Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are a variety of reasons to change your the door lock, from improving your home's security to re-decorating your entryway. You may need to change locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.
The process of changing your lock is an easy project that even beginner DIY homeowners can take on. Get the tools you need to begin.
Remove the old lock
Removal of the old lock from the door is a crucial step prior to installing the new one. This step is especially important when you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. It's also a good idea after you've moved into a brand new home, suffered a break-in or welcomed a roommate. The process is a lot simpler than you might think and can be completed in a few minutes.
Begin by getting rid of the screws that attach the deadbolt faceplate onto the door frame. You'll need to remove the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will let you see what's behind it and give you a better understanding of how to proceed with the next steps.
Once you have removed the old faceplate, you'll have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole with a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusted, you may have to use a chisel and smash it. When using a chisel to remove the bolt, be careful not damage the door frame.
Make sure the new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit into the holes already in the door before you take out the old one. Most hardware stores and big box stores sell several different types of locks. They can assist you in finding the best one for your requirements. If the lock you purchased doesn't fit your door.
While you're taking off the lock that was previously in use, look for small slits or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you are able to locate them, insert a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.
Once the screw inside the handle has been removed, you can begin removing the knob from its spindle. To do this, locate the set screw located at the base of knob and loosen it. Then, remove the spindle.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently, especially if you have had a break-in. Change the lock is an inexpensive, simple and effective method to ensure that your home is safe. With a screwdriver and a few basic instructions, most people can do it by themselves. window and door lock repair may also wish to know how to rekey your door lock to ensure that only you have the key.
To begin the process, you'll need to buy an additional lock that matches the keyway of your current lock. You can save money by choosing to modify the lock yourself. The majority of locksmiths charge a fee for this. You can buy an entirely new lock from an hardware store or on the internet. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to most doors. However, you will have to measure the door to ensure that it is suitable.
Most of the time the lock you purchase will include a cardboard template that shows how it will fit on the door. This template can be used to drill the hole. It is much easier than having to measure every time. If the template doesn't match your hole, take it back to the store and request a replacement.
When installing the new lock, you must ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. Examine the latch. It should have a label that says "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is sitting correctly in the latch plate, then secure it with the screws provided.
When replacing a knob lock, you should also be aware of 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 hinder you from locking it from either the inside or the outside.
It is recommended to test the new lock once you finish. You should be able both to lock and unlock the door with a key from the inside as well as from the outside. If you aren't satisfied with the result, you can contact a locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
A door lock that will not open can be a hassle however, it could also put the safety of your family at risk. It's simple to solve the majority of problems with door locks by tackling the issue and lubrication. Make sure that the key is correctly cut, and that the lock assembly isn't dirty or loose. If this does not solve the issue, try lubricating your door lock actuator using powdered graphite.
Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors all function properly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Then, test the wires using a light or digital meter to see whether the door lock actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you see voltage switches that toggle with each other this means that the switches are in good shape and the actuator is likely to require replacement.
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 outfitted with pins that are spring-loaded. They stop the cylinder from moving until the key is inserted, and then they push them upwards to match the height of the key at that location. In the end, this causes the cylinder to rotate and let the lock body open and allow the handle to latch.
If the door lock actuator still not working, you can remove it using a small screwdriver. It is necessary to remove the bolt that locks it first and then separate the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. Then you should be able to identify and remove the two 10mm bolts holding the actuator in position. After the actuator is removed and the electrical connector disconnected, you can remove it. black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If you have an unkeyed deadbolt or door knob if it is not working correctly, you should either reset the lock or replace it completely. It's not too difficult and will save you money. However, before you do this, it's a good idea to have a locksmith examine the locks and check for any issues. This will provide you with peace of mind that your home is secure and secure.
To begin, remove the faceplate that is on the outside of the deadbolt or doorknob. There may be screws holding it in place, if so use a screwdriver to loosen them and pull the faceplate away. Then utilize a flat head screwdriver to remove the interior faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate, you are able to remove the bolt and screw from inside the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can determine if you need to replace or rekey the lock. They can also provide advice on the best security measures for your home. They can also make the necessary adjustments to your door and frame for the perfect fit. They also provide the guarantee on their work.
You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you are able to reset it. It's important to use a key that fits well in the lock. A key that's not the right size may harm the internal mechanism of the lock and prevent it from working. To test the size of a key, simply insert it into the lock. If the key fits completely against the plug then it's the correct size. If the pins protrude from the top of plug and are not a good fit, they're too long.
There are many reasons why you might want to change the lock on your door, including:
If you're moving into a previous owner's residence or have lost keys, rekeying your lock is an affordable option than replacing it. It can also be less invasive than a complete replacement. However, there are some situations in which rekeying your existing lock isn't possible. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example, it may be time to replace it.