Essential Door Lock Replacement Tips for Home Security

The front door is where your home’s security starts, and strong locks are necessary to keep your family and goods safe. To save time and money and keep your home safe, follow the proper door lock replacement tips.

Rekey Xpress is a company that specializes in expert locksmith services that keep your home safe and easy to get to. Their trained technicians are ready around the clock to help you with any lock replacement or rekeying issues you may have.

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When You Need to Change Your Locks

When you move into a new house, the previous owners or tenants may still have copies of the keys.

After someone broke in: Locks that have been broken need to be replaced right away.

Keys that are lost or stolen: Anyone who discovers them could get into your home.

Locks that are worn out: Locks that are old are less safe and difficult to use.

Changes in relationships: You might need new locks if you get divorced or move in with someone else.

Upgrades for security: Newer locks are more secure than older ones.

If you live in or near Montgomery and need professional help, a trusted Montgomery Locksmith may look at your present security situation and provide the best solutions for your needs.

Important Steps to Take Before Starting

Take the right measurements of your door

When choosing new locks, it’s important to know the specifications of your door. You need to measure the door’s thickness, the backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the lock hole), and the cross bore diameter. Most doors in homes have a conventional backset of 2-3/8 inches, but doors in businesses generally need 2-3/4 inches.

Want help picking the right lock? Rekey Xpress will give you free advice on how to pick the best locks for your home’s security needs!

Pick the Right Type of Lock

There are many different types of locks on the market, each with its own level of security and features:

Deadbolts: They are the best way to keep outside doors safe.

Knob locks: Good for inside doors, but not good enough for outside doors by themselves.

Smart locks: They let you enter without a key and access things from afar.

Lever handle locks: These locks are easier for those with mobility problems to use.

Mortise locks: These are heavy-duty locks that are often used in businesses.

Think about your lifestyle, budget, and how safe your area needs to be when you are planning a home security lock upgrade.

How to Change Door Locks

To learn how to change door locks correctly, you need to know both the tools you’ll need and the steps to follow. Many homeowners can do this project on their own, but it’s also crucial to know when to bring in a pro.

What You’ll Need

Before you start putting in your lock, make sure you have these important tools:

Set of screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)

A tape measure

Use the right bits for the drill

Hammer and chisel

Pencil for writing and safety glasses

Step-by-step instructions for installing a door lock

Following a full door lock installation guide will make sure that your new locks work correctly and keep you as safe as possible. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Remove the old lock

First, remove the screws that hold the lock mechanism together on the inside. Be careful when you take out the outer hardware and lock cylinder.

Step 2: Make the door ready

Remove any trash or old strike plate material from the lock region and clean it well. If your new lock is a different size, you may need to make new holes or adjust the size of the ones that are currently there. This step is very crucial for replacing locks safely and to make sure that the locks are aligned correctly.

Step 3: Install the new lock

Put the replacement lock cylinder in from the outside so that it lines up with the door’s edge. Use the screws that come with it to attach the mounting plate to the interior. Don’t make it too tight; otherwise, the lock will become jammed.

Step 4: Put in the strike plate

The lock bolt goes into the strike plate when the door closes. Put it on the door frame so that the bolts can be easily put in place. It is safer to use 3″ screws that go all the way to the wall studs.

Step 5: Make sure everything works.

Make sure the lock works from both sides before you finish. T The key should turn effortlessly, the bolt should go in and out without any difficulty, and the door should fit snugly.

Installation by professionals vs. doing it yourself

Businesses that deal with security protocols need to have professionals install and design specialized services like a car dealership key management system to make sure that all access points are properly guarded and recorded.

If you live in Texas and need a full range of locksmith services, residential rekey locksmith services in Conroe, TX can help homeowners improve their security without having to buy all new locks and keys.

Serious mistakes that put security at risk

Using screws that are short: Long screws that reach wall studs are needed for strike plates.

Not lined up correctly: Locks that aren’t lined up properly wear out rapidly and can break.

Screws that are too tight: This can bend the lock mechanism and make it stick.

Not paying attention to door gaps: Spaces surrounding the door frame make the lock less effective.

Putting together elements that don’t work together: Always utilize parts from the same company.

Not completing tests: Before you finish the installation, make sure to test the locks thoroughly.

When to Call a Professional Locksmith

Sometimes you need a professional to help you keep things secure and running smoothly. Knowing when you need help might help you save money and keep your information safe.

Most of the time, you need a professional to install complex lock systems, smart lock integration, master key systems, and high-security locks. Also, if you don’t have the right tools or don’t feel comfortable utilizing power tools, contacting a professional locksmith will make sure the task is done right the first time.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. How long does it take to switch out a door lock?

For skilled DIYers, replacing a conventional lock usually takes 15 to 30 minutes per door. Professionals can accomplish it in 10 to 15 minutes.

Q2. Is it possible to rekey my locks instead of getting new ones?

Yes, rekeying is usually cheaper than replacing locks if they are still in good shape and you just want to change who can get in.

Q3. What makes a deadbolt different from a standard lock?

Deadbolts are more secure than standard locks because they have a solid metal bolt that goes deep into the door frame. Standard locks have spring-loaded latches that can be readily forced.

Q4. Do all of my outside doors need to use the same key?

Yes, making all of your outside locks the same makes things easier without putting your safety at risk.

Q5. How often should I change the locks on my doors?

Under normal circumstances, you should change your locks every 7 to 10 years. If you have a security event like a break-in, losing your keys, or moving into a new property, you should do it right away

Important Advice Before Changing Home Door Locks