Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can alter the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from increasing the security of your home to redecorating the entryway. You might also have to change locks if the key gets stuck inside or is difficult to turn.
Even DIY beginners can easily modify their lock. Gather double glazing window locks replace needed to begin.
Remove the old lock
Before installing a new lock it is essential to remove the old lock from the door. This is important when you suspect that someone else may have access to the home. It could also be an excellent idea if have moved into a new house, experienced a break-in or welcomed a new roommate. It is more simple than you think to complete and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate to the door frame. You will need to take off the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will allow you to see what is behind it and will give you a better understanding of what to do with the remaining steps.
Once you have removed your old faceplate, you'll have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the bolt and remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted you may need to use a chisel to hit it. When using a chisel to remove the bolt, take care to not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure your new deadbolt, doorknob and lock fit in the existing holes in the door before removing the old one. Most hardware stores and big box stores carry different kinds of locks. They can assist you in choosing the best one for your requirements. If the lock you bought does not fit your door.
When you're removing the lock that was previously in use, look for small notches or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you can find them, slide a straightened safety pin or flat screwdriver into them to release the handle and expose screws underneath.
After removing the screw from the handle, you are able to begin removing the knob. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of the knob, and loosen. Then, take the spindle off.
Install the new lock
It's a good idea to change the locks on the doors of your home periodically, especially in the event of a burglary or you move into a new home with roommates. It's easy, affordable and effective to change the lock on your door. The majority of people can do it themselves with a screwdriver and some basic directions. You might also want to learn how to rekey your door lock to ensure that only you have the key.
To begin the process, you'll need to buy a new lock that matches the keyway on your existing lock. Many locksmiths will change the lock's key at a cost however, you can save money by doing it yourself. You can purchase a new lock from a hardware store or on the internet. Standard deadbolts are suitable for most doors. However, you'll have to measure the door to make sure it fits.
Your new lock will often come with a template showing how to put it on the door. This template can be used to drill the hole. It's a lot easier than having to measure each 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. Check the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or similar. Make sure the latch is seated correctly in the plate, and then fix it using the supplied screws.
If you're replacing locks on doors it is also essential to pay attention to the way it's operated. Most knob locks are left-handed but there are some that are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could 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 once you finish. You should be capable of locking the door from both the inside and outside, and unlock it using keys. If you aren't satisfied with the results you can call an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
While a door lock that isn't able to be opened can be frustrating, it can also put your family's security at risk. Luckily, it's easy to fix most issues with door locks by performing a bit of troubleshooting and lubrication. Make sure that the key is correctly cut, and that the lock assembly is not 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 lubricant.
Make sure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors are all working properly. Check the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and the function of the wires for each door lock switch. Then, use a test light or digital meter to see whether the door lock actuator receives power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you observe an electric voltage switch on every switch activation, this means the switches are working and it's likely the actuator that requires to be replaced.
If the switch appears to work, but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob it could be an issue with the cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that keep the cylinder from moving until the key is placed in and it pushes the pins up to accommodate the key's height in that location. This causes the cylinder eventually to turn opening the lock body and allowing the handle latch to be opened.
If your door lock actuator is still inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator by using a small screwdriver to release the locking bolt and remove the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. You should then be able find the two bolts of 10mm that hold the actuator in place and remove them. Once the actuator is removed, you will be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and pull it out along with the lock and actuator assembly.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob is not working, you'll need to rekey it or replace it. This is not difficult and can save you money. But, before doing this, it's an excellent idea to have a locksmith look over the locks and check for any issues. This will give peace of peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.
To begin, take off the exterior faceplate from the deadbolt or doorknob. If there are screws that hold the faceplate then use a screwdriver to remove it. Then utilize a flat head screwdriver to take off the interior faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate, you can take the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can tell you whether you require a replacement or rekey the lock. They can also give you suggestions on the most secure measures for your home. They will also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They will also offer the guarantee on their work.
You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you can rekey it. It is important to use the lock key that fits snugly. A key that is not the right size can harm the internal mechanism of a lock and prevent it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to check its size. If the key is flush against the plug, then it's the correct size. If the pins stick out from the top of the plug, they're not long.
There are a variety of reasons you might want to replace the lock on your door, including:
If you're moving into an homeowner's house or lose keys, rekeying the lock can be a more affordable option than replacing it. It's also more cost-effective than a complete replacement. However, there are certain situations in which rekeying your existing lock isn't possible. For instance, if the lock is damaged or repeatedly blocked, it's to be time to replace it.