Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to change the door lock, from improving your home's security to re-decorating your entryway. It is possible to replace locks when your key becomes stuck or becomes difficult to turn.
Changing your lock is a straightforward project that even novice DIY homeowners can take on. Begin by gathering the necessary materials.
Remove the old lock
Before installing a new lock it is important to take out the old lock from the door. This is particularly important when you suspect that someone else has access to your home. It may also be a good idea if you have moved into a house, experienced a break-in or welcomed a new roommate. The process is a lot simpler than you might think and can be completed in only a few minutes.
Start by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate onto the door frame. To remove the faceplate, you'll need to remove screws on both sides. This will allow you to see what is behind it, and will give you a better idea of how to proceed in the next steps.
Once you have removed the old faceplate, you will have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole using a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty, you may need to use a chisel smash it out. If you use a chisel to remove the bolt, make sure to not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure the new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit into the holes that are already present in the door before you take out the old one. Numerous hardware stores and large box stores have a wide selection of locks and will help you choose the right one. If the lock you bought doesn't fit your door.
While you're taking off the old lock, look for small depressions or notches in the handle or around the trim. If you find them, slip a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver into these to release the handle and expose screws underneath.
After taking the screw off the handle, you are able to begin removing the knob. To do this find the set screw at the knob's base and loosen it. Then, remove the spindle.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently particularly if you've been the victim of a break-in. It's simple, inexpensive and effective to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few simple instructions, most people can do it by themselves. You may also wish to learn how to change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you hold the key.
You'll need to purchase a new lock with the same keyway as the existing lock. You can save money by choosing to change the lock's key yourself. double glazed window lock repairs near me for this. You can purchase a brand new lock at a hardware store, or even online. A standard deadbolt should be able to fit on doors of all sizes however, you'll need to measure the size of your door to ensure that it fits.
Most times the lock you purchase will be supplied with the cardboard template that will show how it will fit on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It is much easier than measuring every time. If the template does not exactly match your hole, bring it back to the shop and request a replacement.
The new lock on the right-hand side of the door. You can confirm this by inspecting the latch, which must be marked "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is properly seated in the plate and then attach it using the supplied screws.
When replacing the knob lock, you should also pay attention to its handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you're not careful, you may place the knob on the wrong side of the door, which will make it impossible to lock it from either the inside or the outside.
After you're done checking your new lock to confirm that it works. You should be capable of locking the door from both the inside and outside, as well as unlock it with keys. If you aren't satisfied with the outcome you can always contact a professional locksmith to fix the issue.
Test the lock
A door lock that cannot be locked can be frustrating but it could also put your family's security at risk. It's easy to fix the majority of problems with door locks by tackling the issue and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is correctly cut and that the lock assembly itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the issue try lubricating your door lock actuator using graphite powdered with powder.
Make sure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors all function correctly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Use a test light or digital meter to see whether the door lock's actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you see voltage toggles with each switch, it means the switches are in good shape and the actuator will need replacing.
If the switch seems to work, but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob it could be a problem with the actuator cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is fitted with pins that have a spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, and then they push them upwards to meet the height of the key at the location. Then, the cylinder to rotate and open the lock body which allows the handle to latch.
If the door lock actuator is still not working, you can take it off it by using a small screwdriver. You will need to release the bolt that locks it first and then separate the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. You should then be able to find the two bolts of 10mm that keep the actuator in place and remove them. After the actuator is removed, you can disconnect the black electrical connector.
Replace the key
Whether you have keys for your door knob or deadbolt, if it is not functioning properly, you must either reset the lock or replace it completely. It is not difficult to do this yourself and could save you a lot of money. It is best to hire an expert locksmith examine the locks for any issues prior to starting. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.
To begin, take off the faceplate that is on the outside of the doorknob or deadbolt. There may be screws holding it in place, if then use a screwdriver loosen them, and then pull the faceplate off. Then, remove the interior faceplate using a flat-head screwdriver. After removing the faceplate, you can take the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can decide whether you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also advise you on the best security options for your home. They can also make the necessary modifications to your door and frame for an ideal fit. They also offer an assurance on their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock you must first purchase a new key for it. It is essential to use the lock key that is fitted snugly. A key that is not the right size can harm the internal mechanism of the lock and prevent it from working. To determine the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it fits perfectly with the plug, it's the right size. If the pins stick up from the top of the plug the plug, then they're too long.
There are many reasons why you might want to replace your door lock, for example:
Rekeying a lock can be a cheaper option than replacing it if you're moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys have been lost. It's also more cost-effective than a complete replacement. However, there are certain circumstances where rekeying your lock isn't feasible. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example it could be the right time to replace it.