How to Replace Door Locks
Replacing your door lock can be a challenging task. It is important to secure your home from potential intruders and also to replace locks if you move in with a new housemate or let out your home.
The majority of new locks are designed for standard width doors. If your door is thicker you'll require a "thick-door" kit that has longer screws and longer tail pieces for deadbolts.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
If you're replacing the lock on your door, you need to remove the old lock from the door. This can be accomplished with the use of a few tools, but it's crucial to be careful not to cause damage to the frame or door. Making use of the right tools can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remove the screws that hold the trim and handle. You can use a screwdriver to accomplish this. After the screws have been removed, you can remove the trim. You can then remove the screw that binds the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw, you can lift the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door.
If you are unable to move your keys inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is because the tumblers are becoming worn out and eventually will stop moving upwards or downwards making it impossible for the lock to function. It is necessary to have the lock rekeyed by a locksmith if this happens.
When you're ready to replace your deadbolt, start by stripping the screws that keep the faceplate in place. If your kit does not come with new screws, you can purchase them at an hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock, you must also remove the screws that attach the external rose plate to the door. After taking off the screws, you can remove the plate as well as the dead bolt.
Next, search for a pinhole in the inside of the handle. If you spot one, insert straightened safety pins into it. You can also employ a flat screwdriver press against the depression. This should release the handle and expose screws that can be removed to remove the entire lock case from the door.
Installing the new lock
If you're looking to replace your lock following a break-in or simply want to change the appearance of your door installing a new lock is relatively simple. It is essential to measure your door before purchasing a lock to ensure it fits. This is especially important for deadbolt locks, which have to be of a certain size to fit into the strike pocket and 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 mortice locks, take the centre rail of the lock as a guide for positioning the new mortise lock. Once you've marked the location of the lock, make holes along the centre line the same size as the lock. After that, chisel the wood away until you have an even rectangular space that will fit the mortice lock. After that, you can insert the lock and outline the faceplate using a marking knife. Mark and drill holes for screws to secure the faceplate in place.
You can save money on changing locks by purchasing an entry-level set that comes with keys that can be re-keyed and a blank key. The kits are available at many online retailers as well as home improvement and hardware stores. They also come with a set instructions that should help you complete the task.
If you're renting, make sure to review the lease agreement prior to changing locks. You may be required to give the landlord the key to the new locks. If so, you might be required to dismantle the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a standard lock at your local hardware store, or buy a smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and allows you to lock and unlock your door from afar. The best option is a Schlage Smart Lock, which can be used with a variety of door levers and knobs. It can also be linked to your smart home security hub which allows you to receive notifications when your door is opened or unlocked.
Installing the new lock
A damaged lock poses an issue for security, so it's important to replace it quickly. It's a good thing that replacing locks for doors is a simple task that anyone can complete. The first step is to remove the old lock. The screws that hold it in place are unscrewed and the lock is pulled out. Depending on the type you have, you might need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Save all the components of the lock that were used and store them in a safe place.
Install the new lock on the door. The majority of kits come with an image of a cardboard template that illustrates how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template doesn't fit your door, you can draw a line with a pencil around it or use a Chisel to remove extra material. Be sure that the inside latch plate aligns with the mortise opening once the new lock has been installed.
Be careful not to overtighten the lock when installing it. This could cause the lock to squeak or even break. If you have a lock that is keyed, be sure that the spindle is in alignment with the hole in the knob. If it's not, you can make use of the screwdriver to push the lock into the knob.
Install the decorative baseplate that is included with the lock once you've completed installing it. If the lock doesn't come with a decorative base plate then you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware.
Test the new lock to confirm that it is working. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock to ensure that it is able to open. If it isn't working then you must contact a locksmith.
You can also avoid burglaries by having a professional reset your locks. This involves changing the internal tumblers on your locks so that it is not able to accept your old keys. This will make your home secure and will provide you with peace of mind.
Testing the new lock
Installing a new lock is a great way to make sure that it functions according to the specifications. This is why it's essential to follow the directions carefully. If you don't follow them, you could not be in a position to open your door. You can contact an expert locksmith for help in case you aren't sure what to do. A locksmith can offer advice on the best locks for your home.
If you're having trouble opening your lock, it might be a problem with the handle or latch. Try lubricating the latch with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. In double glazing window lock repair can fix the issue. However, you may have to replace the latch completely if it's no longer working correctly.
Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door is often broken or missing from the new lock. In this situation it is recommended to remove the handle from the interior and insert a plastic retainer clip. After that, connect the handle to the lock and test its operation.
After you've changed the lock, it's important to test the keypad to be sure that it's functioning correctly. You can test it by placing the key inside and turning it. If the keypad functions properly, your door should be able for you to unlock and lock.
Check the deadbolt to make sure it's functioning properly. If it isn't, you should take the latch off and remove the Phillips head screws on the side of the door in order to unlatch it. Remove the old deadbolt and replace it with a new one. The deadbolt should be oriented and loaded lock properly.
Spindle testing is a different method to test the new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock to ensure that there aren't any errors.