How to Change a Commercial Door Lock? Follow Simple Steps

The demand for high-security commercial door locks has surged to a great extent in the past few years. Owing to potential risks associated with safety of human resources and the official properties, organizations have now adopted the installation of high-tech locks. If you are a business owner, certain concerns related to these locks must bother you at some point or the other. If currently you are finding an answer to the query – how to change a commercial door lock, we are here to address all your concerns and help with your suitable solutions. 

We understand there could be various reasons for changing your commercial door locks. It could be due to the inefficacy of locks as they have turned old or got damaged, relieving of some employees from the company, need to use more advanced ways of safety, and so on. Whatever is the reason, it’s all oriented towards eliminating the chances of intrusions and restricting unauthorized access.

So, let’s go further, explore, and dive deep into the world of commercial door locks.

What are Commercial Door Locks?

Commercial door locks are exclusively designed for properties operating on a commercial basis. These locks are built on sturdy mechanisms and play an instrumental role in safeguarding business spaces, offices, government organization, institutions, and other official spaces. 

They are usually installed on exterior doors of various establishments such as multinational companies, corporate buildings, retail stores, hospitals, medical facilities, storage spaces, warehouses etc. In fact, rooms inside these spaces are also secured using commercial locks owing to the need to protect confidential data or information. 

Unlike residential locks, they have more strength and robustness. Their hardware is made of durable metals like solid brass, chrome, satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze etc., which ensures longevity and high security.

Grade 1 locks are generally recommended for businesses, as they can withstand up to 360 lbs in weight and handle 800,000 cycles. They can also bear 10 strikes. On the other hand, smaller business sites with enclosed campuses or areas with lower footfalls may go for grade 2 locks. 

Simple Steps to Change Commercial Door Lock 

Here’s how you can simply go about changing a commercial door lock. 

Choosing Suitable Lock Type

Assess your security requirements and select a suitable commercial lock based on the type of your existing lock. You need to check factors such as durability and keying options. It also needs to be confirmed whether it will be compatible with your existing hardware or not.

Measuring Backset 

Backset is the distance covered from the center point of the lock’s borehole to the edge of the door. You need to measure the same with the help of a ruler or tape measure. The new lock that you will install must have the same backset as that of your existing lock.

Removing Existing Lock

Now remove the screws that exist on the inner and outer areas of the commercial door. The lockset needs to be pulled away from the door. This action will show the bolt, latch, strike plate, and any other such parts of the old lock. Now you have to remove the strike plate from the frame of the door if it is also to be replaced.

Disassembling Existing Lock

The existing lock needs to be disassembled, as this will help take out latch, bolt, and other components from both areas (inner and outer) of the door. However, it is advised to keep all old components as they might be needed for reference or even reinstallation. But if you find that the old lock is completely useless, you need to dump it.

Installing Fresh Lock

Now you need to insert the latch or bolt into the borehole, and make sure that it goes well in coordination with the strike plate given on the frame of the door. Here it’s also suggested to comply with the user manual that comes with the lock. 

Now the latch and bolt need to be screwed into the door frame. The backplate needs to be installed and secured to the door jamb. It had to be placed on top of the latch or bolt. You can fasten the two screws with the help of a drill bit.

Securing New Lock 

Now make the new lock secure by using the given screws. The alignment of the latch or bolt must go well with the strike plate, as this will ensure a trouble-free operation.

Complete Checking

Don’t forget to test the lock by inserting the key into it. Make sure that the latch bolt or deadbolt aligns properly with the strike plate. It is beneficial to check both locking and unlocking functions. Everything should go smoothly. 

Well, if you don’t wish to change the door lock, you may plan to rekey the lock. This will let you use the same old lock as before. It’s just that the internal pins and tumblers of the lock will be changed. Then you will be able to open it using the new key instead of the old one. This saves you from the hassle of changing the lock entirely, and it is recommended only if installing a new lock is not that necessary for you.

You are always recommended to seek assistance from a professional commercial locksmith for changing locks on commercial doors. Although you can also perform this task at your end, the experts will always bring something more to the table that could prove to be helpful in strengthening the security even more.

Tips for Advanced Security Measures to Safeguard Your Commercial Property

Apart from installing high security locks or changing commercial door locks, you can also explore other major avenues to boost security in your business or commercial space. After all, it’s about maintaining safety of all at work, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring hassle-free operations. 

Surveillance Systems

CCTV cameras are used everywhere as they play a pivotal role in monitoring and recording activities within commercial spaces. They help you detect if any criminal activity has happened in your premises, and also help legal agencies to find evidence. However, you must get them installed at all the potential places that are prone to risk. You must also constantly review camera placement to cover critical areas such as entrances, parking lots, and zones with high footfall.

Access Control Systems

Implement cutting-edge access control systems to regulate, track, or monitor entry and exit points. Some of such major systems are key cards, biometric scanners etc., that allow access to only unauthorized individuals. You must regularly update the access credentials and cancel access for employees who have left the organization. 

Security Personnel

Although high-tech systems need to be put in place, the traditional way of placement of security guards still holds importance. Due to visible presence, they can respond swiftly to emergencies and suitable actions can be taken without any delay. You need to hire professional security services and conduct regular training sessions for them to acquaint them with security setup including access systems installed in the organization. 

Physical Spaces 

Install robust security gates, fencing, and bollards to restrict the entry of unauthorized vehicles. Windows and doors can be secured using reinforced glass and materials with anti-break-in features. In fact, adequate lighting should also be provided to prevent any kind of criminal activity. Parking lots, walkways, building exteriors etc., must be properly illuminated. 

Fire Safety Measures 

It is important to install fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Conducting regular fire drills is a smart idea to ensure everyone knows how these measures work in case of crisis and what is to be done to evacuate their respective spaces. 

Cybersecurity Measures

Protecting digital assets is utmost important. You need to secure your networks by setting up a diligent IT department that can ideate on taking relevant measures including the use of  fire walls, designing solutions to keep confidential data safe, and regularly updating software. You can familiarize your employees also with increasing threats of phishing and certain safe online practices.

Emergency Response Plans

Clear emergency protocols must be designed and implemented for various scenarios like fire, natural disasters, etc. Regular sessions must be held so as to make everyone aware of their roles in case of emergencies. 

Alarm Systems

Installing intrusion alarms is also beneficial, as they trigger alerts whenever there is an unauthorized entry. You can connect alarms to a central monitoring station so that an immediate action can be taken.

Timely Assessments and Enhancements 

Smooth functioning of security systems must be ensured, and for this, you need to continuously evaluate the same. The security staff must also be apprised of the enhancements. 

So, that’s all about leaving no stone unturned in implementing intelligent security procedures at your business premises. This helps you create a resilient environment for employees and customers. You are also able to keep your precious assets safe and secure. 

Concluding Thoughts – How to Change a Commercial Door Lock?

Stay clear with your idea on the type of lock you wish to install on a commercial door. Then proceed ahead with following a simple process while taking note of the guidelines or instructions provided in the user manual of the lock. Well, it is suggested to hire a specialized commercial locksmith for the same, as this could be tricky if you do it by yourself. An expert has far more understanding of the potential aspects associated with how to change commercial door locks. Apart from this, practicing enhanced security measures and keeping your employees including security guards aware of the same ensures that everyone will be able to play their role well in case of a crisis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

We have tried addressing some of the major queries related to changing commercial door locks.