How to Replace Door Locks
The replacement of your door lock can be a challenging task. It is essential to secure your home from intruders, and to change locks when you get an additional housemate or have let out your home.
The majority of modern locks are made to fit standard width doors. If your door is thicker you'll require a "thick-door" kit that comes with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt.
Removing the old lock
You will need to remove your old lock from the door before you install the new one. This can be accomplished with a few basic tools, but it's important to be careful not to cause damage to the frame or door. Making use of the right tools will save you money on future repairs.
Start by taking off the screws that hold the handle and then trim. This can be accomplished with a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can take off the trim. You can then get to the screw that holds 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 common indications that your lock is failing is when you cannot longer move the key inside. This is because the tumblers wear out and eventually stopping moving upwards or downwards, causing the lock to cease to function. If this happens, you'll need to bring the lock to a locksmith to be rekeyed.
When you're ready to replace your deadbolt, start by stripping the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If your kit doesn't include new screws, you can purchase them at a hardware shop. If you're installing a mortise locking it is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the external roseplate to the door. After repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 've removed the screws, take the dead bolt and plate from the door.
Next, search for a hole in the inside of the handle. If you spot a pinhole you can insert a straightened safety pin into it. You can also try a flat screwdriver against a depression or slot. This will release the handle and reveal screws that can be removed to take the entire lock case from the door.
Installing the new lock
If you're looking to change your lock following a break-in or simply want to change the appearance of your door installing a new lock is relatively easy. It is important to measure your door to ensure that you purchase an appropriate lock that is the right size for your door. This is especially important for deadbolt locks, which must be a specific size to fit inside the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. Ask your local hardware store for assistance when you're not sure what size to use.
If you're replacing mortice locks, take the centre rail of the lock as a guide for positioning the new mortise lock. Once you've determined the location of the lock, drill holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. Then, chisel the wood away until you have a rectangular space to accommodate the mortice lock. After that, you can insert the lock and outline the faceplate using an outline knife. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate into the correct position.
When rekeying locks you can save money by buying a starter kit that includes keys that can be re-keyed and a key blank. These kits can be purchased from numerous online retailers and also from home improvement and hardware stores. They also include instructions to assist you in completing your project.
Make sure to read your lease agreement if you're renting prior to changing locks. You may have to give the landlord the key to the new locks. You may need to replace the lock with a standard one if you are required to do this. You can buy a basic lock at the hardware store near you or you can invest in a high-tech lock that connects to your home's WiFI network and lets you to lock and unlock the door from a distance. A good choice is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with most door knobs and levers. This system can be connected to a security hub for your home to provide alerts when your door is unlocked or opened.
Installing a new lock
A damaged lock could pose an issue for security, so it is essential to replace it as soon as possible. It's easy to replace locks for doors. The first step is to take the lock that was previously installed from the door. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure it and then removing it. You may require a screwdriver or Allen wrench based on the type of lock you have. Once you've removed the lock you have been using, save all of the components and place them in a secure location.
Next, install the new lock into the door. Most kits come with an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock should fit to the door. If the template doesn't line to your door, you can trace around it with a pencil or use a chisel to remove any extra material. After the new lock is in place, make sure the latch plate's interior aligns with the mortise lockset hole for a secure fit.
When installing the new lock, be careful not to tighten it too much. This can cause the lock to rattle or even break. If you have a lock with keys, be sure that the spindle is in alignment with the hole in the knob. If it's not, make use of the screwdriver to drive the lock into the knob.
Install the baseplate with the design that is included with the lock once you've installed it. If the lock doesn't come with a base plate that is decorative you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware.
Test the new lock to confirm that it is working. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it to make sure that it opens. If this doesn't work you need to call a locksmith.
You can also prevent break-ins by having an expert change the locks' keys. This process involves changing the lock's internal tumblers so that it will not accept the old keys. This will allow you to feel safe and secure at home.
Test the new lock
Installing the lock from scratch is a great way to make sure that it functions as intended. It is crucial to follow the directions. You may not be able to unlock your door if you don't. You can ask an expert locksmith for help if you are unsure of what to do. A locksmith can also give guidance on the best locks for your home.
If you're having difficulty opening your lock it could be due to an issue with the handle or latch. Try lubricating your latch with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. This can sometimes solve the issue. However, you may have to replace the latch completely if it's no longer working properly.
Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip may be damaged or missing on the new lock. In this instance it is recommended to remove the handle from the inside and insert a plastic retainer clip. The handle will then be attached to the lock and the lock tested.
It is important to test the keypad after you've replaced your lock to make sure it works correctly. You can test it by placing the key in and turning it. If the keypad works correctly, your door will be able to unlock and lock.
You should also check the deadbolt lock to see if it's functioning correctly. If it's not working properly, remove the latch from the door and take off the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Orient and load the deadbolt lock correctly.
Spindle testing is an additional method to test the new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should always be performed before reinstalling the lock in order to avoid any errors.