How to Replace Door Locks
Replacing your door lock can be a challenging task. It is essential to protect your home from intruders. You should also replace your locks when you have new housemates, or if you rent out your house.
The majority of new locks are designed for standard door widths. If your door is thicker you'll require a "thick-door" kit with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
If you're switching the lock on your door it is necessary to remove the old one from the door. This can be done with a few basic tools, but it's crucial to be careful not to damage the door or frame. Making use of the right tools will save you money on future repairs.
Start by taking off the screws that hold the handle in place and then trim. This can be accomplished with a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can take off the trim. You can then get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw, you can open the handle and take out the lock cylinder from the door.
If you're unable to turn your keys inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and then stopping the movement up or downward, causing the lock to stop working. You'll need to get the lock rekeyed by a locksmith if this occurs.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If your kit doesn't include new screws, buy them from a hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock you must also remove the screws that hold the external rose plate to the door. After you've removed the screws remove the dead bolt and the plate away from the door.
Then, look for a hole in the handle's interior trim. If you find a pinhole you can insert a straightened safety pin into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This should open the lock handle and expose screws which can be removed to remove the entire lock from the door.
Installing the new lock
If you're looking to replace your lock following a burglary or simply want to improve the look of your door, installing an entirely new lock is easy. It is essential to measure your door prior to buying a lock to make sure it fits. This is particularly important for deadbolt locks, which require a specific size to fit into the bolt pocket and strike plate. If you're not sure of how to measure, get help from your local hardware store or locksmith.
If you are replacing a mortice, use the existing centrerail as a guide to locate the new mortise. Once you have marked the location of the lock, drill holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. Then, you can chisel your wood until you have an even rectangular space that will fit the mortice lock. After that, insert the lock and trace the faceplate using a marking knife. Mark and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate.
When rekeying locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit which includes keys that are re-keyable as well as a key blank. The kits are available at many online retailers and also from home improvement and hardware stores. The kits also come with instructions to assist you in completing your project.
If you're renting, make sure to read your lease before changing locks. You may be required to give your landlord the key to the new locks. If so, Repair My Windows And Doors might be required to take out the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a standard lock from your nearest hardware store, or you can get a high-tech smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and lets you lock and unlock your door from afar. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. The system can be linked to a security hub for your home to allow you to receive notifications whenever your door is not locked or opened.
Installing a new lock
A broken lock can be a security threat, so it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible. It's easy to replace locks for doors. The first step is to disengage the lock that was previously installed from the door. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure it and then pulling it out. You may require either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench depending on the kind of lock you have. Save all the components of the old lock and put them in a secure location.
Install the new lock in the door. The majority of kits come with an example of cardboard that shows how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template doesn't line up with your door, you can trace around the template with a pencil, or use a chisel to remove extra material. Be sure that the inside latch plate is aligned with the mortise hole once the new lock is installed.
Be cautious not to over tighten the lock when you install it. This could cause the lock to rattle or even break. If you have a lock keyed, ensure that the spindle is in alignment with the hole on the knob. If it's not, you can use the screwdriver to push the lock into the knob.
Once you have finished installing the new lock, you are now able to install the base plate that comes with it. If the lock isn't equipped with a base plate with a design you can purchase one that matches the hardware.
Test the new lock to make sure it functions. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock to make sure that it opens. If this doesn't work you must seek out a locksmith.
Rekeying your locks with a professional can also help to prevent burglaries. This involves changing the internal lock tumblers to make it insensitive to your old keys. This will allow you to feel secure and safe in your home.
Test the new lock
Installing the lock from scratch is a great way to make sure that it functions as intended. This is why it's important to follow the instructions carefully. If you don't, you may not be capable of opening your door. If you're not sure of what to do, contact a professional locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can also give guidance on the best locks for your home.
If you are having trouble opening your lock it could be an issue with the handle or latch. Try lubricating your latch by spraying it with WD-40. In some cases it can fix the problem. However, you may need to replace the latch completely if it's not functioning properly.
The lock could have been installed incorrectly. The door handle clip could be damaged or not present on the new lock. In this case you must remove the handle from the interior and insert a plastic retainer clip. After that, you can connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock.
After you've changed the lock, it's crucial to check the keypad to make sure that it's working correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad is working correctly, it should be able to unlock and lock your door.
Examine the deadbolt to be sure it's functioning properly. If it's not, you should remove the latch and undo the Phillips head screws on the sides of the door to open it. Replace the old deadbolt with the new one. Make sure to orient and load the deadbolt lock correctly.
Another way to test the new lock is to use the spindle test, which can be performed by inserting an instrument into the spindle. This test should be carried out prior to reinstalling the lock in order to avoid errors in installation.