"Bob M." wrote in message
. ..
"Charlie S." wrote in message
news:LUS3j.20649$Mg1.18671@trndny03...


Thanks, will buy a quality lock. I'll look for the Schlage brand.

I bought a Dremel Rotary tool about 2 months ago. I haven't used it yet.
Could I use this to drill a hole behind the strikeplate. (I have filler
in there now as I covered it up years ago.) I know I could use a drill or
any chisel type tool. Just looking for an easy way to do it.



Depends on what size hole you want to drill. Anything larger than 1/8" is
best left to a 'real' drill. Dremels are great, but they're for small
jobs. I'm guessing you'll need to drill a hole about 7/8" wide, but the
lock will come with a template that says what size. If that's the case,
you'll be looking for a Speedbor (spade) drill bit.

Also, check out a locksmith. The lock companies (and many other companies,
like Sony) may have one model for Wal-Mart, Home Cheapo, etc. and another
almost identical model for the local "specialty" shops, which cost more
but are usually better. I bought some Schlage locks at Home Cheapo a few
years ago & had them rekeyed at the local locksmith. He opened it up &
upon seeing the insides, said "so you bought this at home depot huh?" and
proceeded to put a part or two in it.

Thanks! Will test the fill material for ease of extraction and buy a
Speedbor if it doesn't dislodge easily.

Also, will buy the lock from a locksmith. I agree; it's more likely they
would have the model with better parts.

Kind of interesting you and other members recommended buying a good lock.
Never gave it much thought; To me a lock is a lock. That was until a couple
days ago when I decided to replace the top deadbolt lock with a high quality
commercial type lock. It's about 10% larger than the typical home lock, but
looked nicer and more secure than other models. So, I decided to spurge.

Installed it, and after testing it out, instantly realized that spending the
extra $15-$20 was well worth it. The turning knob is comfortably larger and
the locking mechanism feels very smooth. On the other hand, I also bought a
POS model for the rear door. It's like day and night as to the experience
of using the two locks. Putting in the key is not nearly as smooth and took
some getting used to using the inside locking mechanism.