A Homeowner’s Guide To Door Lock Replacement

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As the old saying goes, there’s no place like home. It’s where your heart is, so make sure to keep it protected at all times. But how?

Installing a door lock is a simple yet effective way to protect your home and belongings. This will be your home’s first line of defense against trespassers, intruders, and burglars.

But don’t be complacent just because all your doors are equipped with door locks. Did you know that it only takes a few good kicks or a few minutes of drilling to break through them? That’s why you should always pay attention to your door locks.

Also, there will come a time when you have to replace your door locks, especially if they’re too old, rusty, and worn out. By doing so, you’ll be able to maintain the security of your home and keep unwanted guests at bay.

What Are The Types Of Door Locks?

This post will discuss the different types of door locks. You may use this guide as a reference when you need to change your home locks someday.

  • Conventional Dead Bolts

Dead bolts are old-fashioned door locks with single- or double-cylinder locks above a keyhole. They’re typically paired with a separate key-in knob.

According to Locksmith Plus Inc. In Tacoma WA, conventional dead bolts are budget-friendly and provide better security than most knob locks alone. However, they’re vulnerable to damage during burglar attacks and break-ins. So, make sure to choose a higher grade when buying a lockset.

  • Handle Sets

Also known as exterior door locksets, this type of door lock includes a lever or a knob on the interior and a handle on the exterior.

Handle sets come in different styles that can help improve your home’s appearance, particularly your door. But sometimes, bolts can be disconnected, making it difficult to open the door, especially during emergencies.

  • Privacy Locksets

Also known as key-in-knob locks, this type of door lock works well with a dead bolt. It’s often used to prevent accidental entry into interior rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Privacy locksets can be locked and unlocked with a key or a push of a button. Like handle sets, they come in different styles for interior doors. However, they’re not made for exterior doors—they don’t stand a chance against forced entries.

  • Smart Locks

Smart locks, also known as automatic door locks, are the most advanced type. They don’t require a key but a passcode, a keycard, or a smartphone application. Also, they come with special functions such as virtual keys and entry logs.

Smart locks offer flexibility and convenience that other types of door locks can’t match. However, they’re frighteningly expensive and might require extra hardware.

When Should You Replace Your Door Locks?

Consider replacing your home locks when:

  • Remodeling Your Home

If you’re planning to remodel your home, replacing old and cranky doors might be necessary to improve the security and aesthetic appeal of your home. If that’s the case, you might want to consider replacing your door locks as well.

Changing your locks during home remodeling can help improve the security of your home, especially when upgrading door locks. For example, choosing a smart lock instead of a traditional lockset is much better in terms of added security and built-in features.

  • Done Conducting A Security Audit

When conducting an audit, it’s important to check all doors and their locking systems, especially your exterior doors. Make sure they’re easy to lock and unlock; otherwise, replace them as soon as possible.

Also, choose high-grade door locks to ensure optimum home security. You’ll never know when danger will come, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

  • Buying A New Home

When you buy a new home, the previous owner must surrender all their keys to you. However, you can never be sure whether they have copies of those keys. That’s why changing door locks is a must when purchasing a new property.

  • Someone Attempted To Break-In

When someone attempts to break in, there’s a chance that your door locks have been broken or worn out as well. This situation calls for an immediate replacement. If possible, change all the locks inside and outside your home.

If a burglar has entered through your window, they’ve probably stolen your keys to make it easy for them to break through your security next time.

  • You Lost Your Keys

When you lose your keys, other people who picked them up on the street might be able to use them against you. Not just that, but you’ll also end up getting locked up outside your home. So, you don’t have a choice but to replace your door locks, whether you have copies of missing keys.

In this way, you don’t have to worry about unwanted guests entering your home in the future.

Improving The Security Of Your Home

If you face any of the scenarios above, take action and replace all the affected locks as soon as possible. The sooner you do it, the better.

Aside from changing your door locks, you can improve the security of your home with the help of these practices:

  • Hire An Expert Locksmith: Changing home locks is best left to the pros. Expert locksmiths know what to do to ensure and maintain home security.
  • Use Advanced Locking Systems: Conventional lock-and-key systems are easy to break. Therefore, it’d be better to choose smart locks or keyless locks.
  • Install Surveillance Cameras: Door locks aren’t enough to protect your home from intruders and trespassers. You might want to consider installing surveillance cameras in different areas of your home.
  • Don’t Leave Your Keys Anywhere: Leaving keys underneath the doormat outside the front door has been common for many homeowners, so expect burglars to know this. It’s best to bring your keys with you whenever you go outside.

Final Words

Replacing home locks is one of the most effective ways to boost and maintain your home’s security. If you’re new to this topic, reading this guide might help you a lot. Better yet, hire a professional locksmith to keep your home secure and protected inside and outside.

A Homeowner’s Guide To Door Lock Replacement was last modified: by