Keeping your home safe and secure is one of the most important things you can do for your family. One of the easiest ways to do this is by changing locks on your doors. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, lost your keys, or are simply concerned about security, changing your locks is a simple and effective way to keep your home safe.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing locks on your door.
Why Change Your Locks?
There are many reasons why you might want to change the locks on your doors. Here are just a few:
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- You’ve moved into a new home: When you move into a new home, it’s always a good idea to change the locks. You never know who might have a spare key to your home, so changing the locks will give you peace of mind.
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- Your keys have been lost or stolen: If you’ve lost your keys or had them stolen, it’s important to change your locks right away. You don’t want someone else to have access to your home.
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- You want to upgrade your security: If you’re concerned about the security of your home, changing your locks can help. You can upgrade to more secure locks or even install a smart lock system that allows you to monitor who enters your home.
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- You’ve had a break-in: If your home has been broken into, it’s important to change your locks right away. Even if the thief didn’t take your keys, they might have made copies while they were in your home.
Types of Locks
Before you can change your locks, you need to know what type of lock you have. Here are the most common types of locks:
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- Deadbolts: Deadbolts are one of the most popular types of locks. They are usually installed on the main entry doors of a home and offer a high level of security.
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- Knob locks: Knob locks are often used on interior doors, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. They are not as secure as deadbolts and can be easily picked.
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- Smart locks: Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular. They allow you to control who enters your home from your smartphone or tablet.
Tools You’ll Need
To change your locks, you’ll need a few tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
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- A screwdriver
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- A drill
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- A hole saw
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- Replacement locks
Steps to Changing Your Locks
Now that you know why you might want to change your locks and what tools you’ll need, it’s time to get started. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
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- Remove the old lock: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the old lock. Once the screws are removed, the lock should come off easily.
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- Measure the hole: Measure the size of the hole in your door. This will help you determine what size hole saw you’ll need.
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- Drill the new hole: Use a drill and a hole saw to drill a hole in your door. Make sure the hole is the right size for your new lock.
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- Install the new lock: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new lock. Make sure the lock is securely in place and the screws are tightened.
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- Test the new lock: Test the new lock to make sure it’s working properly.
