HOME SWEET HOME

Moving to a new home can be overwhelming at times.  From packing and unpacking, to registering a forwarding address with the post office, there are long lists of things to take care of that can stress you out, and it can be easy to forget things.  One important thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is changing the locks on your new home.  Despite the fact that all keys are to be turned over upon final sale, or at the end of a lease, previous owners or tenants often retain multiple sets of keys that can allow access to your home.  For this reason, installing new locks when you move is a crucial home security measure.  Neglecting to do so is not only a threat to the safety of the new resident, but it can also cause insurance problems down the road.
Since new homes are most frequently broken into by people who knew the former residents, changing the locks should be one of the first things you do when you move.  For extra security, you should also put in a deadbolt if one doesn’t already exist.  Also, make sure you change the locks on all doors, especially the basement and side doors that aren’t used very often, as these are the most common entrances used during break-ins.

Changing a lock is a pretty simple task that only takes a few minutes.  Here are some tips for changing keyed doorknobs and deadbolts:

1. Check the brand of the existing lock.  This information can usually be found on the latch.  When choosing a new lock, pick one that is the same brand and basic style as the old one.  That way, no modifications will have to be made to the door itself.  This will help keep the process quick and easy.

2. Measure the backset of your doorknob and/or deadbolt.  The backset is the distance between the latch of the door to the middle of the lock, usually 2 3/8 inches (6cm) or 2 3/4 inches (6.5 cm).  Many of the newer locksets can be adjusted to fit either size, but to save time and avoid having to make multiple trips to the hardware store, confirm this before making a purchase.

3. Unscrew the old doorknob or deadbolt to remove it from the door.  When detaching the doorknob, make sure the door stays open.  If it closes, you’ll have to reattach the knob to reopen it or use a screwdriver to unlatch it.

4. Remove the latch (doorknob) or throw bolt (deadbolt) by taking out the two screws in the edge of the door that secure the metal plate.  Then, place the new latch or throw bolt in the hole where the old one used to be, and use the screws provided to attach the plate.  This is where using a new lock that is the same brand and style as the old one comes in handy, because if so, you may be able to skip this step.  It’s better to avoid this step if possible, as taking screws in and out tends to weaken their hold in the door.

5. Reattach the deadbolt or two halves of the doorknob.  Make sure the plate with the screws goes on the inside of the door.  Otherwise, the lock can be removed from the outside.

Tags: Changing Your Locks