Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can change your door lock for many reasons, from upgrading the security of your house to redecorating the entrance. You may need to change locks when your key becomes stuck or is difficult to turn.
DIY novices can easily change their lock. Get the tools you need to begin.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
Removing the lock that was previously installed from the door is an essential step before installing the new lock. This is especially crucial when you suspect that someone else has access to your home. It could also be a good idea if you have moved into a house that was burglarized, or welcomed a new roommate. The process is much easier than you might think and can be completed within a few minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate on the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you will need to take off screws on both sides. This will let you discover what's behind it and will give you a better understanding of how to proceed with the rest of the steps.
After removing the faceplate you must take off the bolt as well as the strike plate and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the bolt, and then take it out of the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted, you may have to use a chisel and hammer it. If you are using a chisel, you must be careful not to scratch the door frame.
Before you take down the lock that was previously in use, make sure that your new doorknob and deadbolt fit into the holes on the door. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores offer different kinds of locks and can help you find the right one for your needs. If the lock you bought is not compatible with your door, take it back and seek help.
Look for small depressions or notches inside the handle and around the trim while you remove the old lock. If you find them, you can use a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.
After you have removed the screw from the handle, you can begin removing the knob. To do this, locate the set screw that is located on the base of the knob and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off.
Install the new lock
It's a good idea to change the locks on your doors periodically particularly if you've experienced a burglary. It is easy, cheap and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few simple instructions most people can handle it themselves. Depending on your situation you may be interested in learning how to change the key of a door lock to ensure that you only have the key.
You'll need to purchase an additional lock that has the same keyway as the existing lock. You can save money by choosing to rekey the lock yourself. The majority of locksmiths charge a fee for this. You can purchase a brand new lock at a hardware store, or even online. A standard deadbolt will typically be able to fit on doors of all sizes, but you'll need to measure the size of your door to ensure that it fits.
The majority times, your new lock will be supplied with a cardboard template that shows you how it will fit on the door. You can use it as a reference when drilling the hole which is much easier than measuring each time. If the template does not align with your hole, you can take it back to the store and request a replacement.
When installing the new lock, remember to put it on the right side of the door. Examine the latch. It should be marked with "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is correctly seated on the plate and attach it using the supplied screws.
If you're replacing locks on doors It's important to be aware of the way it's operated. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors are right-handed. If you're not paying attention, the knob could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which will hinder it from locking from the outside or inside.
It is recommended to test the new lock once you have completed. You should be able both to lock and unlock the door using keys from inside as well as the outside. If you're not happy with the results you can always contact a professional locksmith to fix the issue.
Test the lock
A lock that does not open can be a hassle but it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's simple to solve the majority of problems with door locks 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 fix the issue, try to lubricate the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease.
Check that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses and actuator connector are working properly. Check the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and the function of the wires for each door lock switch. Use a digital meter, or test light to check if the actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you notice the switches switch on and off with voltage, it means the switches are in good shape and the actuator is likely to need replacing.
If the switch appears to be working but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob, it could be a problem with the actuator cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that stop the cylinder from rotating until the key is placed in and pushes the pins upward to fit the key's height in that location. Then, the cylinder to spin and let the lock body open and allow the handle to latch.
If the door lock actuator still not functioning, you can remove it with a small screwdriver. You will need to release the bolt that locks it first and then remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. After that, disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. Then you should be able to locate and remove the two bolts that are that hold the actuator in position. Once the actuator has been removed, you can disconnect the black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If your keyed deadbolt or door knob is not functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and can save you some money. It is recommended to have an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any issues before you start. This will give you peace of mind that your home is secure and secure.
Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws that are holding it in place, you need to remove them, use a screwdriver to loosen them and pull the faceplate out. Then, remove the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the screw and bolt from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can help determine if the lock you have needs to be replaced or changed. They can also advise you on the best security solutions for your home. They will also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure a perfect fit. They also offer an assurance on their work.
You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you can rekey it. It is essential to select a key that fits well within the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could damage the mechanism's internal mechanisms and prevent it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to check its size. If the key fits flush against the plug, then it's the correct size. If the pins extend from the top of plug and are not a good fit, they're too long.
There are many reasons you might want to replace your door lock, for example:
Rekeying a lock can be an affordable alternative to replacing it if you're moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys have gone missing. It can also be more cost-effective than a complete replacement. However, there are certain circumstances where rekeying your existing lock isn't an option. For instance, if your lock is damaged or jammed repeatedly, it's likely time to replace it.