Older Home, Older Locks: What to Check

• Look at the deadbolt first
• Check the frame and strike
• Unusual sizes
• Unknown keys

Older homes have character, and sometimes they have door hardware that hasn’t been touched in decades.

§Look at the deadbolt first

Some older doors have only a knob lock, or a deadbolt with a short throw. A proper deadbolt installation with a full one-inch throw is one of the best upgrades you can make.

§Check the frame and strike

Decades of settling can pull a door out of line, so the bolt drags or doesn’t reach the strike. Old strike plates are often held by short screws. Door lock repair can realign the latch and reinforce the strike.

§Unusual sizes

Older doors may have nonstandard bore holes or backsets. Measure before buying new hardware, or have a locksmith handle the lock installation so the fit is right.

§Unknown keys

In an older home, there’s no telling how many keys have been handed out over the years. A rekey fixes that without replacing hardware you want to keep.

From Choice City Locksmith, serving Fort Collins, Berthoud and Northern Colorado.

Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.