Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to replace your door lock, from upgrading your home's security, to redecorating your entrance. You might also have to change locks if your key is stuck inside or is difficult to turn.
DIY novices can easily modify their lock. Begin by gathering the materials you need.
Remove the old lock
Removing the lock that was in place before the door is a necessary step prior to installing the new lock. This step is especially important when you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. This is also a good idea following you've moved into a new house, had a break-in or a roommate moved in. It is easier than you think and can be completed in just 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'll have to remove screws from both sides. This will allow you to see what's behind it and provide you with a better understanding of how to proceed with the next steps.
After removing the faceplate you'll need to take off the bolt along with the strike plate 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 remove it. When using a chisel to remove the bolt, take care to not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure your new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit into the holes already in the door before removing the old one. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores stock a range of locks and can help you choose the right one. If the lock you purchased doesn't match your door, take 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, slip a straightened safety pin or flat screwdriver into these to loosen the handle and expose screws underneath.
After the screw in the handle has been removed you can begin removing the knob from its spindle. To do this find the set screw that is located on the knob's base and loosen it. The next step is to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door.
Install the new lock
It's a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently, especially if you have been the victim of a break-in. It's simple, inexpensive and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver and a few simple instructions, most people can handle it themselves. You might also want to know how to change the lock's key to ensure that only you hold the key.
To start the process, you need to buy a new lock that is compatible with the keyway of your current lock. over here will replace your lock for a fee, but you can save money by doing this yourself. You can buy a new lock at a hardware store, or online. Standard deadbolts will fit the majority of doors. However, you will have to measure the door to ensure that it fits.
Most of the time, your new lock will come with the cardboard template that will show you how it will fit on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's a lot easier than having to measure every time. If the template does not line to the hole you intend to drill you need to take it back to the hardware store to purchase a different one.
You must install the new lock on the right side of the door. You can verify this by looking at the latch, which should be labeled "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is seated correctly in the plate and then attach it using the supplied screws.
When replacing knob locks be sure to pay attention to its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed however, there are some that are right-handed. If you're not careful, you may install the knob on the wrong side of the door, which could prevent you from locking it from inside or outside.
You should test the new lock after you finish. 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 happy with the results you can always contact a professional locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
If a lock on your door cannot be locked can be a nuisance, it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's not difficult to fix most problems with door locks by performing some troubleshooting and lubrication. To start with, check that your key is correctly cut and that the lock assembly itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you can try to lubricate the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based lubricant.
Make sure that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses and actuator connector are all functioning properly. Refer to the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color code and function of each wire of the door lock switch. Use a digital meter or test light to determine if the actuator is receiving power and is grounded when the switches are turned on. If you notice voltage switches that toggle with each other, it means the switches are in good working order and the actuator will need replacing.
If the switch appears to be working but the actuator does not move when you turn it, there could be a problem in the cylinder. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that stop the cylinder from rotating until a key is inserted and moves the pins upwards to fit the height of the key at the point of entry. This causes the cylinder eventually to turn opening the lock body and opening the handle latch.
If your door lock actuator is inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator using a small screwdriver to release the bolt that locks and then separate the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then you must disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it fall down. Then, you should be able identify and remove the two 10mm bolts which hold the actuator in position. After the actuator has been removed, you should be in a position to disconnect the black electrical connector and remove it along with the actuator and lock assembly.
Replace the key
If your keyed deadbolt or door knob isn't functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. It is not difficult to do this yourself and could save you lots of money. It is best to hire a professional locksmith check the locks for any issues prior to starting. This will give you peace of heart that your home is safe and secure.
Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate, use a screwdriver and pull it off. Then, remove the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After removing the faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can determine if you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also give you advice on the best security options for your home. They can also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They also provide the guarantee on their work.
If you decide to rekey your lock, you must first purchase a new key for it. It is essential to use a lock key that is snugly fitted. A key that is not properly fitted could cause damage to the mechanism's internal mechanisms 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 correct size. If the pins protrude out from the top of the plug, they're not long.
You may want to change the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, such as:
Rekeying a lock is an option that is less expensive than replacing it if you're moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys have been lost. It is also less invasive than a full replacement. Rekeying an existing lock might not be possible in certain situations. For instance, if the lock is damaged or has been jammed repeatedly, it's likely the time to replace it.