Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can change your door lock for many reasons, from increasing the security of your home to re-decorating the entryway. You may also need to change locks if your key is stuck inside or is difficult to turn.
DIY novices can also alter their lock. Gather the materials needed to begin.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
Before installing a new lock, it is essential to remove the old lock from the door. This is important if you suspect someone else has keys to the house. This is also a good idea following you've moved into a brand new house, had a break-in or a roommate moved in. The process is a lot simpler than you imagine and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Begin by getting rid of the screws that attach the deadbolt faceplate to the door frame. To remove the faceplate, you will need to remove screws on both sides. This will allow you to see what is behind it and will give you a better understanding of what to do with the remaining steps.
After you have removed the old faceplate, you will have to take off the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole with the screwdriver. If the bolt is rusted you may have to use a chisel to smash it. If you are using a chisel, you must be cautious not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure your new deadbolt, doorknob and lock will fit in the holes already in the door before you remove the old one. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores carry different kinds of locks. They can help you find the right one for your requirements. If the lock you bought doesn't match your door, take it back and seek assistance.
Look for small depressions or notches inside the handle and around the trim when you take off the lock. If you can find them, slip a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver through them to open the handle and expose screws underneath.
After the screw in the handle has been removed, you can begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of the knob and loosen. Next, you will need to remove the knob from the spindle, and carefully remove the spindle from the door.
Install the new lock
It's a great idea to change the locks on your doors regularly, especially if you have been the victim of a break-in. Changing the lock is an inexpensive, simple and effective way to ensure that your home is secure. The majority of people can do this yourself with a screwdriver and a few basic instructions. You may also want to learn how to rekey your door lock to ensure that only you have the key.
To begin the process, you need to buy an additional lock that matches your existing lock's keyway. You can save money if you change the lock's key yourself. Most locksmiths charge extra to do this. You can buy the new lock at hardware stores or on the internet. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to the majority of doors. However, you will have to measure your door to ensure it is suitable.
Most of the time the lock you purchase will be supplied with a cardboard template that shows the way it will fit on the door. You can use this as a reference when drilling the hole, which is much easier than measuring each time. If the template doesn't match up with your hole you need to take it back to the hardware store to purchase an alternative.
When installing the new lock, be sure to place it on the right side of the door. You can verify this by checking the latch, which must be marked "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is correctly seated on the plate, and then attach it using the supplied screws.
When replacing knob locks be sure to pay attention to its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, however there are a few that are right-handed. If you are not careful, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which would hinder it from locking either from the inside or outside.
After you've finished checking your new lock to ensure it works. It should be able to lock and unlock the door using keys from inside as well as from the outside. If you're not happy with the result you can always contact an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
A door lock that won't unlock can be a nuisance and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's safety at risk. It's not difficult to fix most problems with door locks by doing some troubleshooting and lubrication. First, make sure whether your key has been properly cut and that the lock assembly isn't soiled or loose. If this doesn't fix the problem, you can try to lubricate the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil.
Check that double glazed window lock repairs , wiring harnesses and actuator connectors all function correctly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Use a test light or digital meter to determine if the door lock actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you notice an electrical voltage switch with every switch activation, this suggests that the switches are in good condition and it's most likely the actuator that needs to be replaced.
If the switch seems to work but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob it could be a problem with the actuator itself. The actuator cylinder is outfitted with pins that are spring-loaded. They stop the cylinder from turning until the key is inserted which then pushes them up to match the height of the key in that area. The cylinder will then begin to rotate opening the lock body, allowing the handle latch to be opened.
If the door lock actuator is still not working, you can remove it by using a small screwdriver. You will need to remove the bolt that locks first, and then remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. Then you should be able to find and remove the two bolts that are that hold the actuator in position. Once the actuator is removed, you will be capable of disconnecting the black electrical connector and pull it out together with the lock and actuator assembly.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob is not functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. This isn't difficult and will save you money. But, prior to doing this it is an excellent idea to have a locksmith examine the locks and check for any issues. This will give you peace of assurance that your home is safe and secure.
Take off the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate in place, use a screwdriver and remove it. Then you can use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the interior faceplate. Once you have removed the faceplate, you are able to remove the bolt and a screw from inside the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can tell you if you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also give you guidance on the most effective security measures for your home. They can also make any necessary modifications to the door and frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They will also offer the guarantee on their work.
If you decide to rekey your lock, you'll have to first buy a new key for it. It is essential to use a lock key that fits snugly. A key that is not the right size can cause damage to the internal mechanism of a lock and stop it from working. To test the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If the key sits completely against the plug then it's the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of the plug the plug, then they're too long.
You might want to replace your door lock for a variety of reasons, including:
Rekeying a lock is a cheaper option than replacing it if you're moving into the home of a previous owner or if your keys have gone missing. 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 jammed repeatedly, it's likely the time to replace it.