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Locks are a fundamental part of our everyday lives. They keep us safe from intruders and protect the things we value most in life.

But how can you be sure that your lock is giving you all the security it should? With so many different types on the market today, there’s no single answer to this question.

The right lock for one person might not be right for another. That’s why anytime you’re looking at getting a new lock, it pays to do some research before making your final decision.

 

Here are 12 important questions about choosing locks that will help you narrow down which type is best suited for your needs:

  1. What type of locking mechanism does my door have?
  2. Is it an old or new door?
  3. What kind of materials is it made from?
  4. What kind of lock do I need for my crime prevention and home security needs?
  5. Should I get a deadbolt or doorknob?
  6. Do I need to rekey the locks or can they be rekeyed by King Door and Lock, MD, DC area technicians?
  7. What style of the key will work with my new lock?
  8. What are good places to buy new locks for my business or home? Can I get them at Home Depot or Walmart?
  9. What’s the difference between buying locks online and at my local hardware store?
  10. What if my lock is broken? Do I need to worry about the warranty?
  11. What if my home is already broken into? Can I still get the locks rekeyed?
  12. What type of insurance do I need to cover my locks?

 

What kind of locking mechanism does my door have?

Before buying a new lock, the first step is to determine what type of locking mechanism you currently have on your door. Many times, your lock can be upgraded to a higher-security model just by changing the knob or deadbolt on your current locking system.

Before you make this change, though, it pays to know exactly what kind of mechanism you have. While some locks are more difficult to removed than others, designing them with different styles of interior strike plates means that the same locking system can be used on many different types of doors.

 

Is it an old or new door?

When selecting new locks, you will need to take into consideration how long your current lock has been in place. Older locks tend to be less affected by environmental changes than newer ones.

As time goes on, weather conditions like extreme humidity and cold can cause the lock to become more brittle, thus increasing the risk of it not functioning properly. Additionally, older locks tend to be less resistant to picking than newer ones, since new technologies are constantly being developed for picking locks more efficiently.

 

What kind of materials is it made from?

One of the most important factors in choosing a lock for your door is the kind of materials it’s made from. Depending on the size and type of your home, you might want to consider locks that are specifically designed for metal or wood doors.

Steel and wooden doors can be incredibly difficult to drill through, making them great candidates for high-security locking systems like UL-certified cylinders and mortise locks.

 

What kind of lock do I need for my crime prevention and home security needs?

What-Should-You-Know-Before-Choosing-A-Lock-To-Buy-In-Washington-Dc-And-Maryland-King-Door-And-Lock

There are several different types of locking systems on the market today, each designed to provide a particular level of security to your property.

Some of these include padlocks, surface-mounted locks, mortise locks, and rim cylinder locks. For maximum security, metal doors should use high-security mortise cylinders. Mortise cylinders are made from a single piece of steel and require a unique key to install or remove.

 

What should I get for my door? Do I need a deadbolt or doorknob?

The first step in choosing a new lock for your home is determining whether you need a doorknob or deadbolt. If you live in an apartment building, it might be more beneficial to go with the latter.

doorknob locks are often easier for burglars to kick in if they can overpower you through your door quickly enough. Deadbolts, on the other hand, provide extra security by requiring either a key or knob to operate.

 

Do I need to rekey the locks or can they be rekeyed by King Door and Lock, MD, DC area technicians?

If you’re looking for a high level of security without having to replace all of your locks, consider getting them rekeyed instead. Locksmiths like those at King Door and Lock will be able to take all of your existing locks, remove the pins, and re-key them so that they can only accept one key.

This procedure is simple enough for most people to do on their own with a set of lock-picking tools.

What style of the key will work with my new lock?

It’s important to consider the style of the key that your new lock will accept. Standard deadbolt locks will work with flat or round barrel keys, but not all locksmiths and hardware stores stock them. If you’re looking for a high-security lock, like one of those used in banks, make sure it accepts restricted-profile keys, the only type that will fit.

 

What are good places to buy new locks for my business or home? Can I get them at Home Depot or Walmart?

Most hardware stores now carry a wide range of locks for your home and office where you can choose from many different styles and brands. However, if you’d like to purchase them online, you can shop at Lock Center or Shiply.

 

What’s the difference between buying locks online and at my local hardware store?

While you can usually get your locks rekeyed or replaced for a low price, taking them into a hardware store is not always the best way to go.

You might have trouble getting a replacement set or may even have to pay additional fees because of a lost or broken key. Buying locks online, on the other hand, is a good way to find high-quality products with affordable shipping rates.

 

What if my lock is broken? Do I need to worry about the warranty?

If your locks are not working because of a defect in their materials or workmanship, consider contacting the manufacturer for further assistance. Depending on the severity of the problem and who manufactured it, there may be a warranty in place that will let you replace it or get it repaired at little to no cost.

 

What if my home is already broken into? Can I still get the locks rekeyed?

Even if your locks have been compromised, there’s a good chance that your neighborhood locksmith can unlock them and re-key them for a more secure system. In some cases, you may have to go with a different lock entirely if the intruder has caused too much damage.

 

What type of insurance do I need to cover my locks?

If you’re looking for the easiest way to cover your house against break-ins, consider getting home insurance. Most policies will reimburse you for any locks that need to be replaced or repaired due to vandalism or attempted break-ins.

 

We offer many different types of residential and commercial locks here at King Door and Lock in MD and Washington DC

Once you’ve determined the answers to these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what your perfect lock looks like. This is when it’s best to visit a professional locksmith who can help you find a suitable option.

Here at King Door and Lock in MD and Washington, DC, we offer many different types of residential and commercial locks that we can install or put at your service 24/7.

If you’re interested, contact us now at (800) 231-5499 MD, or (301) 363-2264 DC to learn more!

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