How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock The door lock is the most vital part of your home's security. It's time to change your door locks if they get worn out or compromised. It can also be an excellent method to refresh your decor, or add the feeling of security that comes with a divorce or the birth of a blended family. Learn how to install a new lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of your property. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of replacing locks versus rekeying them. Generally speaking, rekeying is the better option for those not planning to replace their entire lockset. It's a less expensive and quicker process than replacing completely your locks, as it involves changing just the key pins inside the cylinder, and not changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks could make them function with new keys. This will erase the old keys and make it difficult for anyone to gain entry into your home or office. This is a popular option for homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key cannot enter the home without being caught. It's also useful for those who are worried about a rogue employee at the office, as it can be used to prevent them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying isn't a great idea, but it gives you limited security advantages. It's not enough to stop people from physically attempting to get into your home, and it does nothing to stop them if they do manage to force their way in anyway. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ concerned about this, you should consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt rather than simply changing the keys. Rekeying locks could be required when your locks have been taken. It's a common problem for businesses and it is important to act fast if it happens. Rekeying your locks will stop thieves from having access to the sensitive areas of your business. It also makes it easier to submit a police report if something goes wrong. The most ideal reason to replace locks is if they are damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt that is stuck or a handle that is broken that won't work. It's also an excellent idea to swap out your locks if they're constructed of cheap hardware that is easily altered like a door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed using a credit card. Measure Your Door You must first determine the dimensions of your door before you can select a lock. The best way to determine these is to use tape measure along with a pen or pencil. The measurements you get using your fingers or arm's length are not accurate. First, measure the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Don't include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for the door that is inside) or the top of the inner frame. If your door is predrilled for mortise locking, you will need to take some extra measurements. The backset is the distance that runs from the edge of the door to the center of the pre-drilled hole. The most popular backsets (or 44mm & 55mm) are 1" and 2". Once you've determined where you want your deadbolt, you'll need to know the depth of the hole in the door, which is measured from the edge of the door to the centerline of the latch actuating hole in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings. You'll also need to decide if your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is crucial since some locks require a certain installation method 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 in one place and bring them along when you visit the store to choose the lock. This will ensure that you have the perfect fit and your door is beautiful! Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us for any concerns! We're always here to assist! We're open Monday-Saturday from 10AM-6PM. You can also contact 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 most secure locks are top-quality and are a good deterrent to would-be thieves. Grade 1 locks are regarded as the toughest and are recommended for the front door. Start by visiting the official website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions as well as customer support hotlines available. They'll also give you suggestions on how to install their products in your particular door. This will give you an idea of whether this is a task you can handle yourself or if you'll need the assistance of a professional. If you're installing a new lock it is essential that you have the right size keyhole. If the hole is too small you'll have to have it enlarged or find a different type of lock. You will also need to take into consideration the thickness of your doors as not all deadbolts work with all doors. They are usually rated at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4, but you'll need find a deadbolt that is suitable for your door. Another thing to keep in mind is the materials that are used in the lock. You don't want to invest in a cheap lock that might be a simple target for thieves to break into your Burlington, MA, home. Find locks that are rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality. If you have a brand new door, you may need to look at the security ratings of your door knob and lever to ensure they meet your requirements. This is especially important for families with children living in the house, or if the previous owners have keys to your home. Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. You can replace your locks within an hour with the appropriate tools. This is a great way to improve the look of your house without breaking the bank. You'll also be able be sure that your possessions and family are protected. Install the Lock Your Burlington, MA home is the place where you store your most valuable possessions. Whether that's your family, pets or your possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If your lock isn't performing its job then it's time to replace it. It's more expensive to replace your lock than change the key however, you have the added benefit of locking your door in the frame. A thief can't pull or pick on a deadbolt and a larger bolt makes it harder to secure it using the wrench. If you're unsure of what type of lock will work best on your door, consider asking a professional locksmith for assistance. Remove the lock that was previously installed from the door before installing the new one. First, remove the screws that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then, use a screw driver to pull the two lock halves apart. You can then remove the old latch and knob from the door. When installing your new door lock ensure that you install it correctly. The latch should be set on the latch plate and should have a tapered edge that is able to fit into the hole for the locking mechanism. Make sure that you align the screw holes for the deadbolt and latch on the inside of the door with the rods for receiving on the inside of the door. This will allow the screws to thread into the correct position and prevent them from loosening over time. If you're using the same lock as the previous, you may be able to leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Bring them up to the new lock and compare the two locks. If they don't match, purchase replacements that will fit properly. Once you have the new hardware in place, it's time to install the lock. Start by putting the deadbolt in its correct place. Pay attention to the "up-mark" on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering to place it on the right side of the door. Then make use of the long screws provided in the lock to join the exterior and interior plates.