When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to protect your belongings and family safe. However, they can get worn out or interfere with time. There are some telltale signs it's time for you to change or reset your lock.
Even though lock replacement is more complex than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are a few of the top reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving to a brand new home
The locks on your door are an essential part of your home security. It's easy for burglars gain access to damaged locks. You need to know the signs that it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea when you move into a new house and you want to change the locks. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous residents may have entered your home without your permission.
The installation of replacing a upvc door lock new lock is a simple procedure. First, you'll need take off the lock you have already installed. You can take out the screws holding the handle or knob in place with a screwdriver. Then, utilize a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the handle/knob as well as the latch. After you've marked the positions, drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of your lock.
Once the holes are drilled then you need to install the new lock. It is vital that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend around 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the doors and be strong enough to ensure it is secure.
It is also a good idea to have hinges replaced as they can be damaged from a sharp collision with the strike plate or lock. If the lock is hard to operate, it may be time to replace. It is recommended to have replacing a upvc door lock professional locksmith change your locks on your behalf and ensure that the job will be done correctly and quickly.
There are many other reasons to change your locks, like ending a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to tell who might have an unofficial copy of your key, so changing the locks is a good idea. It will also ensure that your family and belongings are safe.
2. You are having trouble opening the door.
A broken lock can be a major issue especially if it happens to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few steps you can follow to prevent the problem from getting worse and to be in a position to open the door as soon as you can.
First, ensure that your door lock isn't just misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening some screws to fix the issue. If this doesn't fix the problem, there may be an issue with the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Next, use the lubricant and check if it helps unlock the locking mechanism. The purpose of this is to allow the key to slide more easily in and out of the lock, so that it is able to be opened when necessary. This is a common solution for the majority of people, however it is crucial to be aware that if the issue persists, then there could be another issue and you'll need to consult locksmith.
Finally, if your door lock is more than a decade, it's probably time for a replacement locking mechanism for upvc doors. Door locks aren't made to last for the lifetime of the door. Even the top quality door locks have to be changed at some point.
To change your lock, you will need to remove the lock that you currently have. After removing the existing lock, you'll need measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the new lock will be able to fit. For instance Cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to note that if your door frame has been damaged in any way, you will need to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock will need to be anchored into the frame with a latch plate or strike plate as well as a deadbolt, which are all available as separate items.
3. You're worried about a break-in
A burglary can cause you to be concerned about the security of your home. If the perpetrators have left marks on your door frame (crowbar marks) or it is obvious that they were in the house (smoothed out wood around the lock, broken lock knob) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure they are as secure and safe as they can be.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's impossible to determine if someone else has copies. People with keys are responsible for 6-7% of all illicit entry. Changing your locks is an effective preventative measure.
Another sign that you should replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be stuck or difficult to open. This could indicate that the mechanism within has been damaged by tampering, or simply age-related wear. It makes it more vulnerable to damage.
You should consider installing a keyless lock if you are experiencing any of these problems. These locks eliminate the necessity for keys and can be programmed to permit access only for contractors or pet-sitters. You can also purchase door locks that have a keypad. This lets you access your home without touching anything.
A new lock isn't only about security and safety It can also be a method to update the look of your home. Depending on the design of your door, you'll choose locks that match it perfectly.
Contact an expert locksmith in your area when you are ready make a switch. They can help you select the best lock for your needs and install it swiftly. Make sure you measure your door prior to calling a professional locksmith. The door's thickness is vital to ensure that the replacement lock fits properly. If your door is more thick, you may need a lock that's custom-made to fit snugly. The best place to start is by placing a wood shim directly against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Then, slide the screwdriver's tip into the slot and then turn upwards, bringing the shim up. This will release the latches and screws that keep the knobs in position, allowing them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY skill, especially when you move frequently or you are a landlord that requires replacement patio door lock locks for tenants. You can replace a door lock in just a few hours when you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea even when you are a trusted and reliable friend of the previous tenants or homeowners. After all, you never know how many people might have a copy of the keys that were previously used which includes friends, family members, contractors, and babysitters. In fact, 67 percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have keys to your home.
Before you start, ensure you purchase a lock replacement that's compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. Depending on the design of your door, you can select deadbolt locks or doorknob lock. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Begin by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Then, remove the screws that hold the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws remove the latchplate and the two screws that secure the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.
Utilizing the template included with the lock set, mark the location of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the front of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that protrudes from the knob's exterior) must pass through the latch without difficulty. Attach the handle/knob to the interior using the screws supplied. Install the lock cylinder in the interior latch. Make sure that it is aligned correctly and that the key is working with the lock.
Then, attach the deadbolt and strike plate using the screws included in the lock replacement set to secure them into place. Check your new lock when you're done to make sure it's functioning properly and that the interior knob slides over the pins easily. Then, put everything back together in reverse order.