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When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock

Door locks help keep your possessions and family safe however, over time they'll wear down or be tampered with. There are some telltale signs it's time for you to replace or change the key on your lock.

Although replacing locks is more involved than rekeying it can be accomplished at home. Here are some main reasons to consider it:

1. You're moving into a new home

The locks on your door are an important part of your home's security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to damaged locks. You must be aware of the indicators that indicate it's time to replace your window.

If you are moving into a new residence It's recommended to get the locks changed. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of keys and eliminate any suspicion that previous owners could have entered your home without permission.

The installation of a new lock is a simple procedure. First, you'll need to remove the old lock. This can be done by using a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the handle or knob in place. Utilize the template supplied with the new lock to mark the locations of the handle/knob, and latch. Once you have identified the positions, you are able to drill the hole for the face according to the lock specifications.

Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is important to ensure that the deadbolt and strike plate fit well with the door frame. The bolt should extend about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door, and should be tight enough to secure the door.

It is also recommended to have hinges replaced as these can easily become damaged by a hard collision with the strike plate or lock. If the lock is hard to operate, it may be time to replace. It is recommended to let a professional locksmith change the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the task gets done quickly and correctly.

There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, such as ending a lease or roommate agreement. It is impossible to determine who might have a copy of your key and therefore changing your locks is a good idea. This will ensure the safety of your household and belongings.

2. You are having difficulty opening the door.

A broken lock can be an absolute nightmare. Especially when it occurs on the main entrance door. There are a few easy steps you can take to prevent the problem from getting worse and be capable of opening the door as soon as you can.

repairmywindowsanddoors is to check your door lock and ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It may be as easy as tightening a few screws in the event that this is the issue. It is important to remember that if this doesn't solve the problem then there's something wrong in the internal mechanics of the door lock.

Next, try using an oil-based lubricant to see if this will help to unstick the lock. The purpose of this is to help the key slide more easily into and out of the lock so that it can be opened if needed. This is generally an effective solution for most people, but it's important to keep in mind that if your issue continues to persist then there could be a different issue that is causing it and you'll need to consult locksmith.


In the end, if your door lock is more than a decade, it's probably time for a replacement. This is because door locks are not designed to last the entire life of a door, and even the most durable door locks will typically require replacement at some point.

In order to replace your lock, you'll have to remove the lock you have from your door. Once this is done it is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a lock that is a good fit. For instance, cylinders are available in a variety of shapes that can accommodate various thicknesses of doors. It is also possible to replace your entire door in the event that the frame of your door has been damaged. The new lock will require the latch plate and strike plate to be inserted into the frame. These are available separately.

3. You're worried about a break-in

A break-in can make you be concerned about the security of your home. If the perpetrators left their marks on your door's frame (crowbar marks) or it is evident that they are inside (smoothed out the wood around your lock knob, broken lock) It is recommended that you replace your locks to ensure that they are as safe and secure as you can.

Even if you trust the previous owners, there is no way to know who else could have had a copy of the key. 6-7percent of illegal entry is committed by those who have a key which is why changing locks is an effective preventative measure.

If the knobs are stuck or difficult to open, this is another sign that your locks need to be replaced. This indicates that the mechanism within has been damaged through manipulation, or simply due to wear and tear caused by age. It makes it more vulnerable to damage.

If you're having any of these issues think about installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time entry codes for contractors or pet sitters that require access. You can also get doors that have keys that allow you to enter the premises without touching anything.

Getting a new lock isn't only about security and safety it could also be a way to improve the appearance of your home. You can find locks that match the design of your door.

Speak to a locksmith in your area when you are ready change locks. They can help you choose the appropriate lock and then install it quickly. Before you call a locksmith, be sure to measure your door. The thickness of the door is vital to ensure that the replacement lock fits properly. If your door is larger it may require a lock that is custom-made to fit snugly. Begin by placing an shim made of wood on the door, with the tapered edge positioned against the slot of the lock. Slide the tip of the screwdriver into the slot and then turn, pulling up the shim. This will open the latches and screws that keep the knobs in position which allows them to be removed.

4. You're tired of the same old keys

Replacing the door lock is a simple upgrade that will increase the security of your home. This is an excellent DIY skill, especially if your move frequently or you are a landlord who requires replacement locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace a door lock and you'll be able do it yourself in a couple of hours.

Installing new locks is a good idea even in the case that you trust and know the previous homeowners or tenants. You never know how many people might have copies of your keys that were previously used, including relatives, friends contractors, babysitters, and even contractors. In fact those with keys to your home are responsible for 6-7 percent of all illegal entries.

Before you begin, be sure to purchase a replacement lock that's compatible with the existing hardware and measurements. You can select between a deadbolt or a knob lock depending on the style of your door. 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. Then, take out the screws that secure the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws take off the latchplate as well as the two screws that secure the strike plate or the deadbolt plate to the door jamb.

Utilizing the template included with your lock set, mark the positions of the handle/knob inside and the latch on the face of the door. Ensure that the spindle (the long piece of steel that is affixed to the knob's exterior) can pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the handle/knob to the interior using the screws supplied. Install the lock cylinder into the latch inside. Make sure that it is aligned correctly and that the key is compatible with the lock.

Attach the strike plates and deadbolt plates using the screws included in your new lock set. After you've completed, test your new lock to ensure that it functions correctly and that the knob inside can slide easily over the pins. Then put everything back together in reverse order, and you're good to go!

Member since: Thursday, November 28, 2024

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