Lowes takes the security of your home as seriously as you do. With a wide range of locks in store you can secure your home well and with a Lowes Money Off Coupon from We Are Coupons you can do so for less. If you want to update the security of your home, you might be wondering how to change the lock on your front door. Thankfully, this article will show you how to change a lock on your front door, and maintain it properly. Read on to learn how to do this task yourself, or take a look at some tips and tricks. Then, you'll be all set to install a new exterior door lock in no time.
Installing a new exterior door lock
Fortunately, replacing an exterior door lock can be a relatively simple task. Generally, the process takes less than 15 minutes, but it does require some preparation. First, remove the old lock by unscrewing the knob on the inside of the door. Next, loosen the latch, which is attached to the side edge of the door. Once this latch is removed, you can install a new lock.
When purchasing new exterior door locks, look for ones with deadbolt functionality. Other options include levers or knobs. Locks should be purchased as a set, preferably with a matching strike plate. Remember that you should have your front door lock rekeyed, since you'll need to purchase two of the same locks if you're changing more than one. Also, make sure you buy a set that includes nails for the strike plate.
Maintaining a front door lock
If you have been thinking of changing your locks, but are unsure what to choose, consider maintaining your current lock by performing some maintenance on it. A deadbolt provides actual security, while a door handle is just a spring-loaded latch that can be bypassed with a credit card. Though keyed door handles may improve the security of your home, they are not the linchpin of protection.
The most important feature of a front door lock is its deadbolt security, which is the amount of force needed to break it. Criminals are most likely to attack this area of the home, so deadbolt security is essential for home security. Other factors to look for when changing your lock include lock bump resistance and lock pick resistance. Generally, criminals do not attempt to pick locks, so this is an essential feature.
Rekeying a front door lock
If you're planning on rekeying the lock on a front door, there are several simple steps you can follow to get the job done correctly. First, you'll need a rekeying kit. A rekeying kit contains everything you need to rekey a lock, including different sized pins and the proper tools to perform the job. For example, you'll need a remover tool for separating the knob from the shank. You'll also need to remove the back cap if you have a knob with one. Once you've removed the back cap, you'll need to remove the lock cylinder by pushing it up from the front to the back of the knob.
If you're unsure of how to rekey a front door lock, you can call an emergency locksmith to perform the work for you. The service is included in your American Home Shield home warranty. Once you've purchased the lock rekey service, you simply submit a service request. The locksmith will rekey the lock by drilling up to six new keyholes into the lock. Knobs and non-electronic deadbolts will also need to be changed to use new keys. Afterwards, you'll be provided with four new keys, including the spare key.
