Commercial lock change is necessary for businesses, as they depend on the strength of locks to keep trespassers and criminals out. The safety of employees and inventory, equipment, and documents all hinge on the effectiveness of a business’s locks. If a burglar or vandal gains access to a commercial property, they can easily steal or destroy valuables and cause physical damage. It’s important for businesses to have their locks replaced in the aftermath of a break-in, and regularly afterwards as well to ensure that their security measures are up to par.
The complexities of a Commercial lock change vary based on the type of door you have and what lock you’re trying to replace. If you have a mortise lock, for instance, you’ll need to double-check the new cylinder dimensions and cam shape to ensure that they’re compatible with your current hardware. It’s always best to hire a local locksmith to perform a commercial lock change, as they’ll be able to account for all of the specifics and provide you with high-quality replacement parts.
A lot of people think that they can perform a commercial lock change themselves, and the truth is that it’s fairly simple. All you need are a few basic tools and a bit of know-how. You can also find helpful videos online that can help you learn more about how to complete the process and what to expect.
To start, you’ll need to detach the existing handle from the latch cylinder. To do so, you’ll need to use the poke tool that came with your new latch (or a strong toothpick or end of a wire coat hanger). The poke tool will allow you to push into the small hole where the latch meets the door, which will release a springed clip and let you pull the handle off.
Once you have the handle detached, you’ll need to remove the lock cylinder from the door. This can be a little tricky, but you can usually do it by inserting your screwdriver into the lock and turning the spindle in a counter-clockwise direction until it stops spinning. After that, you can use your flat-head screwdriver to push the square tab, which will allow you to pop the lock open.
After you’ve removed the old cylinder, you can insert the new one and back out the cylinder set screw. Next, you’ll need to align the new cylinder so that its keyway is vertical and then re-fasten the cylinder set screw. Now you’ll have a brand new, strong lock to protect your business from thieves and unauthorized trespassers!