When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are designed to keep your family and possessions safe but, over time, they'll wear down or be altered. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time for you to change or change the key on your lock.
Although lock replacement is more involved than rekeying, it could be done at home. Here are a few of the most compelling reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into a brand new home
The locks on your door are a crucial aspect of the security of your home. If they're damaged, it can be easy for burglars to gain access. It is important to recognize the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.
It is a good idea when you move to a new home and you want to change the locks. This will ensure that you're the only person with keys and make it impossible to suspect unauthorized entry by previous residents.
Installing a new lock is a straightforward procedure. First, you will need to remove the old lock. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the knob or handle in place. Next, utilize a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the knob/handle and latch. Once you've identified the positions, you can drill the face hole according to the lock specifications.
After the holes have been drilled then you need to install the new lock. It is crucial that the deadbolt, strike plates and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch past the edge of the door and should be strong enough to lock the door.
A hard impact on the strike plate or lock can easily damage the hinges. If the lock is hard to operate, it may be time to replace. It is best to have a professional locksmith replace your locks for you, as this will guarantee that the job is done correctly and quickly.
There are many other reasons to replace your locks, for instance ending a roommate or rental agreement. It's impossible to tell who might have copies of your keys, so changing the locks is a wise precaution. This will ensure the safety of your household and belongings.
2. You are having difficulty opening the door
A broken lock can be a nightmare particularly when it occurs to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few easy steps you can follow to prevent the problem from becoming worse and to be able to open the door as soon as you are able to.
The first step is to check your door lock and ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. If this is the case, it could be as simple as tightening a few of the screws. If this does not fix the issue, there could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Next, try applying an oil-based lubricant to see if this will help to remove the lock. This will help the keys slide in and out of the locks more easily, which allows them to be opened. This is generally an effective solution for most people, but it is crucial to be aware that if the issue persists, it may be some other issue and you'll have to consult an expert locksmith.
If your door lock is older than 10 years it is time to consider replacing lock in upvc door it. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire lifetime of a door, and even the best upvc door lock replacements locks will typically require replacement at some point.
In order to replace your lock, you'll have to remove the existing lock from your door. After that it's crucial to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that you can find a lock that will fit properly. For instance Cylinder locks come in a variety of shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to remember that if the frame of your door has been damaged in any way, you'll need to replace the entire door. This is because the new lock will need to be secured to the frame with plates for latching or strike plate and deadbolt, which are all available as separate items.
3. You're worried about a burglary
A burglary can cause you to be concerned about the security of your house. If the perpetrators left their mark on the replacing upvc door lock frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they were in the house (smoothed out the wood around your lock, broken lock knob), then you should replace your locks to ensure they are as secure and safe as possible.
Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's impossible to find out if anyone else has a copy. 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by those who have keys and therefore changing locks is a great preventative measure.
If the knobs are clogged or difficult to open, this is another indication that your locks require to be replaced. This could indicate that the mechanism within has been damaged by manipulation, or simply due to wear and tear from age. It leaves it vulnerable to damage.
You should consider installing a keyless lock if you are experiencing any of these issues. These eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors or pet sitters who require access. You can also buy door locks with keypads. This allows you to access your home without touching anything.
The purchase of a new lock isn't only about security and safety it could also be a means to update the look of your home. Depending on the design of your door, you'll find locks that complement it perfectly.
Contact a locksmith in your neighborhood in case you are ready to switch locks. They can assist you in selecting the best lock and then install it quickly. Be sure to measure the door before you call an expert locksmith. It is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure that the replacement locks for patio doors lock will fit correctly. If your door is thicker then you might require a lock that is custom-made to fit snugly. Start by placing a wooden shim against the door with the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Then, slide the tip of a screwdriver into the slot and twist and pull the shim upwards. This will let the latch open and the screws that hold the knobs in place and allow you to remove them.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's easy to upgrade your door lock and improve the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY option, especially if your move frequently or you are a landlord that needs to replace locks on tenants. You can change a door lock in just a few hours if you know the steps.
Installing new locks is a good idea in the case that you trust and know the previous tenants or homeowners. In the end, you don't know how many people could have copies of the keys that were previously used that include friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In fact, those who have keys to your home are responsible for a minimum of 67% of all unlawful entries.
Be sure to purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. Depending on the design of your door, you can select a deadbolt lock or a doorknob lock. Once you've received your new lock, follow these steps to install it:
Start by removing both knobs that were previously attached to the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate on the edge of the front door. After removing the screws remove the latchplate and the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the door jamb.
Using the template that comes with your lock set, mark the positions of the interior handle/knob and the latch on the face of the door. The spindle (the metal piece that extends from the exterior knob) should slide through the latch smoothly. Attach the knob or handle to the inside using the screws provided, and then insert the lock cylinder into your interior latch, ensuring that it aligns correctly and operates with the key.
Then, attach the strike plates and deadbolt plate with the screws that come with your upvc replacement door locks lock set to secure them into their place. Check your new lock when you're done to ensure it's functioning properly and that the interior knob is able to slide over the pins. Afterward, put everything back in reverse order and you're done!