Door locks help keep your belongings and family members secure however, over time they'll wear down or be altered. There are some telltale signs that it's time to think about changing or rekeying your lock.
Although replacing locks is more complex than rekeying it can be done at home. Here are a few of the top reasons to consider it:
1. You're moving into a brand new home
The locks on your doors are a vital aspect of the security of your home. If they're damaged or broken it's easy for burglars to gain entry. This is why you need to know when it's the right time to purchase an upgrade.
If you're 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 will eliminate any suspicion that previous owners might have entered your house without your permission.
Installing a new lock is a straightforward procedure. First, you'll need to remove the existing lock. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that hold the handle or knob in place. Use the template that comes with the new lock to mark the position of the handle/knob, and latch. After you've marked the positions, drill the face hole in accordance with the specifications of the lock.
Install the new lock after the holes have been drilled. It is essential that the deadbolt, strike plate and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the door, and should be tight enough to ensure the door is secured.
A hard blow to the strike plate or lock can cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, then it could be a sign that it's time to get a replacement locking mechanism for upvc doors. It is recommended to let a professional locksmith change the locks for you. This will ensure that the job is done quickly and properly.
There are numerous other reasons to change your locks, such as ending a lease or roommate agreement. It's impossible to know who may have copies of your keys thus changing the locks is a good idea. It also ensures that your family and belongings are secure.
2. You're 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 steps you can take to prevent the problem from getting worse and to be capable of opening the door as soon as you can.
First, ensure that your door lock isn't simply out of alignment. It could be as simple as tightening a few screws to fix the issue. If this doesn't solve the issue, it could be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock.
Then, apply an oil-based lubricant to check if it helps unstick the locking mechanism. This will help the key slide into and out of the locks more easily, allowing them to be opened. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, but it is important to keep in mind that if your issue persists, it may be some other issue at play, and you will need to speak with a locksmith.
If your door lock is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it. Door locks aren't made to last the life of the door. Even the most durable door locks must be changed at some point.
In order to replace lock on upvc door the lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have from your upvc door lock replacement. After that it's crucial to determine the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a lock that is suitable for your door. For example, cylinders come in different shapes that can accommodate various thicknesses of doors. You may also have to replace the entire door in the event that the frame of your door has been damaged. The new lock will require an strike plate and latch plate to be inserted inside the frame. These are available separately.
3. You're worried there will be an attack
The possibility of a burglary could shake your faith in the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their mark (crowbar marks on your door frame) or it's obvious that they've been inside (smoothed wood around the lock and broken knobs for locks) It is important to ensure your peace of mind by changing your locks and making sure they are as secure as possible.
Even if you are sure of the previous owners, there's no way to determine who else may have received a copy of the key. Keys are the reason why people have keys. for 67% of all illegal entry. It is recommended to change your locks as an effective way to prevent this from happening.
Another indication that you need to replace your locks is if the knobs appear to be squeezing or are difficult to open. This means that the internal mechanism of the lock is damaged due to tampering or just age-related wear and tear, leaving the lock vulnerable to failure and damage.
If you're having issues with any of these, consider installing a door lock that is keyless instead. They eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed with one-time access codes for contractors and pet sitters who require access. You can also buy door locks that come with keys. This allows you to get into the house without touching anything.
A new lock can improve the appearance of your home. It's not just about safety. There are locks that match the style of the door you have.
If you're looking to switch locks, talk to an experienced locksmith in your area. They can help you select the appropriate lock and install it swiftly. Make sure you measure your door prior to calling an expert locksmith. It is essential to measure the thickness of your door in order to ensure that the replacement lock will fit properly. If your door is thicker than average, you may need to get a custom-made lock that can be fitted securely. Begin by placing a wooden shim against the door, with the tapered edge against the slot of the lock. Place the tip of a screwdriver into the slot and then twist, pulling the shim up. This will release the latches and screws that hold the knobs in position, allowing them to be removed.
4. You're tired of the same old keys
It's simple to upgrade your door lock and increase the security of your home. It's also a great DIY skill to have, especially in the event that you frequently move or are a landlord who needs to replace locks for tenants. Learn the steps to replace a door lock and you'll be able do it yourself in just a couple of hours.
Even when you trust the previous tenants or homeowners it is recommended to be safe by installing new locks. You never know who may have the keys. This includes friends, family members contractors, babysitters, and contractors. In fact, 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by people with a key to your home.
Be sure to purchase an appropriate replacement lock that is compatible with the existing hardware and dimensions. You can pick between a deadbolt or knob lock based on the design of the door. Follow these steps to install your new lock:
Begin by removing both of the knobs that were previously attached to the door. Then, take out the screws that hold the latch plate to the door's edge. After removing the screws take off the latchplate as well as the two screws that hold the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb of the door.
The position of the handle/knob inside on the door using the template that came with your lock set. Ensure that the spindle (the long metal piece that sticks out of the exterior knob) is able to pass through the latch and operates smoothly. Attach the handle/knob to the interior using the screws supplied. Insert the lock cylinder into the latch in the interior. Check that it is correctly aligned and the key is compatible with the lock.
Finish by attaching the strike plates and deadbolt plate using the screws included with your new lock installed to secure them in the correct position. Once you've finished, test your new lock to ensure it operates properly and the interior knob slides easily over the pins. Afterward put it back together in reverse order and you're all set!