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When It's Time For a Replacement Door Lock Door locks are designed to keep your family and belongings secure. However, they may get worn out or interfere with time. There are a few indicators that indicate it's time to replace or reset your lock. Even though replacing locks is more complex than rekeying it is possible to do it at home. Here are the top reasons why you should consider it: 1. You're moving into your new home The locks on your door are an essential element of your home security. It's easy for burglars to gain access to locks that are damaged. This is why you need to know when it's time for the replacement. If you are moving into a new home, then it is an ideal idea to have the locks changed. This will make sure that you are the sole owner of keys and will eliminate any suspicions that previous residents may have entered your home without permission. Installing a new lock is an easy process. First, you'll need to remove the old lock. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver in order to remove the screws that hold the knob or handle in place. Then, you can make use of a template supplied by the new lock set to mark the positions of the handle/knob as well as the latch. Once you've marked the positions, you can drill the face hole to conform to the specifications of your lock. Install the new lock after the holes have been made. It is essential that the deadbolt, strike plate, and door frame are all matched. The bolt should extend approximately ½ inch beyond the edge of the door and should be sufficiently tight to ensure the door is secured. A hard impact on a strike plate or lock can cause damage to the hinges. If the lock is difficult to operate, it may be time to replace. It is best to let an expert locksmith replace the locks on your behalf. This will ensure that the job gets done quickly and correctly. It is also possible to replace your locks if you've ended an agreement to rent or a roommate. It's impossible to know who may have an unofficial copy of your key and therefore changing your locks is a good idea. It will also ensure that your family and belongings are secure. 2. You are having trouble opening the door. A broken lock can be a nightmare, especially when it happens to one of your primary entry doors. There are a few easy steps you can take to prevent the issue from becoming worse and to be in a position to open the door as quickly as you can. The first step is to look at the door lock to ensure that it isn't simply misaligned. It could be as simple as tightening some screws in the event that this is the issue. If this doesn't fix the problem, there may be an issue with the internal mechanisms of the door lock. Then, apply the lubricant and test to see if it helps unstick the locking mechanism. This helps the key slide into and out of the locks more easily, making it possible for them to be opened. This is generally a good solution for the majority of people, however it is important to keep in mind that if your issue continues to persist then there could be another issue at play and you'll need to consult locksmith. If your door lock is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it. Door locks aren't made to last for the lifetime of the door. Even the top quality door locks need to be replaced at some point. To replace your lock, you must remove your existing lock. After that it is important to measure the thickness of your door to ensure you can find a lock that will fit properly. For instance, cylinder locks come in various shapes to fit various thicknesses of doors. It is also important to know that if the frame of your door has been damaged in some way, you'll have to replace the whole door. The new lock will require a latch plate and strike plate to be installed inside the frame. They are sold separately. 3. You're worried there will be an attack A burglary can cause you to doubt the security of your home. Whether the culprits left behind their mark (crowbar marks on the door frame) or it's evident that they've been inside (smoothed wood around the lock and a broken lock knob) It is important to give yourself renewed security by changing your locks and making sure they are as secure as you can. Even if you trusted the previous owners, it's difficult to determine if someone else has a copy. 6-7% of unlawful 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 a further indication that your locks need to be replaced. This is a sign that the mechanism inside is damaged due to the force of tampering or just age-related wear. It exposes it to being damaged. If you're having any of these issues you should consider installing a keyless door lock instead. These locks eliminate the need for keys and can be programmed to permit access only once for pet-sitters or contractors. There are also door locks that have a keypad, allowing you to open the door without touching anything. Getting a new lock isn't just about security and safety, it can also be a means to improve the appearance of your home. Depending on the style of your door, you'll find locks that will complement it perfectly. Talk to a locksmith in your neighborhood if you are ready to change locks. They can assist you in selecting the right lock and install it quickly. Be sure to measure the door prior to calling a professional locksmith. It is crucial to determine 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 require a custom lock that can be fitted securely. A good place to start is by placing a wood shim against the door and then putting it with the tapered edge facing the slot for the lock. Then, slide the tip of a screwdriver into the slot, then turn to pull the shim upwards. This will let the latch open and the screws that hold the knobs in place and allow you to remove them. 4. You're tired of the same old keys Replacing your door lock is an easy upgrade that will increase the security of your home. It's also a great DIY skill to have, especially when you move frequently or are a landlord who needs to change locks for tenants. You can change a door lock in just a few hours when you know the steps. Even if you know and trust the previous tenants or homeowners, it's best to protect yourself by installing new locks. In the end, you don't know how many people might have copies of your keys that were previously used, including family, friends, contractors, and babysitters. In reality, those who have a key to your house are responsible for a minimum of 67 percent of all illegal entries. Be sure to purchase a replacement lock compatible with the current hardware and dimensions. Based on the style of your door, you can pick a deadbolt lock or a doorknob lock. Once you've received your new lock, follow these steps to install it: Start by removing the old knobs on both sides of the door. Remove the screws that hold the latch plate to the edge of the front door. After that take off the latch plate as well as the two screws that secure the strike plate or deadbolt plate to the jamb. Using the template that comes with the lock set, mark the location of the knob/handle inside and the latch on the front of the door. Make sure that the spindle (the long piece of steel that sticks out of the exterior knob) can pass through the latch and operates it smoothly. Attach the interior handle/knob using the screws supplied. Install the lock cylinder into the latch inside. Check that it is properly aligned and that the key is compatible with the lock. Finish by attaching repairmywindowsanddoors and deadbolt plate with the screws that come with the lock replacement set to secure them into place. Test the new lock after you're done to ensure it's working as intended and that the knob inside slides over the pins easily. Then put everything back in reverse order and you're done!