How to Replace Door Locks
It can be difficult to change the lock on your door. It is important to protect your home from intruders. You should also change your locks when you have a new housemate, or if you lease out your home.
The majority of new locks are designed for standard door widths. If your door is thicker, you will need to purchase an "thick door" kit that has longer screws as well as a longer tail piece for the deadbolt.
Removing the old lock
If you're switching the lock on your door, you need to remove the old lock from the door. This can be done with the use of a few tools, but it's crucial to take care not to damage the door or frame. Making use of the right tools can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remove the screws that hold on the trim and handle. This can be done with the help of a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you can remove the trim. You can then access the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can remove lock cylinder and open handle.
One of the most obvious indicators that your lock is going bad is when you can no longer move the key inside. This is because the tumblers are wearing out, and eventually stop moving up and down making it impossible for the lock to function. You'll need to get the lock replaced by a locksmith in the event that this happens.
Begin by removing the screws holding the faceplate in position. If your kit doesn't include new screws, you'll need to buy them at a hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock you should also remove the screws that secure the external rose plate to the door. After you've removed the screws, take the dead bolt and plate from the door.
Next, look for a pinhole in the handle's interior trim. If you find a hole you can insert a straightened safety pin into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against a depression. This should release the lock handle and expose screws that can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door.
Installing the new lock
If you're looking to change your lock following a break-in or simply want to update the look of your door installing an entirely new lock is simple. It is important to measure your door prior buying a lock in order to make sure it fits. This is especially crucial for deadbolts, as they need to be a certain size in order to fit inside the strikeplate and pocket of the bolt. Ask your local hardware store for help if you aren't sure what size to use.
If you are replacing a mortice use the existing centrerail as a reference to locate the new mortise. Once you've determined the location of the lock, make holes on the centre line that are the same width of the lock. Then, chisel away the wood until you have a neat rectangular space for your mortice lock to sit in. After that, insert the lock and outline the faceplate using an outline knife. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate into the correct position.
If you want to rekey locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit which includes a set of re-keyable keys and a blank key. The kits are available at numerous online retailers and also from home improvement and hardware stores. They also come with a set of instructions to assist you in completing the task.
If you're renting, make sure to review the lease agreement prior to changing locks. You may have to give your landlord the key to the new locks. If so, you might be required to remove the old lock and replace it with a standard lock. You can purchase a standard lock at the hardware store near you or you can purchase a high-tech lock that connects with your home's WiFI and allows you lock and unlock the door remotely. An ideal choice is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with most door knobs and levers. 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 broken lock is an enigma for security, which is why it is essential to replace it as quickly as possible. Luckily, replacing the door lock is a quick and easy project that anyone can do. The first step is removing the old lock. The screws that hold it in place are unscrewed and the lock is removed. You may require either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, depending on the kind of lock you own. Once you've removed the old lock take all the parts and put them in a safe location.
Install the new lock in the door. Most kits come with an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock should be placed on the door. If the template does not match up with your door, you can trace the template with a pencil, or use a chisel to remove any extra material. After the new lock is in place, make sure the latch plate inside lines up with the mortise lockset hole for a secure fit.
When installing the new lock, be careful not to over tighten it. This can cause the lock to crack or even break. If you have a lock that is keyed, make sure the spindle is aligned with the knob's hole. If it's not you can make use of a screwdriver to push the spindle through the lock and into the knob.
After you've installed the new lock, you can now put in the decorative base plate that is included with it. If the lock isn't equipped with a base plate with a design you can purchase one that matches the hardware.
Repair My Windows And Doors is to test the new lock to ensure that it works. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it to make sure that it opens. If it doesn't work then you should contact a locksmith.
Rekeying your locks with a professional can also help to prevent burglaries. This involves changing the internal tumblers on your locks so that it is not able to accept your old keys. This will keep your home safe and provide you with peace of mind.
Test the new lock
When you are installing a new lock, you must ensure that it works as intended. This is why it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully. You might not be able to open your door if you don't. You can ask a locksmith for assistance when you're not sure what to do. A locksmith can provide suggestions on the best locks for your home.
If you're having trouble opening your lock it could be due to an issue with the handle or latch. It is possible to lubricate the latch with graphite, or spray it with WD-40. This can help fix the issue. It may be necessary to replace the latch if it is damaged. latch is not working properly.
The lock could have been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip may be damaged or missing on the new lock. In this situation it is recommended to grab the handle from the inside and then insert a new plastic retainer clip. Then, you can connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock.
It is important to test the keypad after you've replaced the lock to make sure it functions properly. You can test it by placing the key in and turning it. If the keypad is functioning correctly, your door will be able to open and lock.
Check the deadbolt to make sure it is working properly. If it's not working, remove the latch from the door and take off the Phillips-head screws. Remove the deadbolt you have previously installed and replace it with a new one. Orient and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way.
Spindle testing is an additional method to test a new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be performed before reinstalling the lock to ensure that there aren't any errors.