How to Replace Door Locks
It isn't easy to replace your door lock. It is essential to protect your home from potential intruders and also to replace locks if you have an additional housemate or have let out your home.
Most new locks have been designed to fit standard width doors. If your door is thicker, you will require a "thick door" kit that has longer screws and a longer tail piece for the deadbolt.
Remove the lock from the old one.
It is necessary to remove the old lock from the door before you can install the new one. This can be accomplished with the use of a few tools, but it's crucial to ensure that you don't damage the door or frame. Making use of the right tools can save you from costly repairs in the future.
Start by taking out the screws that support the handle and then trim. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can pull the trim off. Then, you can access the screw that secures the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw, you can open the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door.
If you are unable to move your keys inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is because the tumblers wear out and eventually stopping moving up or downward, causing the lock to cease to function. If this happens, you'll have to take the lock to a locksmith for it to be reset-keyed.
When you're ready to replace your deadbolt, start by stripping the screws that keep the faceplate in place. If the kit you purchased doesn't come with new screws, buy them from a hardware store. If you are installing a mortise lock it is also necessary to remove the screws holding the external roseplate to the door. After taking off the screws, you can remove the plate and dead bolt.
Next, look for a hole in the handle's interior trim. If you find one, slip straightened safety pins into it. You can also try using a flat screwdriver in a depression or slot. This should release the handle and reveal screws that can be removed to take the entire lock case from the door.
Fitting the new lock
Installing a new lock can be done with ease regardless of whether you need to replace your lock following a break-in, or you simply want to update your door's appearance. It is important to measure the door to ensure that you buy a new lock that is the right size for your door. This is especially important for deadbolts that need to be a certain size to fit in the bolt pocket and strikeplate. If you're not sure of how to measure, get help from your local hardware store or locksmith.
If you're replacing a mortice lock, make use of the existing centre rail as a guide for positioning the new mortise lock. Once you've determined the location of the lock, drill holes along the centre line to the same size as the lock. Then, chisel away the wood until you have a clean rectangular space for your mortice lock to be placed in. After that, you can insert the lock and trace the faceplate using a marking knife. Mark and drill screw holes to fix 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 blank key. These kits are available from many online retailers and also from hardware and home improvement stores. They also include instructions to assist you in completing your task.
Check your lease agreement if renting before changing locks. You might be required to give the landlord the keys to the new locks. If so, you might be required to dismantle the old lock and replace it with a standard lock. You can purchase a standard lock from your nearest hardware store, or purchase a high-tech smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and lets you lock and unlock your door from afar. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all levers and knobs. The system can be linked to a smart home security hub so that you can receive alerts whenever your door is locked or opened.
Installing a new lock
A damaged lock poses a security risk, so it is essential to replace it immediately. The good news is that replacing locks for doors is a quick and easy task that anyone can complete. The first step is to remove the old lock 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 kind of lock you have. Once you have removed the lock that was previously used keep all parts and put them in a secure location.
Next, install the new lock into the door. Most kits include a cardboard template of how the lock should be placed on the door. If the template doesn't line up with your door, you can trace around it using a pencil or use a chisel remove any extra material. After the new lock is in place, make sure the latch plate's interior lines up with the mortise hole for an ensconced fit.
Be cautious not to over tighten the lock while installing it. This can cause the lock to squeak or even break. If you have a lock keyed, check that the spindle is in alignment with the hole on the knob. If it's not, make use of the screwdriver to push the lock into the knob.
Install the decorative baseplate that is included with the lock after you've installed it. If the lock doesn't come with a base plate with a design you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware.
The last step is to test the lock to ensure that it functions. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can be done by inserting the lock's key and turning the lock so that it opens. If this doesn't work you must call a locksmith.
Rekeying your locks with an expert can help prevent break-ins. This procedure involves changing the internal lock tumblers to ensure that it will not accept the old keys. This will ensure that your home is secure and will give you peace of mind.
Test the new lock
When installing a new lock, you want to make sure that it functions as you intended. This is why it's important to follow the instructions carefully. You might not be able to open your door if don't. You can ask an expert locksmith for help in case you aren't sure what to do. A locksmith can provide suggestions on the best locks for your house.
If you are having difficulty opening your lock, it could be an issue with the handle or latch. Try lubricating the latch with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. This may fix the problem. However, you may have to replace the latch completely if it's no longer working correctly.
The lock may have been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip could be damaged or gone from the new lock. In this situation it is recommended to grab the handle from the inside and insert a new plastic retainer clip. After that, you can connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock.
It's important to check the keypad after you've changed the lock to make sure it works correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad works correctly, your door will be able to open and lock.
It is also advisable to check the deadbolt lock to determine if it's functioning correctly. If it's not working, take off the latch from the door and take off the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt you have used with the new one. Make sure you orient and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way.
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 be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock in order to avoid errors in installation.