How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock

Door locks are your home's most important security component. It's time to replace your door locks if they get worn out or damaged.

It can also be a great way to update your home decor, or to provide a sense of security following a divorce or an unmarried family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a new door lock.

Replacement vs. Rekeying

The option of changing your locks is a method to increase the security of your home. There are pros and cons to replacing versus rekeying a lock however, so it's important to weigh your choices carefully.

Rekeying is a better alternative if you don't wish to replace your entire lockset. It's a faster and less expensive process than replacing completely your locks, as it only involves changing the internal key pins within the cylinder, rather than swapping out the whole lock. Rekeying locks can make them function with a different set of keys. This will nullify the previous keys and make it harder for anyone to gain access into your home or office.

This is a popular choice for homeowners who want to make sure that previous owners or anyone with a duplicate key cannot enter the home without being caught. It is also beneficial to those who are concerned about a suspicious office employee, as they could use it to stop them from accessing sensitive information or areas of the building.

However, rekeying only gives replace window locks Links to an external site. . Rekeying does not do much to deter people from physically forcing their way into an apartment however it doesn't stop them from trying to force their entry anyway. If you are concerned about this, consider upgrading your locks to a deadbolt instead of simply changing their keys.

Another reason you may want to think about changing your locks is if you've had them stolen. It's a regular occurrence for businesses, and it's imperative to act swiftly in the event of a theft. By rekeying your locks you'll be able stop those who stole them from gaining access to sensitive areas of the company, and it will also give you the chance to file a police report in case there is a problem.

The best reason to change your locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. It can be something as simple as a bolt that is stuck or a handle broken and cannot function. It could also be an excellent idea to swap your locks if they're constructed of low quality hardware that's easily tampered with like a lever or door knob with spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed using a credit card.

Measure Your Door

You must first know the dimensions of your door before you can select the lock. You can determine these dimensions using a tape and a pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length measurement is inaccurate and will give you the incorrect measurements. Measure the width of the opening from the top, middle and bottom. Do not include the frame. You can also measure the height from floor to threshold (for doors that are inside) or to the top of the inner part of the frame.

If your door has been drilled to accommodate a mortise lock you'll need a few extra measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. The most commonly used backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need the depth of your hole inside the door once you've decided on the location of your deadbolt. This is measured between the edges of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole in new installations or from the bottom to the top of a lock strike for openings that are already in place.

Then, you'll have to decide whether your new door will be in-swing or out-swing. This is important because some locks require specific installation methods based on swing direction.

It's time to go shopping for a replacement lock now that you've got all your measurements! Keep all your measurements in a safe spot and bring them along when you go to pick a lock. This will help you find the perfect lock for your door and ensure that it looks great. Have fun shopping and best of luck! Contact us if you have any concerns! We are always happy to help! We're open from Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. We can also be reached via Facebook or Twitter. We hope to hear from you soon!

Find the Right Lock

You'll have to choose the right lock for your house. The best locks will be high-graded, and they will deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are regarded as the toughest and are recommended for front door.

The best place to start is the manufacturer's website. Most manufacturers will provide full instructions for installation as well as a customer support hotline. They will also give you suggestions on how to put the product inside your home. This will help you decide whether it is something you can do on your own or if a professional would be needed.


It is important to make sure you have the correct dimension of the keyhole to install the new lock. If the keyhole is too small it will have to be increased or you may want to consider a different lock style. You'll also need to think about the thickness of your door as not all deadbolts are suitable for all doors. They are usually classified as 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches but you'll need find a deadbolt that is suitable for your door.

The lock's materials are important to consider. You don't have to purchase a cheap lock because it could be easy for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Choose a lock that has the highest rating from BHMA.

You may need to check the security rating on the knob and lever on your door in case you have a more recent door to ensure that they meet your requirements. This is particularly true if there are children in the house, or if previous owners may still have the keys.

Replacing your locks is a relatively easy DIY project. You can change your locks within an hour using the proper tools. It's also a great method to improve the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. You can also rest assured that your family and you are safe.

Install the Lock

Your Burlington, MA home is where you keep your most precious possessions. If it's your family, pets, or other possessions, you need to be confident that they're safe. If your lock isn't working properly, it's likely time to replace it.

It's more expensive to replace your lock than rekey it however, you have the added benefit of locking your door in the frame. A deadbolt is impossible to pick or pull and the length of the bolt makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry using a wrench. Contact a locksmith in case you're not sure which kind of lock is the best for your door.

Before installing your new lock, you'll have to take the old lock out of the door. First, remove the interior screws that secure the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Next, use a screw driver to pry the two halves of the lock apart. You can then take the old latch and knob from the door.

When installing your new door lock, ensure that you install it correctly. The latch should be positioned within the latch plate and should have a tapered edge that can be inserted into the hole that houses the locking mechanism. Make sure that the screw holes are aligned on the side of your door to align the deadbolt and latch with the rods that receive them. This will allow screws to be threaded correctly and prevent them from becoming loose over time.

If you're using the same lock, you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Check them against the new lock, and if you find that they're not compatible you can purchase replacements.

Install the lock after you've installed the new hardware. Start by putting the deadbolt in its correct location. When you do this be sure to pay attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will assist you in locating it on the right side of the door. Then make use of the long screws included in the lock to join the plates on the exterior and interior.