New Door and Lock Selection

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Sometimes, lock replacement is simply not sufficient and the entire door has to be changed as well. This is actually a great way to increase the level of security of the property and to keep it higher for longer. You just need to know how to choose the right door and lockset for getting these and other benefits.

Reliability, Strength and Durability

Start by selecting the door make. Steel units and thick wood ones are the strongest and most resistant to attacks. In recent years, fiberglass doors have increased in popularity due to their resistance to the elements and the fact that many come with thick insulation. When you compare different makes, you should pay close attention to the hinges. They should be sufficiently large and thick to keep the door securely in place. They should be made from a strong metal such as brass or stainless steel. It is best if the door lock is made from one of these materials as well.

One really important factor to consider is what types of door locksets can be fitted into the respective door. Even if the unit comes with a lockset, you should have the option with replacing it with a more secure one in the future. Ideally, you should be able to fit a deadbolt with a handle and a digital lock as well. It may go without saying, but the door should allow for the installation of a mortise set. While rim sets are functional, they are not as secure as their counterparts. It is essential that you take into account all of these considerations before the time for door and lock installation comes.

When you select a lock, you should determine what grade you require. In case of office lock change, it is best to go for Grade 1. If the device is for a residential property, you have to assess the level of risk based on the crime rate in the local area. Usually, there is no need for a device with the highest security grade. Grade 2 devices should do.

The next step involves evaluating the features and capabilities of the lockset which you consider purchasing. Make sure that the cylinder is designed so that it cannot get snapped. For a higher resistance to picking, opt for a lock which has a six-pin cylinder rather than one with five pins. Thicker and longer bolts are harder to overcome. Similarly, the screws which are thicker and longer hold the set and the strike plate more securely in place. It is best if you opt for a device which can be rekeyed. In this case, you will be able to resolve the problem with lost office keys or house keys with rekeying rather than with replacement of the entire lockset.