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How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock The door lock is the most crucial element of your home's security. If they get worn out or become compromised it's the right time to replace them. The change of locks can be an effective way to update your home decor or give you a new sense of security following divorce or blended family. Learn the basics of installing a new door lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying Rekeying your locks can enhance the security of your home. There are pros and cons to replacing locks versus rekeying them, though, so it's crucial to consider your choices carefully. Rekeying is a better option if you don't need to replace the entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper process than completely replacing your locks since it is only changing the key pins inside the cylinder, and not replacing the entire lock. Rekeying RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can cause them to work with a different set of keys, nullifying the previous ones, making it more difficult for those with access to enter your home or business. This is a popular choice for new homeowners, who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone who has a duplicate key can't enter the home without being spotted. It's also a good option for those who are concerned 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 a few security benefits. Rekeying isn't enough to stop people from physically forcing themselves into an apartment but it won't hinder them from attempting to force their entry regardless. If you're concerned about this, consider switching to a deadbolt, instead of rekeying the existing locks. Another reason you may want to think about changing your locks is when you've had them stolen. This is a frequent event for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly when this happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able to prevent those who have stolen them from accessing sensitive areas within the company, and it will also help you have the chance to file a police report in case something does go wrong. The most ideal reason to replace locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It could be as simple as a bolt that is stuck or a handle that is broken and won't work. It could also be an excellent idea to swap out your locks if they're made from poor quality hardware that can be easily altered like a lever or door knob with spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed using a credit card. Take a look at your door Before you can choose a lock, you'll need to know what dimensions you're working with. You can determine these dimensions using an instrument like a tape or pen. The measurements you take using your fingers or arm's length aren't accurate. The measurement should be taken of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Be sure to not include the frame. You can also measure from the floor to the threshold (for the door that is inside) or the top of the frame. If your door is already drilled for a mortise locking system you'll need to measure the backset. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most commonly used backsets (or 44mm and 57mm) are 1” & 2”. Once you've decided the location of your deadbolt, you'll need to know the depth of the hole in the door that is measured from the top of the door to the centerline of the latch's actuating hole in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the strike in existing openings. You'll also have to decide if your new door will be in-swinging or out-swinging. This is important because certain locks require special installation procedures dependent on the direction of the swing. It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you have all your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a secure place and bring them along when you go to pick the lock. This will allow you to get the perfect fit for your door and ensure it looks fantastic. Best of luck and have fun shopping! Contact us if you have any concerns! We're always ready to assist! We're open Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also contact us on Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Find the Right Lock You'll want to choose the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks are high-quality, and can deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the most durable and are recommended for front doors. A good starting point is to visit the website of the manufacturer. Most manufactures will offer full installation instructions and also have hotlines for customer support. They'll also give you suggestions on how to install their products in the door you have chosen. This will aid you in deciding whether it is something you can do yourself or if a professional will be required. If you're installing an entirely new lock, it is important that you choose the right size keyhole. If the keyhole is too small it will need to be expanded or you may need to think about an alternative lock style. Also, you'll need to think about the thickness of your door as there aren't all deadbolts that fit all doors. They typically are with ratings of 2 3/8 inches or 2 ¾ inches, but should your door be thicker or thinner you'll need to find one that will fit properly. Another aspect to be aware of is the material that are used in the lock. You don't have to purchase an inexpensive lock as it could be easy for burglars to break into your Burlington home. Look for locks that are rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and has the highest quality rating. If you own a newer door, you might want to check the security ratings on the lever and knob to ensure that they are up to your standards. This is particularly true for families with children living in the home or the previous owners have keys to your home. Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. You can replace your locks within an hour using the appropriate tools. It's also a great way to improve the appearance of your home without costing you a fortune. You'll also be able to feel secure knowing that your family and belongings are safe. Install the Lock Your door is the entry to your Burlington, MA, home where you will keep the things that are most valuable to you. You want to protect your family, pets or possessions. If your lock isn't working properly, it's probably time to replace it. It's more expensive to replace your lock than to replace it and you also get the added benefit of locking your door into the frame. A thief can't pull or pick deadbolts, and a longer bolt makes it more difficult to gain purchase with the wrench. Get help from a locksmith if you aren't sure what kind of lock is the best for your door. Before installing your new lock, you'll need to remove the lock you have already installed from the door. First, remove the screws that connect the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then, using a screwdriver, remove the two locks halves. You can then remove the old latch and knob from the door. Install your new door lock properly. The latch should be positioned within the latch plate, and it should have an edge that is tapered and is able to fit into the hole for the locking mechanism. Make sure to align the holes for screws to the deadbolt and latch on the inside of the door with the rods that receive the latch on the outside of the door. This will allow screws to be threaded into place correctly and will prevent them from loosening over time. If you're using the same lock you can leave the latch and strike plate in place. Check them against the new lock and if you discover that they don't fit then purchase replacements. Install the lock once you've installed the new hardware. Start by placing the deadbolt cylinder in its proper spot. When doing so, pay special attention to the “up” mark on the deadbolt. This will aid you in remembering to place it on the right-hand side of the door. Then, use the long screws included with the lock to attach the interior and exterior plates.