How to Replace Door Locks
It can be difficult to change the lock on your door. It is important to secure your home from potential intruders and also to replace locks if you move in with an additional housemate or have let out your home.
The majority of new locks are designed to fit 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.
Remove the old lock
If you're replacing the lock on your door it is necessary to remove the old one from the door. This can be accomplished with some basic tools, but it's crucial to take care not to cause damage to the frame or door. Using the right tools will aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Begin by taking out the screws that support the handle and then trim. This can be accomplished with a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can remove the trim. You will then be able to get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw and the lock cylinder as well as open the handle.
When you can't wiggle your key inside, it is an indication that the lock is failing. This is because the tumblers are getting worn out and will eventually stop moving up and down and thereby limiting the lock's ability to function. If this happens, you'll have to bring the lock to a locksmith to be rekeyed.
Start by removing the screws holding the faceplate in position. If the kit you purchased 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 secure the external rose plate to the door. After taking off the screws, you can remove the plate and dead bolt.
Next, look for a pinhole in the interior handle trim. If you find a hole you can insert a straightened safety pin into it. You can also make use of a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This will release the lock handle and expose screws which can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door.
Fitting the new lock
If you're looking to change your lock after a break-in or simply want to update the appearance of your door installing a new lock is relatively simple. It is important to measure your door to ensure that you buy a new lock that is the proper size for your door. This is especially crucial for deadbolts, which require a specific size to fit in the strikeplate and bolt pocket. Ask your local hardware store for help in case you don't know how to measure.
If you are replacing a mortice, use the existing centrerail as a guide to locate the new mortise. Once you have marked the location of the lock, you'll need to drill holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. Then, you can chisel your wood until you've got a rectangular space to fit the mortice lock. After that, insert the lock and outline the faceplate with a marking knife. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate into place.
You can save money when making rekeys on locks by buying a starter set that includes a re-keyable key and a blank key. Kits can be purchased at a variety of online stores as well as hardware and home improvement stores. These kits also come with instructions to assist you in completing your project.
If Repair My Windows And Doors renting, be sure to check the lease agreement prior to changing locks. You may be required to give your landlord the key to the new locks. If so, you may be required to remove the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a standard lock at your local hardware store, or you can buy an advanced lock that connects with your home's WiFI and allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all levers and knobs. This system can be connected to a security hub for your home so that you can receive alerts when your door is locked or opened.
Installing the new lock
A damaged lock could pose an issue for security, so it is important to replace it as fast as possible. The good news is that replacing locks for doors is a quick and easy project that anyone can tackle. The first step is to remove the lock that was previously installed from the door. This is done by unscrewing the screws that secure it and then pulling it out. You may need either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench based on the kind of lock you own. Save all the parts of the lock you have lost and put them in a secure location.
Install the new lock on the door. Most kits come with an image of a cardboard template that illustrates how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template does not match your door, use a pencil to trace around it, or a Chisel to remove extra material. Make sure the interior latch plate aligns with the mortise opening once the new lock is installed.
Be careful not to overtighten the lock when installing it. This could cause the lock to rattle or even break. If you have a lock that's keyed, check that the spindle is in alignment with the hole on the knob. If it's not, you can make use of the screwdriver to push the lock into the knob.
Install the baseplate with the design that comes with the lock once you've completed installing it. If the lock isn't equipped with a base plate with a design, you can buy one that matches the hardware.
Test the new lock to ensure it functions. 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 fails then you must contact locksmith.
You can also stop burglaries by having a professional reset your locks. This procedure involves changing the internal lock tumblers to ensure that it will no longer accept your old keys. This will allow you to feel secure and secure in your home.
Testing the new lock
When you are installing a new lock you want to make sure that it functions as you intended. It is crucial to follow the directions. If you don't, you may not be capable of opening your door. You can call an expert locksmith for help if you are unsure of what to do. A locksmith can give you suggestions on the best locks for your home.
If you have trouble opening your lock, there might be a problem with the latch or handle. You can try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. In some instances it can fix the issue. You may have to replace the latch if the latch is not working correctly.
Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The door handle clip can be broken or gone from the new lock. In this case you need to grasp the handle from the inside, and insert an additional plastic retainer clip. After that, you can connect the handle to the lock and check its operation.
After you've replaced the lock, it is important to test the keypad to be sure that it's working correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad is functioning properly, your door should be able for you to unlock and lock.
You should also check the deadbolt lock to determine if it's functioning correctly. If it isn't, you should take the latch off and remove the Phillips head screws on the side of the door to open it. Remove the deadbolt you have previously installed and replace it with a new one. Make sure you orient and load in the deadbolt lock in the correct way.
Spindle testing is another way to test a new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be carried out prior to reinstalling a lock to avoid any errors.