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Door locks should be changed roughly every seven years. The average lifespan of a door lock is seven to 10 years, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and change them early, especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear. Examples of deterioration include visible rust and difficulty opening or closing the door. Some locks can work safely beyond 10 years, but it depends on how often they are used and whether they are exposed to damaging environmental conditions like precipitation or extreme temperatures.

A deadbolt has a different design, construction, and security level than a regular lock. Regular locks are mostly used for interior doors around the home, like bedrooms and bathrooms, and they usually include a locking mechanism on the inside. While regular locks are easy to use and install, they provide little security. 

A deadbolt adds a layer of security and is most commonly used on exterior doors. The installation is typically more complicated, but they hold up to wear and tear.

There’s no set time limit for when you should replace your locks, but there are several indicators that it’s time to swap them. If you’re moving into a new home or have a roommate moving out, it’s smart to change the locks. If you experience a break-in or other crime, you should change it then too, or if you ever lose your keys. Eventually, locks can wear out, so it’s ideal to replace them after several years of use or one of these circumstances occurs.

Any type of dead bolt lock provides the highest level of safety for a single device. However, it’s also important to determine a lock's grade. Locks can come in either Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, which indicates how durable it is and if it’s constructed solidly. Safety experts recommend choosing locks based on Grade 1, which offers the highest level of durability.