How to Replace Door Locks
It can be difficult to replace your door lock. It is important to keep your home secure from potential intruders and also to replace locks if you move in with an additional housemate or have let out your home.
Most new locks are designed for standard door widths. If your door is more thick and wider, you'll need to purchase an "thick door" kit which has larger screws and a larger tail piece for the deadbolt.
Remove the lock from the old one.
If you're switching your door lock, you need to remove the old one from the door. You can do this with some simple tools, but make sure not to damage your door frame or door. Making use of the right tools will save you money in future repairs.
Start by taking off the screws that hold the handle and then trim. This can be done with the help of a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can take the trim off. Then, you can remove the screw that binds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can lift the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door.
One of the most obvious indications that your lock is getting old is when you cannot longer wiggle the key inside. This is because the tumblers are wearing out, and will eventually stop moving up and down and thereby limiting the lock's ability to function. If this happens, you'll need to bring the lock to a locksmith to be rekeyed.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate to its place. If the kit you purchased does not include new screws, then you can purchase them at an hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock, you must also remove the screws that hold the external rose plate to the door. After removal of the screws, take off the plate as well as the dead bolt.
Next, look for a pinhole on the handle's interior trim. If window and door lock repair find one, slip straightened safety pins into it. You can also try a flat screwdriver against an opening or slot. This will release the handle and expose screws which can be removed to remove the entire lock case from the door.
Fitting the new lock
Whether you need to change your lock following a burglary or simply want to improve the appearance of your door installing the new lock is easy. It is important to measure your door prior buying a lock in order to ensure it fits. This is especially important for deadbolt locks that require a specific size to fit into the bolt pocket and strike plate. Ask your local hardware store for help if you aren't sure how to measure.
If you're replacing a mortice use the existing centrerail as a reference to position the new mortise. Once you've marked the location of the lock, drill holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. Then, chisel away wood until you have a clean rectangular space for your mortice lock to be placed in. Place the lock in, and then outline the faceplate with an outliner. Mark and drill screwholes to secure the faceplate.
When you are rekeying locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit that includes a set of re-keyable keys and a key blank. These kits can be purchased from many online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. These kits also come with instructions to help you complete your project.
Check your lease agreement if you are renting before changing locks. You may be required to give the landlord the key to the new locks. You may need to replace the old lock with a new one if you are required to do this. You can purchase a basic lock at your local hardware store, or get a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and lets you lock and unlock your door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. The system can also be linked to your smart home security hub, allowing you to receive notifications when your door is opened or locked.
Installing the new lock
A damaged lock could pose an issue for security, so it is important to replace it as fast as possible. The good news is that replacing a door lock is a simple project that anyone can do. The first step is to remove the lock that was previously installed from the door. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure it and then pulling it out. You may need a screwdriver or Allen wrench, depending on the type of lock you have. Save all the components of the lock that were used and keep them in a secure place.
Install the new lock on the door. Most kits come with an example of cardboard that shows how the lock will fit onto the door. If the template doesn't match to your door you can trace around it using a pencil or use a chisel to remove any extra material. After the new lock is installed, ensure that the interior latch plate is aligned with the mortise lockset hole for an ideal fit.
Be cautious not to over tighten the lock while installing it. This could cause the lock to crack or even break. If you have a keyed lock, be sure that the spindle is aligned with the hole in the knob. If it's not, you can make use of a screwdriver in order to push the spindle into the lock and into the knob.
Install the decorative baseplate that is included with the lock once you've completed installing it. If the lock doesn't come with a decorative base plate then you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware.
Test the new lock to ensure it functions. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock so that it is able to open. If this doesn't work you need to seek out a locksmith.
You can also prevent break-ins by having a professional reset your locks. This procedure involves changing the lock's internal tumblers so that it can not accept the old keys. This will allow you to feel secure and safe in your home.
Test the new lock
Installing the lock from scratch is a great method to make sure that it functions as intended. It is crucial to follow the directions. If you don't, you may not be capable of opening your door. If you're not sure of what to do, you can call a professional locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can provide suggestions on the best locks for your house.
If you're having trouble opening your lock it could be an issue with the latch or handle. You can lubricate the latch using graphite or spray it with WD-40. This can sometimes solve the issue. It may be necessary to replace the latch if it is damaged. latch is not working correctly.
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 instance, you should grasp the handle from the inside, and insert the new clip made of plastic. Then, you can connect the handle to the lock and test its operation.
After you've changed the lock, it is important to test the keypad to be 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.
Check the deadbolt to make sure it's working correctly. If it's not working, take off the latch from the door and take off the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Make sure you orient and load the deadbolt lock properly.
Spindle testing is an additional method to test a new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be performed before re-installing the lock to prevent any mistakes during installation.