How to Replace Door Locks
Replacing your door lock can be a difficult task. It is essential to protect your home from intruders. You should also replace your locks when you have an additional housemate or if you rent your house.
The majority of modern locks are designed to fit standard width doors. If your door is thicker you'll require a "thick-door" kit that has longer screws and longer tail pieces for deadbolts.
Remove the old lock
You will need to remove the old lock from the door before you install the new lock. This can be accomplished with the use of a few tools, but you need 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 trim. You can use a screwdriver accomplish this. After the screws have been removed, you can remove the trim. Then, you can get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw and the lock cylinder and then open the handle.
One of the most obvious indications that your lock is failing is when you can no longer turn the key inside. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping their movement upwards or downwards, causing the lock to stop working. You'll need to have the lock replaced by a locksmith in the event that this happens.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If the kit you purchased doesn't come with new screws, 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 you've removed the screws pull the dead bolt and plate away from the door.
Then, look for a pinhole on the inside trim of the handle. If you spot one, slip straightened safety pins into it. You could also try a flat screwdriver against an opening or slot. This should open the lock handle and expose screws that can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door.
Fitting the new lock
Whether you need to change your lock following a burglary or simply want to change the appearance of your door, installing a new lock is relatively simple. It is essential to measure your door before purchasing a lock to make sure it fits. This is especially crucial for deadbolts, which require a specific size in order 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 mortice locks, you can make use of the existing centre rail to guide you in the placement of the new mortise lock. Once you've marked the position of the lock, make holes on the centre line that are the same width as the lock. Then, chisel the wood away until you have a rectangular space to fit the mortice lock. Then, insert the lock and outline the faceplate using the marking knife. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate.
You can save money when rekeying locks by purchasing a starter set that includes keys that can be re-keyed and a blank key. These kits can be purchased at a variety of online stores as well as hardware and home improvement stores. These kits also come with instructions to help you complete your project.
Make sure to read your lease agreement if you are renting before changing locks. It may require you to give the landlord keys to the new lock. You may have to replace the lock with a more standard one if you are required to do so. You can buy a basic lock from your local hardware retailer, or get a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all levers and knobs. This system can be connected to a smart home security hub to allow you to receive alerts when your door is locked or opened.
Installing the new lock
A damaged lock could pose an issue for security, so it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible. It's easy to replace the door lock. The first step is to take the lock that was previously installed from the door. This is done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and pulling it out. Depending on the type you have, you may need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Once you've removed the old lock keep all parts and put them in a secure location.
Install the new lock into the door. The majority of kits include a cardboard template that shows how the lock will fit on the door. If the template doesn't match your door, you can draw a line with a pencil around it or a chisel for extra material removal. After the new lock is installed, ensure that the latch plate's interior aligns with the mortise lockset hole to ensure an ensconced fit.
Be cautious not to over tighten the lock when installing it. This can cause your lock to squeak, or even break. If you have a lock keyed, make sure the spindle aligns with the knob's hole. If it's not, make use of the screwdriver to push the lock into the knob.
Install the baseplate with the design that comes with the lock after you've installed it. If the lock isn't equipped with a base plate that is decorative you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware.
The last step is to test the new lock to ensure it is working. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it to make sure that it opens. If it fails then you must contact locksmith.
You can also avoid burglaries by having a professional reset your locks. This process involves changing the lock's internal tumblers so that it will not accept your old keys. This will help you to feel safe and secure in your home.
Testing window lock replacement
Installing an entirely new lock is a great method to ensure that it will work as intended. It is crucial to follow the instructions. You might not be able to unlock your door if you don't. If you're not sure what to do, you can call a professional locksmith for help. A locksmith can also provide advice about the best locks for your home.
If you are having trouble opening your lock, it could be an issue with the latch or handle. You can try lubricating the latch with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. In some instances it will resolve the problem. However, you may have to replace the latch completely if it's not working correctly.
Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The door handle clip can be broken or missing on the new lock. In this case you need to grasp the handle from the inside and then insert the new clip made of plastic. The handle is then attached to the lock and the lock will be tested.
After you've changed the lock, it's crucial to check the keypad to make sure that it's functioning correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad is functioning correctly, your door will be able to open and lock.
Examine the deadbolt to be sure it's functioning properly. If it's not working, take off the latch on the door and take off the Phillips-head screws. Remove the deadbolt you have previously installed and replace it with a new one. Make sure you orient and load in the deadbolt lock properly.
Spindle testing is another way to test a new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver in the spindle. This test should be conducted before re-installing the lock to ensure that there are no mistakes in the installation.