Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can replace your door lock for a variety of reasons, from upgrading the security of your home to redecorating the entryway. You may need to change locks if your key gets stuck or becomes difficult to turn.
Changing your lock is a straightforward project that even beginner DIY homeowners can tackle. To begin, gather 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 especially crucial if you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. It is also an ideal option 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 a few minutes.
Begin by taking off the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you will 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 what to do with the rest of the steps.
Once you have removed the old faceplate, then you have to take off the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole using the screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty you might need to use a chisel to smash it out. When using a chisel to remove the bolt, take care to not to damage the door frame.
Before you remove the old lock, be sure that the new doorknob and deadbolt fit in the existing holes in the door. Many hardware stores and large box stores have a wide selection of locks and can assist you in choosing the right one. If the lock you bought does not match your door, bring it back and ask for assistance.
Find small dents or depressions in the handle and around the trim when you take off the lock. If you can find them, insert a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver through them to open the handle and expose screws underneath.
After you have removed the screw from the handle, you are able to start removing the knob. To do this, find the set screw located at the base of the knob and loosen. The next step is to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change locks on doors throughout your home regularly, especially after a break-in or when you move into a new home with roommates. It's simple, inexpensive and effective to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver and a few basic instructions, most people can do it by themselves. You may also want to learn how to rekey your door lock to ensure that only you hold the key.
You'll need to purchase a new lock that has the same keyway as the existing lock. You can save money if you rekey the lock yourself. The majority of locksmiths charge a fee to do this. You can buy a new lock from a hardware store or online. Standard deadbolts are suitable for the majority of doors. However, you will have to measure the door to make sure it will fit.
Your new lock will often include a template that shows how to install it on the door. You can use it as a guide when drilling the hole, which is a lot easier than measuring each time. If the template doesn't match your hole, take it back to the store and request a replacement.
When you install the new lock, remember to put it on the right side of the door. You can verify this by checking the latch, which ought to be labelled "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is properly placed within the latch plate then secure it with the screws provided.
When replacing knob locks be sure to pay attention to its handing. Certain knob locks are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could put the knob on the wrong side of the door, which will prevent you from locking it from inside or outside.
After you're done checking the new lock to ensure it functions. You should be in a position to lock the door from both the inside and outside, as well as unlock it using a key. If you're not satisfied with the results you can always contact an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
A lock that does not open is a nuisance, but it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's easy to solve the majority of door lock issues by conducting some troubleshooting and lubrication. Make sure that the key is correctly cut, and that the lock assembly isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't fix the problem, you can try lubricating the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease.
Check that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors are all working correctly. Check the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and the function of each door lock switch wire. Use a test light or digital meter to determine whether the door lock's actuator receives power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you can see voltage toggles with each switch, it means the switches are in good condition and the actuator is likely to need replacing.
If the switch seems to be working however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob it could be a problem with the actuator itself. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that stop the cylinder from moving until the key is placed in and it pushes the pins up to fit the height of the key at the point of entry. Then, the cylinder to spin and unlock the lock body which allows the handle to latch.
If the door lock actuator still not functioning, you can remove it by using a small screwdriver. double glazed window lock repairs is necessary to loosen the bolt that locks first, and then remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator and let it drop down. You should be able to find the two 10mm bolts that hold the actuator in place, and remove them. After the actuator is removed and the electrical connector disconnected, you can remove it. black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If you have a keyed door knob or deadbolt, If it's not functioning properly, you must either reset the lock or replace it completely. It's not hard to do it yourself and could save you a lot of money. It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith check the locks for any issues before you start. This will give you peace of mind that your home is secure and safe.
Remove the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws holding it in place, if then use a screwdriver loosen them, and then pull the faceplate out. Next, use a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate, you can take the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can decide whether you require a replacement or rekey your lock. They can also provide advice about the best security options for your home. They can also make the necessary adjustments to your door and frame for a perfect fit. They will also provide a guarantee on their work.
You must purchase a new lock key before you are able to reset it. It's important to use the right key in the lock. If you use a key that isn't right, it could cause damage to the mechanism inside and stop it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to verify its size. If it fits perfectly with the plug, it's of the correct size. If the pins stick out from the top of the plug, they're not long.
There are many reasons why you might want to replace your door lock, including:
Rekeying a lock can be a cheaper option than replacing it if you are moving into the home of a previous owner or if your keys have been lost. It's also less costly than a full replacement. However, there are certain situations in which rekeying your lock isn't feasible. If the lock has been damaged or repeatedly jammed, as in it could be time to replace it.