How to Replace Door Locks
The replacement of your door lock can be a tricky task. It is crucial to secure your home from potential intruders and also to change locks if you have an occupant change or you are letting out your home.
The majority of new locks are designed to fit standard width doors. If your door is thicker, you will need to purchase a "thick door" kit which has larger screws and a larger tail piece for the deadbolt.
Removing the old lock
You will need to remove your old door lock from the door before you install the new one. This can be done with the help of a few tools, but you must be careful not to damage your door or frame. Utilizing the right tools will save you from costly repairs in the future.
Start by taking off the screws that hold the handle and trim. You can use a screwdriver do this. Once the screws are removed, you can pry the trim off. You will then be able to gain access to the screw that binds the trim and handle to the door. After removing the screw you can remove the handle and take out the lock cylinder from the door.
One of the most obvious indicators that your lock is failing is when you can no longer wiggle the key inside. This is because the tumblers are getting worn out and 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 for it to be changed into a new key.
Start by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If the kit you purchased does not come with new screws, you can purchase them from the hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock you must also take out the screws that hold the external rose plate to the door. After you've removed the screws, take the dead bolt and plate away from the door.
Next, search for a hole in the inside trim of the handle. If you spot a pinhole, insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You could also try the flat screwdriver against an opening or slot. This should release the handle and reveal screws which can be removed to free the entire lock case from the door.
Installing the new lock
If you're looking to replace your lock after a break-in or simply want to update the appearance of your door, installing a new lock is relatively easy. It is important to measure your door prior to purchasing a lock to ensure that it is suitable. This is especially important for deadbolts, which must be a certain size in order to fit into the bolt pocket and strikeplate. Contact your local hardware store for assistance when you're not sure what measurement to take.
If you're replacing a mortice lock, take the centre rail of the lock as a guide for positioning the new mortise lock. Once you've marked the location of the lock, make holes along the centre line the same size as the lock. Then, chisel away the wood until you have a neat rectangular space for your mortice lock to fit into. Insert the lock, and then outline the faceplate using an outliner. Mark and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate.
You can save money when rekeying locks by purchasing an initial set that includes keys that can be re-keyed and an unlocked key. These kits can be purchased from numerous online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. These kits also come with instructions to help you complete your project.
If you're renting, make sure to review your lease agreement before changing locks. It may require that you give the landlord a key to the new lock. It is possible to replace the lock with a more standard one if you have to do this. You can buy a basic lock from your nearest hardware store, or buy a smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all levers and knobs. This lock can be connected to an intelligent home security hub to provide notifications whenever your door is unlocked or opened.
Installing a new lock
A damaged lock poses an issue for security, so it is essential to replace it quickly. It's easy to replace the door lock. The first step is removing the lock that was previously used. click to investigate is done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and then removing it. You may need a screwdriver or Allen wrench, depending on the kind of lock you have. Once you have removed the lock that was previously used take all the parts and put them in a safe location.
Then, insert the new lock onto the door. Most kits come with an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock will fit to the door. If the template does not match to your door, you can trace around the template with a pencil, or use a chisel to remove any extra material. Once the new lock is installed, ensure that the interior latch plate lines up with the mortise hole for an ensconced fit.
When you install the new lock, be careful not to over tighten it. This can cause your lock to squeak, or even break. If you have a lock that is keyed, ensure that the spindle is aligned with the knob's hole. If it's not, you can make use of the screwdriver to push through the lock into the knob.
Install the decorative baseplate that comes with the lock after you've finished installing it. If the lock doesn't come with a base plate you can buy one that is compatible with your hardware.
Test the new lock to confirm that it works. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it to make sure that it is able to open. If it fails then you must contact a locksmith.
Rekeying your locks with an expert can aid in preventing burglaries. This involves changing the internal tumblers of your lock to make it insensitive to your old keys. This will allow you to feel secure and secure in your home.
Test the new lock
When installing a new lock, you must ensure that it works as intended. This is why it's important to follow the directions carefully. If you don't, you might not be able to open your door. If you're not sure what to do, seek out a professional locksmith help. A locksmith can give you advice on the best locks for your house.
If you are having trouble opening your lock, it could be a problem with the handle or latch. It is possible to lubricate the latch using graphite or spray it with WD-40. In some cases, this will fix the issue. However, you might need to replace the latch completely if it isn't functioning correctly.
The lock may have been installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door could be damaged or gone from the new lock. In this situation it is recommended to grab the handle from the inside, and insert the new clip made of plastic. The handle will then be linked to the lock and the lock will be tested.
After you've replaced the lock it's important to check the keypad to make sure that it's functioning correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad is functioning correctly, it will unlock and lock your door.
Examine the deadbolt to be sure it's working correctly. If it's not, you should remove the latch and undo the Phillips head screws on the sides of the door in order to unlatch it. Replace the deadbolt you have used with the new one. Make sure you orient and load in the deadbolt lock in the correct way.
Another method to test the new lock is by using the spindle test, which can be accomplished by inserting the spindle with a screwdriver. This test should be conducted before re-installing the lock to avoid errors in installation.