How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock The door lock is the most important element of your home's security. When they wear out or are damaged it's the right time to replace them. It can also be an excellent way to modernize your interior decor, or provide an element of security after divorce or a blended family. Learn how to install a new 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 but it is important to consider your options carefully. Rekeying is a better option if you don't want to replace your entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker procedure than replacing all of your locks since it involves changing just the internal key pins within the cylinder, not changing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks could make them work with a different set of keys, removing the previous ones, making it more difficult for those who have access to gain entry into your home or business. This is a common option for new homeowners who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone else with a copy of the key cannot enter the property without being caught. It's also useful for those who are worried 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 has limited benefits for security. Rekeying isn't enough to discourage people from physically forcing themselves into the home, and it doesn't stop them from trying to get in anyway. If you are concerned about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt, rather than simply changing their keys. Another reason you might consider rekeying your locks is if you've had them stolen. It's a common problem for businesses and it is important to act fast if it happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able stop those who have stolen them from accessing sensitive areas of the company. It will also allow you to have an easier time submitting a police report in case something goes wrong. The best reason to change locks is when they are damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a bolt stuck that won't move or a damaged handle that won't let you open. It's also a good idea to change locks if they're made from cheap hardware that is easily altered, such as the door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches which can be easily bypassed with a credit card. Take a look at your door Before you can choose a lock, you have to know the dimensions you're working with. You can measure these dimensions using a tape and a pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you wrong measurements. The measurement should be taken of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Make sure that you do not include the frame. You can also measure the height from floor to threshold (for interior doors) or to the top of the inner part of the frame. If your door has already been drilled for a mortise lock You'll need to take some additional measurements. The backset is the distance that runs from the edge of the door to the center of the hole already drilled. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need to determine the depth of the hole in the door after you've decided on the location of your deadbolt. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/salisbury-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ 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 lock strike for openings that are already in place. Then, you'll have to determine if the door you want to install will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial since some locks require a certain installation method dependent on the direction of swing. Now that you've got all of your measurements you're ready to shop for your new lock! Keep all of your measurements on hand and bring them along when you go in to choose a lock. This will ensure you get the right fit and that your door looks great! Good luck shopping and happy shopping! If you have any concerns, feel at ease to reach us! We're always here to assist you! We are open from 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 right lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded, and they will deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and are recommended for front doors. Start by visiting the official website of the manufacturer. Most manufactures will offer full installation instructions as well as customer support hotlines available. They'll also provide suggestions on how to put the product on your door. This will give you an idea of whether or not this is something you can tackle on your own or if you'll need assistance from an expert. It is essential to ensure you have the correct size of the keyhole to install the new lock. If the hole is too small, you'll need to have it enlarged or find a different type of lock. You'll also have to think about the thickness of your door as there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They usually come rated for either 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but if your door is thicker or smaller, you'll need to find a deadbolt that fits properly. The lock's materials are important to take into consideration. It is not necessary to purchase an inexpensive lock as it could be easy for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Choose a lock that has the highest rating from the BHMA. You may need to check the security rating on the knob and lever on your door when you have a recent door to make sure they meet your needs. This is especially true if you have kids living in the home or the previous owners have keys to your house. Replacing locks is a relatively simple DIY project. You can replace your locks in less than an hour using the right tools. It's also a great option to freshen up the look of your home without breaking the bank. You can also be confident that your family and you are secure. Install the Lock Your Burlington, MA home is where you keep your most precious belongings. You want to safeguard your family, pets, or possessions. If your lock isn't working, it's time to replace 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 burglar can't pull or pick on a deadbolt, and a longer bolt makes it more difficult to get it into place using the wrench. If you're not sure which lock type will work best on your door, consider asking an expert locksmith for help. Before installing your new lock, you'll need 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. Next you will need a screw driver to break the two lock halves away. Then, remove the old latch and knob from the door. When you install your new door lock ensure that you place it in the correct way. The latch should fit into the latch plate opening and have a tapered end that fits in the hole for the turning lock. Make sure that you align the screw holes for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door with the receiving rods on the interior side of the door. This will allow the screws to thread into the correct position and prevent them from becoming loose over time. If you're using the same lock, you can leave the strike plate 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 fit properly. Once you have the new hardware installed now is the time to install the lock. Start by putting the deadbolt in the correct position. Pay particular attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will help you remember that you're inserting it on the right side of the door. Then utilize the long screws that come with the lock to connect the interior and exterior plates.