How to Replace Door Locks
It can be difficult to change your door lock. It is essential to keep your home secure from intruders, and to change locks when you get 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 wider and wider, you'll require an "thick door" kit which has longer screws as well as a longer tail piece for the deadbolt.
Removing the old lock
You'll need to take your old lock from the door before you can install the new lock. This can be done with the use of a few tools, but you need to take care not to harm the door or frame. Making use of the right tools will save you money on repairs in the future.
Remove the screws that hold the handle and trim. You can use a screwdriver do this. Once the screws have been removed, you can take off 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, you can lift the handle and take out the lock cylinder from the door.
If you are unable to move your keys inside, it is a sign that the lock is failing. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is because the tumblers are getting worn out and eventually stop moving up or down and thereby limiting the lock's ability to function. If this happens, you'll need to bring the lock to a locksmith in order to be changed into a new key.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If the kit you purchased doesn't come with new screws, purchase them at a hardware store. If you are installing a mortise lock, you will also need to remove the screws holding the external roseplate to the door. After removal of the screws, take off the plate and the dead bolt.
Then, search for a pinhole on the interior handle trim. If you spot one, slip straightened safety pins into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against a depression. This should release the lock handle and expose screws which can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door.
Installing the new lock
Installing a new lock could be done easily, whether you want to replace your lock after an incident of burglary, or just want to improve your door's appearance. It is important to measure your door prior to buying a lock to ensure it fits. This is particularly crucial for deadbolt locks, as they require a specific size to fit into the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. Ask your local hardware store for assistance in case you don't know how to measure.
If you're replacing a mortice, use the existing centrerail as a guide to place the new mortise. Once you've determined the location of the lock, drill holes along the centre line to the same size as the lock. Then, chisel the wood until you have an area that is rectangular enough to accommodate your mortice lock. Install the lock, and then outline the faceplate using a marking blade. Mark and drill holes for screws to fix the faceplate in the correct position.
If you want to rekey locks, you can save money by buying a starter kit that includes keys that are re-keyable and a blank key. These kits are available from numerous online retailers as well as home improvement and hardware stores. They also include a set of instructions that should aid you in the process.
Make sure to read your lease agreement if renting before changing locks. It may require that you give the landlord an access key to the new lock. It is possible to replace the old lock with a more standard one if you have to do so. You can buy a basic lock from your nearest hardware store, or you can purchase a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and lets you lock and unlock your door remotely. An ideal choice is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with all door knobs and levers. This lock can be connected to a security hub for your home to allow you to receive alerts whenever your door is locked or opened.
Installing the new lock
A broken lock can be a security risk, therefore it is important to replace it as soon as you can. It's easy to replace locks for doors. The first step is removing the old lock. The screws that hold it in place are unscrewed and the lock is pulled out. You may need a screwdriver or Allen wrench, depending on the type of lock you own. Once you've removed the old lock keep all parts and store them in a safe location.
Then, you can install the new lock into the door. Most kits come with an example of cardboard that shows how the lock will fit onto the door. If the template does not match up with your door, you can trace around it using a pencil or use a chisel to remove extra material. Make sure the interior latch plate is aligned with the mortise opening once the new lock has been installed.
Be careful not to overtighten the lock while installing it. This could cause the lock to squeak or even break. If you have a lock keyed, ensure that the spindle is in alignment with the knob's hole. If it isn't, you can use a screwdriver to push the spindle into the lock and into the knob.
Install the decorative baseplate that is included with the lock after you've finished installing it. If the lock doesn't come with an appropriate base plate you can buy one that matches the hardware.
Test the new lock to ensure it works. This can be done by inserting the lock's key and turning the lock so that it is able to open. If this doesn't work, you should seek out a locksmith.
Rekeying your locks by an expert can help prevent break-ins. This involves changing the internal tumblers of your lock to make it unreceptive to the keys you have previously used. This will keep your home secure and will give you peace of mind.
Testing the new lock
When installing a new lock, you must ensure that it operates as intended. It's very important to carefully follow the instructions. You may not be able unlock your door if you don't. You can ask an expert locksmith for help when you're not sure what to do. A locksmith can also give suggestions on the most suitable locks for your home.
If you're having trouble opening your lock it could be due to a problem with the latch or handle. Try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. This can help fix the issue. However, you may have to replace the latch completely if it's no longer functioning properly.
The lock could have been installed incorrectly. The door handle clip may be damaged or missing from the new lock. In this case you must remove the handle from the inside and insert a plastic retainer clip. The handle is then attached to the lock and the lock will be tested.
It's important to check the keypad after you've replaced the lock to make sure it functions properly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad functions properly, it should unlock and lock your door.
You should also check the deadbolt lock to see if it's functioning correctly. If it's not working, take off the latch from the door and undo the Phillips-head screws. Take out the old deadbolt and replace it with the new one. Make sure you orient and load in the deadbolt lock in the correct way.
Spindle testing is another way to test the new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be carried out before re-installing the lock to avoid errors in installation.