How to Replace Door Locks
Replacing the door lock could be a difficult task. It is essential to keep your home secure from intruders, and to replace locks if you get an occupant change or you are letting out your home.
The majority of new locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is wider, you will need a "thick-door" kit that has longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt.
Removal of the old lock
If you're changing the lock on your door you must take the old lock off the door. You can do this using the help of a few tools, but make sure not to scratch your door frame or door. Making use of the right tools will save you money on future repairs.
Start by removing the screws that hold the handle and trim. You can use a screwdriver to accomplish this. Once the screws have been removed, you can remove the trim. Then, you can get to the screw that holds the trim and handle to the door. After you have removed the screw then, you can take off the lock cylinder and then open the handle.
One of the most frequent indicators that your lock is getting old is when you can no longer move the key inside. This is because the tumblers wear out and then stopping the movement upwards or downwards, causing the lock to cease to function. If this happens, you'll have to bring the lock to a locksmith to be reset-keyed.
Start by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If your kit does not come with new screws, you can purchase them from a hardware shop. If you're installing a mortise lock you must also remove the screws that secure the external rose plate to the door. After removing the screws, remove the plate and dead bolt.
Then, look for a pinhole on the inside trim of the handle. If you spot one, slip a straightened safety pin into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This should release the handle and expose screws which can be removed to free the entire lock case from the door.
Installing the new lock
Installing a new lock could be done with ease, whether you want to replace your lock after an incident of burglary, or simply want to change your door's appearance. It is important to measure the door to make sure you buy the right lock that is the right size for your door. This is particularly important for deadbolts, which require a specific size to fit into the strikeplate and pocket of the bolt. If you're not sure of how to measure, you can get help from your local hardware store or locksmith.
If you are replacing a mortice use the existing centrerail as a guide to locate the new mortise. Once you've marked the location of the lock, you'll need to drill holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. Then, chisel the wood away until you have an even rectangular space that will fit your mortice lock. Install the lock, and then outline the faceplate using a marking blade. Mark and drill screw holes to fix the faceplate.
If you want to rekey locks you can save money by buying a starter kit that includes keys that are re-keyable as well as a key blank. Kits can be purchased from many online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also come with a set of instructions to aid you in the process.
If you're renting, make sure to check your lease before changing locks. It may require that you provide the landlord with an access key to the new lock. If this is the case, you could be required to dismantle the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a standard lock at your local hardware retailer, or purchase a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and allows you to lock and unlock your door from afar. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all levers and knobs. It can also be linked to your home security hub that is smart, allowing you to receive alerts whenever your door is locked or opened.
Installing a new lock
A broken lock is an issue for security, so it is essential to replace it immediately. It's simple to replace a door lock. The first step is to take the old lock from the door. This is done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and then removing it. Depending on the type you have, you may need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Save upvc window lock repairs near me of the lock that were used and put them in a secure location.
Install the new lock into the door. Most kits include 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 it using a pencil or use a chisel to remove extra material. Be sure that the inside latch plate is aligned with the mortise hole after the new lock has been installed.
Be careful not to overtighten the lock when installing it. This can cause your lock to rattle, or even break. If you have a keyed lock ensure that the spindle is in alignment with the hole in the knob. If it's not you can make use of a screwdriver in order to push the spindle through the lock and into the knob.
After you've installed the new lock, it is now time to install the decorative base plate that is included with it. If the lock doesn't come with base plates then you can purchase one that matches your hardware.
The final step is to test the new lock to ensure it is working. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock to ensure that it is able to open. If it fails then you should contact locksmith.
You can also avoid burglaries by having an expert change the locks' keys. This procedure involves changing the internal lock tumblers so that it will no longer accept your old keys. This will ensure that your home is secure and will give you peace of mind.
Test the new lock
Installing the lock from scratch is a great method to ensure that it works according to the specifications. It is essential to follow the directions. You may not be able to open your door if you don't. If you're not sure what to do, call a professional locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can give you advice on the best locks for your home.
If you're having difficulty opening your lock it could be a problem with the handle or latch. You can lubricate the latch with graphite or spray it with WD-40. This can sometimes solve the issue. However, you may have to replace the latch completely if it's not working properly.
Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip is usually damaged or missing from the new lock. In this case you must remove the handle from the interior and insert a retainer clip. Then, you can connect the handle to the lock and test its operation.
After you've changed the lock, it's crucial to test the keypad to make sure that it's working correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad functions properly, your door should be able for you to unlock and lock.
It is also advisable to check the deadbolt lock to see whether it's working properly. If it's not working, you should take the latch off and remove the Phillips head screws on the sides of the door in order to unlatch it. Take out the old deadbolt and replace it with a new one. Make sure to orient and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way.
Another method of testing the new lock is by using the spindle test. This can be done by putting the spindle with a screwdriver. This test should be carried out prior to reinstalling the lock to prevent any mistakes during installation.