that are most important to you. Whether that's your family, pets or possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't working properly, it's likely time to replace it. Replacing your lock can be more expensive than simply rekeying it but it also has the benefit of securing your door to the frame. A burglar can't pull or pick on a deadbolt and a larger bolt makes it more difficult to secure it using the wrench. Get help from 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 remove the existing one from the door. First, remove the screws that secure the handle section to exterior lock sections. Then with a screwdriver remove the two lock halves. Then, you can take the knob and latch from the door. When you install your new door lock, make sure you install it correctly. The latch should fit into the opening of the latch plate and have a tapered edge that fits in the hole for the turning lock. The screw holes should be aligned on the inside of your door to match the deadbolt as well as the rods for receiving. This will allow screws to thread into place correctly and stop them from becoming loose over time. If you are using the same lock, you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Hold them up to the new lock and then compare, and if they don't meet, buy new locks that are compatible with the original. Install the lock once you've installed the new hardware. Begin by placing the deadbolt into its proper position. Pay 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 interior and exterior plates together using the long screws that come with the new lock.