How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock Door locks are your home's primary security feature. It's time to change your door locks if they wear out or become compromised. It can also be a great way to update your home decor, or to provide an element of security after divorce or an unmarried family. Learn how to install a replacement lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying The change of locks can increase the security of a property. There are pros and cons to replacing versus rekeying a lock, though, so it's important to weigh your choices carefully. In general, rekeying is the best option for those who are not looking to replace their entire lockset. It's a faster and less expensive procedure than replacing all of your locks, since it only involves changing the internal key pins within the cylinder, rather than swapping out the whole lock. Rekeying locks can make them operate with different keys. This will erase the old ones and make it difficult for anyone else to gain entry into your home or office. This is a popular option for homeowners who are new and want to ensure that previous owners or anyone else who has an original copy of the key isn't able to enter without being arrested. It's also a good option for those who are concerned about a suspicious employee in the office, since it can be used to block them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying offers limited security benefits. Rekeying does not do much to discourage people from physically forcing their way into an apartment but it won't hinder them from attempting to get in anyway. If you're concerned about this, think about upgrading to a deadbolt instead of rekeying your locks. Another scenario where 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 is important to act fast if it happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able to prevent the thieves from accessing sensitive areas within the company. It will also allow you to have the chance to file an investigation in the event that there is a problem. The most ideal reason to replace locks is when they are damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a bolt stuck that isn't moving or a broken handle that isn't opening. It is possible to replace your locks if you have low-quality hardware that is easily changed. For instance, a doorknob or lever with spring-loaded latches can be re-enforced with credit card. Take a look at your door Before you pick a lock, you'll need to know the dimensions you're working with. The best method to find these is to use tape measure and pencil or pen. The measurements you take using your fingers or an arm's length are inaccurate. Measure the width of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Be sure not to include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for interior door) or the top of the inner frame. If your door is predrilled for mortise locking, you will need to measure the backset. The backset is the distance that runs from the edge of the door to the center of the hole that was pre-drilled. The most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). Once you've determined the location you'd like your deadbolt to be, you'll need to know the depth of the hole inside 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. Finally, you'll need to determine if the door you want to install will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is important because some locks require a particular installation procedure based on the direction of swing. Now that you've got all of your measurements now is the time to start shopping for a new lock! Keep all of your measurements in a safe place and bring them along when you go to pick a lock. This will allow you to get the perfect fit for your door and ensure that it looks good. Good luck shopping and happy shopping! Contact us for any questions! We're always here to help! We're open Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 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 appropriate lock for your home. The most secure locks are top-quality and are a good protection against thieves who might be looking to steal your home. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and recommended for front doors. The best starting point is the manufacturer's website. Most manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions and have hotlines for customer support. They'll also give you guidelines on how to install the product on your door. This will aid you in deciding whether it is something you can do by yourself or if a professional would be needed. It is important to ensure that you have the right size of the keyhole to install the new lock. If the keyhole isn't big enough, it will need to be enlarged or you might want to consider a different lock style. You'll also have to consider the size of your door since there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They're usually measured at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches but you'll need find a deadbolt that will fit your door. The lock's materials are important to take into consideration. You don't want to invest in a cheap lock that might be easy for a burglar to get into your Burlington, MA, home. Find an item that is certified with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality. It is possible to verify the security rating on your door lever and knob when you have a recent door to make sure they meet your requirements. This is especially true if you have kids living in the home or the previous owners have keys to your home. Replacing locks is an simple DIY project. With the proper tools and a small amount of knowledge you can change your locks in just an hour. It's also a great option to freshen up the look of your home without breaking the bank. You'll also be able to be sure that your possessions and family are protected. Install the Lock Your Burlington, MA home is where you keep your most valuable belongings. You want to safeguard your family, pets, or items. If your lock isn't working, it's probably time to replace it. It's more expensive to replace your lock rather than rekey it however, you have the added benefit of locking your door into the frame. A deadbolt is difficult to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it more difficult for a thief to gain entry using a wrench. Ask a locksmith for help in case you're not sure which type of lock is best for your door. Before installing your new lock, you'll need to remove the existing one from the door. First, unscrew the screws inside that connect the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Then, using a screwdriver, remove the two lock halves. Then, you can remove the knob and latch from the door. When you install your new door lock, make sure you place it in the correct way. The latch should sit in the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered end that is able to fit into the hole that will be used for the turning lock. Make sure that the screw holes are aligned on the side of your door to align the deadbolt as well as the receiving rods. This will allow screws to be threaded properly and stop them from becoming loose in time. If you're using the same lock as the one you used previously you might be able to leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Place them next to the new lock and then compare to see if they match, you can purchase replacements that fit properly. Install the lock after having installed the new hardware. Begin by placing https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/stockport-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ in its correct place. Pay special 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, you can screw the interior and exterior plates together with the long screws that are included with the new lock.