Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can replace your door lock for many reasons, from improving the security of your house to redecorating the entrance. You might need to change locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.
Even DIY beginners can easily change their locks. Gather the materials needed to begin.
Remove the old lock
Removal of the lock that was previously installed from the door is an essential step prior to installing the new lock. This is essential when you suspect that someone else may have keys to the house. It may also be an excellent idea if have recently moved into a home, experienced a break-in or had a roommate move in. It's easier than you think to complete and can be done in a matter of minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. You'll have to remove the screws on both sides of the door to remove the faceplate. This will allow you to see the hidden screws and provide you with an understanding of how to continue with the rest of steps.
After removing the faceplate you must remove the bolt along with the strike plate and strike plate. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolt, and then remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted you may need to use a chisel or smash it. If you are using a chisel, be cautious not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure your new deadbolt, doorknob and lock will fit into the existing holes in the door before you take out the old one. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores carry various types of locks and can assist you in finding the best one for your needs. Get help if the lock you bought isn't the right one for your door.
Find small depressions or notches inside the handle and around the trim while you take off the lock. If you are able to locate them, use a straightened safety-pin or flat screwdriver in order to remove the handle.
After taking the screw off the handle, you are able to start removing the knob. To do this, locate the set screw located at the base of the knob and loosen. The next step is to remove the knob from the spindle and carefully remove the spindle from the door.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on the doors of your home periodically, especially after a break-in or when you move into a room with roommates. It's easy, affordable and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few simple instructions most people can do it by themselves. You may also want to know how to change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you hold the key.
You'll need to buy an additional lock that has the same keyway as your existing lock. Locksmiths are usually able to rekey your lock for you for a fee, but you can save money by doing this yourself. You can purchase a new lock from a hardware store or even online. Standard deadbolts will fit most doors. However, you will have to measure your door to make sure it is suitable.
Most of the time your new lock will include an image of a cardboard model that shows you how it will fit on the door. This template can be used to drill the hole. It's a lot easier than measuring every time. If the template doesn't line to the hole you intend to drill then you should return it to the hardware store and purchase an alternative.
The new lock on the right side of the door. You can check this by looking at the latch, which must be labeled "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is seated correctly in the plate and then secure it using the provided screws.
If Repair My Windows And Doors replacing locks on doors it is also essential to pay attention to the handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you're not careful, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which will prevent it from being locked either from the inside or outside.
After you've finished, you should test the new lock to confirm that it works. You should be able to lock the door from both the inside as well as the outside, and unlock it with keys. If you aren't satisfied with the result then you can always call an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
While a door lock that won't unlock can be frustrating and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's security at risk. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix the majority of issues with door locks through some troubleshooting, and lubrication. First, ensure whether your key has been properly cut and that the lock assembly isn't soiled or loose. If this doesn't solve the issue, try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil.
Make sure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connector all work correctly. To do this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Use a test light or digital meter to determine whether the door lock actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you notice the switches switch on and off with voltage, it means the switches are in good shape and the actuator will need replacing.
If the switch appears to be working, but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob it could be a problem with the actuator cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that keep the cylinder from moving until the key is placed in and it pushes the pins up to match the height of the key in the location. The cylinder will then begin to rotate opening the lock body, allowing the handle latch.
If your door lock actuator is inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to loosen the bolt that locks and then separate the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. You should be able find the two 10mm bolts that hold the actuator in place and remove them. After the actuator has been removed and the electrical connector disconnected, you can remove it. black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If your keyed deadbolt or door knob isn't functioning, you'll need to rekey it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and can save you a lot of money. But, prior to doing this, it's recommended to have a locksmith look over the locks and look for any issues. This will give peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.
Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws holding it in place, so use a screwdriver to loosen them and then pull the faceplate off. Next, use a flat head screwdriver to remove the interior faceplate. Once you have removed the faceplate you can pull out the bolt and a screw from inside the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can help determine if the lock you have requires replacement or replaced with a new key. They can also provide advice on the best security measures for your home. They can also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They also provide a warranty on their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock you'll need to purchase the new key. It is crucial to select the lock key that is fitted snugly. A key that's not the right size may damage the internal mechanism of the lock and stop it from working. To determine the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it is perfectly with the plug, it's the correct size. If the pins protrude out of the top of the plug, they're too long.
You may need to change the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, including:
If you're moving into a previous homeowner's house or lose keys, rekeying your lock could be a more affordable alternative than replacing it. It's also less invasive than a complete replacement. Rekeying a lock that is already in use may not be feasible in certain situations. For instance, if the lock is damaged or has been repeatedly jammed, it's probably to be time to replace it.