How to Replace Door Locks
It isn't easy to change your door lock. It is crucial to secure your home from burglars. You should also change your locks when you move in with an additional housemate or if you rent out your home.
Most new locks have been made for standard width doors. If your door is more thick, you'll need a "thick-door" kit that has longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
If you're changing your door lock, you need to take the old lock off the door. This can be done with a few simple tools, but be careful not to harm your door frame or door. Using the right tools will save you money in future repairs.
Take off the screws that are on the handle and trim. You can use a screwdriver accomplish this. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the trim off. Then, you can access the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can remove the lock cylinder and then open the handle.
One of the most common signs that your lock is getting old is when you can no longer move the key inside. This is because the tumblers are getting worn out and will eventually stop moving upwards or downwards, disabling the lock's ability to function. If this happens, you'll need to take the lock to a locksmith in order to be reset-keyed.
When you're ready to replace your deadbolt, start by stripping the screws that fix the faceplate. If your kit does not include new screws, you can purchase them from an hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock, you should also remove the screws that attach the external rose plate to the door. After removal of the screws, take off the plate and the dead bolt.
Then, look for a pinhole in the inside of the handle. If you find a hole then insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You can also make use of a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This should loosen the handle and expose screws which can be removed to free the entire lock case from the door.
Fitting the new lock
Installing a new lock could be done easily regardless of whether you wish to replace your lock after an attack, or simply want to change your door's appearance. It is essential to measure your door prior purchasing a lock to ensure that it is suitable. This is particularly important for deadbolt locks, as they have to be of a certain size to fit into the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. If you're not sure how to measure, you can get help from your local hardware store or locksmith.
If you're replacing a mortice lock, make use of the existing centre rail as a reference for the positioning of the new mortise lock. Once you've marked the location of the lock, you'll need to drill holes along the centre line the same size as the lock. After that, chisel the wood away until you have a rectangular space to fit the mortice lock. Then, insert the lock and outline the faceplate with a marking knife. Mark and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate.
When rekeying locks, you can save money by purchasing a starter kit that includes keys that are re-keyable and a blank key. Kits can be purchased from many online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also include a set of instructions that should help you complete the task.
Make sure to read your lease agreement if you are renting before changing locks. You may have to give the landlord the key to the new locks. If so, you may be required to take out the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a standard lock from your nearest hardware retailer, or purchase a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and lets you lock and unlock your door remotely. A good choice is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with all door levers and knobs. This system can be connected to an intelligent home security hub so that you can receive alerts whenever your door is locked or opened.
Installing the new lock
A damaged lock poses a security risk, so it's essential to replace it immediately. It's easy to replace the door lock. The first step is to remove the lock that was used to secure the door. The screws that hold it in place are removed and the lock is pulled out. You may require a screwdriver or an Allen wrench based on the type of lock you have. Save all the components of the old lock and put them in a safe place.
Install the new lock in the door. Most kits include an image of a cardboard template that illustrates how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template doesn't line up with your door, you can trace it with a pencil or use a chisel remove any extra material. Make sure that the interior latch plate is aligned with the mortise hole once the new lock is installed.
Be cautious not to tighten too much the lock while installing it. This can cause your lock to rattle, or even break. If you have a lock with keys ensure that the spindle is aligned with the knob's hole. If it's not, use the screwdriver to push through the lock into the knob.
After you've installed the new lock, you are now able to install the decorative base plate that is included with it. If the lock doesn't come with a decorative base plate, you can buy one that is compatible with the hardware.
Test the new lock to ensure it functions. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it to make sure that it opens. If this doesn't work you need to contact a locksmith.
You can also stop burglaries by having a professional rekey your locks. This involves changing the internal tumblers of your lock so that it is not able to accept the keys you have previously used. This will make your home secure and provide you with peace of mind.
Testing the new lock
If you're installing a new lock, you need to ensure that it works as intended. It's very important to carefully follow the instructions. If you don't follow them, you could not be capable of opening your door. You can contact a locksmith for assistance in case you aren't sure what to do. A locksmith can give you guidance on the most suitable locks for your home.
If you're having difficulty opening your lock, it could be an issue with the handle or latch. Try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. In some instances it will resolve the issue. However, you may need to replace the latch completely if it's no longer working properly.
Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door is usually damaged or missing from the new lock. In this instance you must remove the handle from the interior and insert a retainer clip. After that, connect the handle to the lock and test its operation.
After you've replaced the lock, it's crucial to test the keypad to make sure that it's functioning correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad works properly, your door should be able to open and lock.
Check repair window locks upvc to make sure it's functioning properly. If it's not working properly, remove the latch on the door and undo the Phillips-head screws. Take out the old deadbolt and replace it with the new one. The deadbolt should be oriented and loaded lock properly.
Another method to test the new lock is to perform the spindle test. This can be done by putting the spindle with a screwdriver. This test should be performed before re-installing the lock to avoid errors in installation.