How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock Door locks are your home's most important security feature. It's time to replace your door locks when they get worn out or damaged. It can also be an excellent way to modernize your decor, or add a sense of security following a divorce or the birth of a blended family. Learn how to install a new lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying The change of locks can increase the security of your property. There are pros and cons to changing locks versus rekeying them however, so it is important to weigh your alternatives carefully. Generally speaking, rekeying is the better alternative for those not looking to change out their entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper procedure than replacing all of your locks, since it involves changing just the key pins inside the cylinder, rather than changing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks can cause them to operate with a brand new set of keys, which will obliterate the previous ones and making it harder for those who have access to enter your home or business. This is a common option for new homeowners who want to ensure that previous owners or anyone who has a duplicate key can't access the home without being spotted. This is also useful for those worried about a suspicious office worker, as they could use it to stop them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying can only give you limited security advantages. Rekeying isn't enough to discourage people from physically attempting to enter an apartment however it doesn't stop them if they manage to force their entry anyway. If you're concerned about this, you ought to think about switching to a deadbolt, instead of rekeying the locks. Rekeying locks could be required if your locks have been taken. This is a frequent issue for businesses and it is important to act fast if it happens. Rekeying your locks can stop thieves from having access to the sensitive areas of your business. It also makes it easier for you to make a police report in the event that there is a problem. The most effective reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can be something as simple as a bolt getting stuck or a handle broken and won't work. You may want to replace your locks if they are made of poor quality hardware that can be easily changed. For instance a lever or doorknob with spring loaded latches can be removed using credit card. Take a look at your door You must first determine the dimensions of your door before you can choose the lock. The best way to determine these is by using tape measure and pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you the incorrect measurements. First, determine the width of the door from the bottom to the middle to the top. Be sure not to include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for an interior door) or the top of the inner frame. If your door has already been drilled to accommodate a mortise lock you'll need a few 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 commonly used backsets (or 44mm and 57mm) are 1" and 2". You'll need to determine the depth of your hole inside the door after you've determined the location of your deadbolt. It is measured between the edge of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole for new installations or from the bottom to the top of a strike for openings that are already in place. You'll also have to decide whether your new door will be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is important because certain locks require special installation procedures dependent on the direction of the swing. It's time to shop for a new lock now that you have all your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a safe place and bring them with you when you decide to select a lock. This will allow you to find the perfect lock for your door and ensure it looks great. Good luck shopping and happy shopping! Contact us with any concerns! We're always ready to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. You can also contact us on Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Find the Lock that is Right for You You'll want to pick the best lock for your home. The top locks are of high-quality and provide a good security measure against potential thieves. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and recommended for front doors. The best starting point is the website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will provide complete installation instructions as well as customer support hotlines. They'll also give you suggestions on how to set up their products in your specific door. This will give you a good idea of whether or not this is a project you can do it yourself or if you'll require assistance from a professional. If you are installing an entirely new lock it is essential to have the correct keyhole size. If the hole isn't big enough it will need to be it expanded or search for a different type of lock. You will also need to consider the thickness of your doors and the type of deadbolt you choose, since not all deadbolts will work with all doors. They're typically measured at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but you'll need find a deadbolt that fits your door. Another aspect to be aware of is the materials that are used in the lock. You should not invest in a cheap lock that might be easy for a burglar to get into your Burlington, MA, home. Choose a lock that has the highest rating from BHMA. If you own a newer door, you might need to examine the security ratings of the lever and knob to ensure that they meet your requirements. This is especially true when you have children in the house or if the previous owners still have keys to your home. Replacing locks is an simple DIY project. You can replace your locks in less than an hour if you have the appropriate tools. This is a great way to update the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. You'll also be able rest assured that your possessions and family are protected. Install the Lock Your Burlington, MA home is the place where you store your most valuable belongings. It could be your family, pets, or your possessions, you want to be sure that they are secure. If a lock isn't doing its job then it's time to replace it. Replacing your lock can be more expensive than simply rekeying it however, it comes with the benefit of locking your door to the frame. A deadbolt is impossible to pick or pull and the larger bolt makes it harder for a thief to gain access using a wrench. If you're not certain which lock type will work best on your door, you might want to ask a professional locksmith for assistance. Before you install your new lock, you'll need take the old lock out of the door. First, loosen the screws that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Next utilize a screwdriver to pry the two halves of the lock apart. Then, you can remove the knob and latch from the door. Install your new door lock properly. The latch should fit into the opening in the latch plate and have a tapered edge that fits in the hole for the turning lock. Be sure to align the screw holes for the latch and deadbolt on the side of the door to the rods for receiving on the inside of the door. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and prevent them from loosening in time. If you're using the same lock as the previous one you might be able to leave the strike and latch plate in place. Compare them to the new lock and, if you discover that they're not compatible then purchase replacements. Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Start by putting the deadbolt in its correct place. While doing this be sure to 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, screw the inside and exterior plates together with the long screws that come with the new lock.