Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to change the lock on your door, from increasing your home's security, to redecorating your entryway. It is also possible to change locks if your key gets stuck in the lock or is difficult to turn.
Change your lock is a straightforward project that even novice DIY homeowners can tackle. Gather the materials needed to begin.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
Before installing a new lock it is necessary to remove the old lock from the door. This is especially crucial in the event that you suspect someone else has a key to your home. It may also be a good idea if you have recently moved into a home, experienced a break-in or received a new roommate. It's more simple than you think and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Start by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate on the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you will have to remove screws from both sides. This will allow you to discover what's behind it and provide you with a better understanding of how to proceed in the next steps.
After removing the old faceplate, you'll need to remove the bolt along with the strike plate and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole by using a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty you may have to use a chisel hammer it out. If you use a chisel to remove the bolt, take care to not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure the new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit into the holes already in the door before you remove the old one. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores offer several different types of locks. They can help you find the right one for your needs. Ask for help if the lock you bought isn't the right one for your door.
Find small depressions or notches in the handle and around the trim while you remove the old lock. If you can locate them, you can use a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.
After removing the screw from the handle, you are able to begin removing the knob. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of the knob and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently, especially if you have had a break-in. It is easy, cheap and effective to change the lock on your door. The majority of people can do it by themselves using a screwdriver, a screwdriver, and some basic directions. You may also want to learn how you can change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you hold the key.
To begin the process, you'll have to purchase a new lock that is compatible with the keyway on your existing lock. You can save money by choosing to change the lock's key yourself. Most locksmiths charge extra for this. You can purchase a brand new lock at a hardware store or online. A standard deadbolt should fit on all doors however, you'll have to measure the space on your door to make sure that it's a good fit.
The lock you purchase will usually come with a template showing how to install it on the door. You can use this as a reference for drilling the hole, which is much more convenient than measuring every time. If the template doesn't line up with your hole you need to take it back to the hardware store to purchase another one.
When you install the new lock, you must remember to put it on the right side of the door. Examine the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is correctly seated on the plate and then fix it using the supplied screws.
When replacing the knob lock be sure to be aware of the handing. Certain knob locks are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could place the knob on the wrong side of the door, which would prevent you from locking it from the inside or outside.
After you've finished, you should test your new lock to confirm that it's working. It should be able to lock and unlock the door with a key from the inside as well as from the outside. If you're not happy with the results, you can always call an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
A lock that does not unlock can be annoying however, it could also put your family's safety at risk. It's easy to solve the majority of door lock problems by tackling the issue and lubrication. Verify that the key has been properly cut, and that the lock assembly is not loose or dirty. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try to lubricate the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil.
Make sure that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses, and the actuator connector are working correctly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all door lock switch wires. Then, use a test light or digital meter to determine whether the door lock actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you observe an electrical voltage switch with every switch activation, this means the switches are working and it's likely the actuator that needs to be replaced.
If the switch appears to work but the actuator does not move when you turn it, there could be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is equipped with pins that are spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, and then they push them upwards to match the height of the key in that area. This causes the cylinder eventually to rotate, opening the lock body, allowing the latch to open for the handle.
If the door lock actuator still not working, you can take it off it with a small screwdriver. It is necessary to release the bolt that locks it first and then take off the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. Then, replacement window locks should be able to find the two bolts in 10mm that keep the actuator in place, and remove them. After the actuator has been removed then you can disconnect the black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob is not working, you will need to rekey it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and can save lots of money. But, before doing this it is recommended to have a locksmith examine the locks and check for any issues. This will provide you with peace of mind that your home is safe and safe.
To begin, remove the faceplate that is on the outside of the deadbolt or doorknob. There could be screws that hold it in place, if so use a screwdriver to loosen them and then pull the faceplate away. Then utilize a flat head screwdriver to take off the interior faceplate. Once you have removed the faceplate you can pull out the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can tell you if you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also give you suggestions on the most secure measures for your home. They can also make any necessary modifications to the door and frame to ensure a perfect fit. They will also offer a warranty on their work.
You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you are able to rekey it. It is essential to use a lock key that is snugly fitted. A key that is not the right size can harm the internal mechanism of a lock and hinder it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If it fits in a flush with the plug it's of the correct size. If the pins stick out from the top of the plug, they're too long.
There are many reasons you might want to replace the lock on your door, including:
Rekeying a lock is an affordable alternative to replacing one if you are moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys have gone missing. It's also less costly than a full replacement. Rekeying a lock that is already in use may not be possible in certain situations. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example, it may be the right time to replace it.