When looking for added protection for the home, a security door lock can provide an extra sense of safeguarding once you are within the comforts of your residence. However, to make sure you are installing a level of security suitable for your household – you must select locksets that deliver decent construction. Always keep in mind that the typical lockset that works when a key is placed into a knob or one that relies on a handle will produce more room for error. These sorts of locks are also easier for a burglar to infiltrate.
If it's enhanced security you want, installing a deadbolt that requires at least a one-inch throw is recommended. This kind of unit will extend a minimum of one inch beyond the edge of the door. Case-hardened steel is the typical material of choice. While do-it-yourself lock installation is a possibility, it is recommended to leave the job to a professional. Before hiring a reputable locksmith to install home security for your doors, you should become familiar with the different kinds of locks on the market.
Below you will find a brief explanation of door locks and hints regarding future door repair, which often become inevitable as a house undergoes changes the older it becomes:
Exterior Entry Locksets
This large, rectangular unit slides into what is called a mortise (the cavity carved into the edge of a door where the lock mechanism is placed).
Mortise Lockset
This single unit is created to accommodate the knob, lever (or grip handle), latch, and deadbolt in one complete package. Mortise sets usually possess a knob that interconnects with a security deadbolt. However, a locksmith will certainly help with the mounting of this lockset, as it typically presents tricky maneuvering.
Cylinder Lockset
With a rounded body, this particular lockset is designed to fit into the intersecting holes bored into a door. A deadbolt bar is also installed, which slides into a corresponding opening in the doorjamb, which serves as the main source of security.
Double-Cylinder Deadbolt
When you wish to add protection to a door that has windows, a double-cylinder deadbolt is often recommended. This selection requires the use of a key that involves both sides of the door. To enhance the level of security, some homeowners opt for a knob, level, or grip handle to accompany the deadbolt.
Rim Locks
To choose a deadbolt independent of a doorknob, a rim lock is installed within the inside of a door where the bolt enters a corresponding sleeve that is fixed to the inside door frame. This selection is also referred to as a surface deadbolt.
Security Door Lock Repair
Over time and with the fluctuation in yearly temperatures, a house can settle – moving up and down depending on their surroundings. This proves rather dramatic to the way a latch or deadbolt will match up with the hole (or holes) placed in a doorframe. Some homeowners like to tackle this problem on their own by filing a larger hole.
The age of your doors and locks will also play an important role. Door knobs and handles installed after 1960 typically possess standardized hardware, making replacing a damaged unit much easier and less expensive. With doors installed before 1960, you may want to repair the hardware instead of install updated door locks, which is often the case regarding antique door repair. However, to incorporate an elevated sense of security with your locks – calling a professional is highly suggested.
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