When you run a business, you can never have too many measures in place to keep your property and assets safe. That includes the locks on your doors. Locks can wear out over time, and it may be a good idea to change them to something more secure, whether you are worried about burglary or simply want to revamp the look of your commercial space. There are a few different ways to go about changing the locks in your business, including rekeying or replacing them entirely. This article will discuss the process for both options, and help you decide which is best for your business.
The most obvious reason to replace a commercial lock is for security reasons. If the original keys are lost or stolen, you will need to have the locks replaced as soon as possible. This will ensure that only those who know the original key can unlock the door, and prevent unauthorized access to your premises.
In addition to boosting security, changing the locks can also make employees feel valued, which is important for morale. Having a well-maintained lock also looks professional, which will give potential customers confidence in your company. Lastly, changing the locks can help you to meet city and state regulations for points of egress, which are areas that should only be used to exit buildings.
If you need to rekey your locks, the process is fairly simple. The cylinder that is inside the latch will need to be removed from the lock, and you can do this by inserting a pin into a hole on the side and pushing it through. Once the old cylinder is removed, you can screw in the new one and turn it clockwise to fasten it. The faceplate of the lock can then be installed, and the screws that hold it on should be tightened.
However, if you need to completely replace the commercial lock on your door, the process is a little more complicated. You will need to remove the lock’s handle, which can be done by finding a small hole on the inside of the door near where it meets the rose. The new lock should come with a tool that has a small pointy end, which you can use to poke into this hole and release a springed clip so the handle can be removed from the main cylinder assembly.
Once you have removed the handle and cylinder from the door, you can install the new lock by following the instructions that came with it. Depending on the type of lock you bought, this may include a cardboard template that will show how it fits the hole in your door. It is essential that you follow this template, so that you don’t add a thumbturn where there shouldn’t be one or remove a panic bar when it should remain in place.
Once the new lock is in, you can reinstall the faceplate and the strike plate (if applicable). You should then test that the lock works properly. It is a good idea to have someone stand outside and make sure the door can be opened from both sides. Commercial lock change
