How to Replace Door Locks
The replacement of your door lock can be a difficult task. It is important to secure your home from intruders, and to change locks when you get an occupant change or you are letting out your home.
The majority of modern locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is more thick, you'll need a "thick-door" kit with longer screws and longer tail pieces for deadbolts.
Remove the old lock
If you're changing the lock on your door it is necessary to take the old lock off the door. This can be done with the help of a few tools, but you must be careful not to harm your door frame or door. Using the right tools will save you from costly repairs in the future.
Take off the screws that are on the trim and handle. This can be accomplished with a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can pry the trim off. Then, you can get to the screw that holds the trim and handle to the door. After removing the screw, you can remove the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door.
When you can't wiggle your keys inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping moving up or downward, causing the lock to cease to function. It is necessary to have the lock changed by a locksmith if this occurs.
Start by removing how to replace window locks Repair My Windows And Doors holding the faceplate in position. If the kit you purchased doesn't come with new screws, you'll need to buy them from a hardware shop. If you are installing a mortise lock, you will also need to remove the screws that attach the external roseplate to the door. After removing the screws, remove the plate and the dead bolt.
Next, search for a pinhole on the interior trim of the handle. If you spot a pinhole, insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This will release the handle and expose screws that can be removed to remove the entire lock case from the door.
Fitting the new lock
Installing a new lock could be done with ease regardless of whether you wish to replace your lock after an incident of burglary, or just want to improve your door's appearance. It is important to measure your door prior to purchasing a lock to ensure that it is suitable. This is particularly important for deadbolt locks, as they must be a specific size to fit inside the bolt pocket and strike plate. Ask your local hardware store for assistance in case you don't know what size to use.
If you're replacing a mortice lock, use the existing centre rail as a guide for positioning the new mortise lock. Once you've determined the location of the lock, you'll need to drill holes along the centre line to the same size as the lock. Then, you can chisel your wood until you've got a rectangular space to accommodate your mortice lock. Place the lock in, and then outline the faceplate with an outliner. Mark and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate.
If you want to rekey locks, you can save money by buying a starter kit that includes a set of re-keyable keys and a key blank. The kits are available from many online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also come with a set instructions to aid you in the process.
Make sure to read your lease agreement if renting before changing locks. You may be required to give the landlord the keys to the new locks. If so, you may be required to dismantle the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a basic lock at your local hardware store, or you can purchase a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and lets you lock and unlock your door from afar. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. This system can also be linked to your home security hub that is smart and will send alerts whenever your door is locked or opened.
Installing the new lock
A damaged lock poses an issue for security, so it's important to replace it as quickly as possible. It's simple to replace the door lock. The first step is to remove the old lock. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure it and then pulling it out. Depending on the kind of lock you have, you may need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Save all the parts of the lock that were used and store them in a secure place.
Next, install the new lock onto the door. Most kits include an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock will fit to the door. If the template doesn't match up with your door you can trace around it with a pencil or use a chisel take off any extra material. Once the new lock is in place, make sure the latch plate inside is aligned with the mortise lockset hole for a secure fit.
Be cautious not to tighten too much the lock when you install it. This could cause the lock to crack or even break. If you have a lock that's keyed, make sure the spindle is aligned with the hole on the knob. If it's not you can make use of a screwdriver to push the spindle into the lock and into the knob.
Once you have finished installing the new lock, you are now able to install the decorative base plate that comes with it. If the lock isn't equipped with a decorative base plate then you can purchase one that matches the hardware.
Test the new lock to confirm that it functions. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it to make sure that it opens. If this doesn't work, you need to seek out a locksmith.
You can also avoid burglaries by having an expert change the locks' keys. This procedure involves changing the lock's internal tumblers to ensure that it will not accept the old keys. This will allow you to feel safe and secure in your home.
Test the new lock
When installing a new lock, you need to ensure that it functions as you intended. It is essential to follow the instructions. You may not be able to unlock your door if you don't. If you're unsure of what to do, you can seek out a professional locksmith help. A locksmith can give you guidance on the most suitable locks for your house.
If you have trouble opening your lock, it could be an issue with the latch or handle. You can either lubricate your latch with graphite or spray it with WD-40. In some cases, this will fix the issue. You may need to replace the latch if it is damaged. latch isn't working correctly.
Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip is usually damaged or missing from the new lock. In this situation, you should grab the handle from the inside and insert a plastic retainer clip. Then, you can connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock.
It is important to test the keypad after you've changed the lock to make sure it functions properly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad functions correctly, your door will 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 old deadbolt with the new one. The deadbolt should be oriented and loaded lock correctly.
Another method to test the new lock is to use the spindle test. This can be done by putting the spindle with a screwdriver. This test should always be performed before reinstalling the lock to avoid any mistakes.