Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to change the lock on your door, from increasing your home's security to redecorating your entryway. You might also have to change locks if your key is stuck inside or is difficult to turn.
Changing your lock is a straightforward project that even novice DIY homeowners can tackle. To start, gather the materials you need.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
The removal of the old lock from the door is a necessary step prior to installing the new one. This is especially crucial if you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. This is also a good idea following you've moved into your new home, suffered a break-in, or welcomed a roommate. The process is a lot simpler than you think and can be completed within a few minutes.
Begin by taking off the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. You will need to take off the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will allow you to discover what's behind it and will provide you with a better understanding of how to proceed in the next steps.
Once you have removed the old faceplate, you will need to remove the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole using the screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty, you might need to use a chisel remove it. If you are using a chisel be careful not to scratch the door frame.
Before you take down the old lock, make sure that the new doorknob and deadbolt fit into the holes on the door. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores carry a variety of locks, and can help you choose the right one. Ask for help if the lock you purchased does not fit your door.
Look for small depressions or notches in the handle and around the trim as you remove the old lock. If you find them, insert a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver into these to loosen the handle and expose the screws beneath.
Once the screw in the handle has been removed you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this find the set screw on the knob's base and loosen it. Next, you will need to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors periodically particularly if you've been the victim of a break-in. Changing the lock is an affordable, simple and effective way to ensure that your home is secure. With a screwdriver and a few basic steps most people can do it themselves. You might also want to learn how to change the lock's key to ensure that only you have the key.
To begin the process, you'll must purchase a new lock that is compatible with the keyway of your current lock. You can save money by choosing to modify the lock yourself. Many locksmiths charge an extra fee to do this. You can buy an entirely new lock from a hardware store or on the internet. A standard deadbolt should fit on all doors however, you'll have to measure the space on your door to ensure that it's a good fit.
Most times, your new lock will be supplied with the cardboard template that will show you how it will fit on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. double glazing window locks replace RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 's a lot easier than having to measure each time. If the template does not line to your hole, you should return it to the hardware store and purchase a different one.
The new lock on the right side of the door. Examine the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or similar. Make sure that the latch is correctly seated on the plate, and then attach it using the supplied screws.
If you're replacing locks on doors, it's also important to be aware of the way it's operated. Most knob locks are left-handed however there are a few that are right-handed. If you are not paying attention, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which could hinder it from locking from the inside or outside.
It is recommended to test the new lock once you have completed. You should be able to lock the door from both the inside and outside, as well as unlock it with a key. If you are not satisfied with the results you can call a locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
A door lock that cannot be locked is a hassle, it can also put your family's security at risk. It's easy to solve the majority of door lock problems by tackling the issue and lubrication. To start with, check that your key is properly cut and that the lock itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the issue try lubricating your door lock actuator with powdered graphite.
Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connector all work correctly. Refer to the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and the function of each door lock switch wire. Use a digital meter or test light to determine if the actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you observe a voltage toggle with each switch's activation, it suggests that the switches are in good condition and it's probably the actuator that requires to be replaced.
If the switch appears to work, but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob, it could be a problem with the cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that keep the cylinder from moving until the key is placed in and pushes the pins upward to accommodate the key's height at the point of entry. This causes the cylinder eventually to turn opening the lock body, allowing the handle latch to be opened.
If your door lock actuator is malfunctioning, you can take the switch and wires from the actuator with a small screwdriver to release the bolt that locks and then separate the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. You should then be able to find the two 10mm bolts that keep the actuator in place and then remove them. After the actuator has been removed, you'll be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and remove it together with the lock and actuator assembly.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob is not working, you will need to rekey it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and could save you a lot of money. It is best to have an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any problems prior to starting. This will give you peace of heart that your home is safe and secure.
To begin, take off the exterior faceplate from the doorknob or deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate in place then use a screwdriver to pull it off. Then, remove the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can assist you determine if your lock needs to be replaced or replaced with a new key. They can also advise you about the best security options for your home. They can also make the necessary modifications to your door and frame for the perfect fit. They will also offer the guarantee on their work.
You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you are able to change it. It's important to use the correct key inside the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could damage the internal mechanism and prevent it from working. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If it is in a flush with the plug it's the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of plug, then they are too long.
There are many reasons why you may want to change your door lock, 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 been lost. It is also less invasive than a full replacement. However, there are instances where rekeying an existing lock isn't an option. For instance, if the lock is damaged or repeatedly blocked, it's the time to replace it.