How to Replace Door Locks
It can be difficult to change your door lock. It is important to secure your home from potential intruders and also to change locks if you get a new housemate or let out your home.
The majority of modern locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is wider, you will need a "thick-door" kit that has longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt.
Removing the old lock
If you're replacing the lock on your door you must remove the old one from the door. This can be done with the use of a few tools, but it's crucial to ensure that you don't cause damage to the frame or door. Using the right tools will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remove the screws that hold the handle and trim. You can use a screwdriver to accomplish this. Once the screws are removed, you can take off the trim. You can then access the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw, you can remove the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door.
One of the most frequent indications that your lock is going bad is when you can no longer move the key inside. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping moving upwards or downwards, causing the lock to cease to function. You'll need to have the lock replaced by a locksmith in the event that this happens.
Begin by removing the screws holding the faceplate in position. If the kit you purchased doesn't come with new screws, you should purchase them at a hardware store. If you are installing a mortise locking it is also necessary to remove the screws holding the external roseplate to the door. After you've removed the screws pull the dead bolt and the plate away from the door.
Then, search for a pinhole on the inside of the handle. If you spot one, slip straightened safety pins into it. You can also employ a flat screwdriver press against a depression. This will release the handle and reveal screws which can be removed to remove the entire lock case from the door.
Installing the new lock
If you're looking to change your lock following a break-in or simply want to change the look of your door, installing a new lock is relatively easy. It is essential to measure your door prior buying a lock in order to ensure it fits. This is particularly crucial for deadbolt locks, as they must be a specific size to fit into the strike pocket and bolt plate. If you're unsure of how to measure, get help from your local hardware store or locksmith.
If you're replacing a mortice, you can use the existing centrerail as a reference to position the new mortise. Once you've marked the position of the lock, make holes on this centre line that are the same width as your lock. Then, chisel away the wood until you have a neat rectangular space for the mortice lock to fit into. Install the lock and then outline the faceplate with the marking blade. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate.
When you are rekeying locks, you can save money by purchasing a starter kit that includes keys that can be re-keyed as well as a key blank. Kits can be purchased at a variety of online stores as well as hardware and home improvement stores. The kits also come with instructions to help you complete your task.
If you're renting, be sure to read the lease agreement prior to changing locks. You may be required to give your landlord the key to the new locks. You may need to replace the lock with a more standard one if you are required to do this. You can purchase a standard lock from your nearest hardware retailer, or buy a smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and lets you lock and unlock your door remotely. An ideal choice is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with most door knobs and levers. The system can also be connected to your smart home security hub, allowing you to receive notifications when your door is locked or opened.
Installing a new lock
A broken lock can be a security threat, so it is important to replace it as quickly as possible. The good news is that replacing a door lock is a simple and quick project that anyone can tackle. 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 are using, you might require an Allen wrench or screwdriver. Keep all the parts of the old lock and put them in a secure place.
Then, you can install the new lock on the door. Most kits come with a cardboard template showing how the lock should be placed to the door. If the template doesn't match your door, draw a line with a pencil around it or a the chisel to get rid of extra material. Once the new lock is installed, ensure that the latch plate inside is aligned with the mortise lockset hole for an ideal fit.
When you install the new lock, make sure not to over tighten it. This can cause your lock to rattle, or even break. If you have a lock that is keyed, ensure that the spindle is aligned with the knob's hole. If it's not, you can make use of the screwdriver to push through the lock into the knob.
After you have completed installing the new lock, you are now able to install the decorative base plate that comes with it. If the lock doesn't come with a decorative base plate, you can buy one that matches the hardware.
Test the new lock to ensure it functions. This can be done by inserting the lock's key and turning the lock to make sure that it is able to open. If this doesn't work, you must contact a locksmith.
Rekeying your locks by a professional can also help to prevent burglaries. This involves changing the internal tumblers of your lock to make it unreceptive to the keys you have previously used. This will ensure that your home is secure and will provide you with peace of mind.
Testing the new lock
If you're installing a new lock, you want to make sure that it operates as intended. It's very important to carefully follow the directions. You may not be able open your door if don't. If you're unsure of what to do, call a professional locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can give you guidance on the most suitable locks for your house.
If you're having trouble opening your lock it could be a problem with the handle or latch. Try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. This may fix the problem. It may be necessary to replace it if the latch is not functioning correctly.
Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip is often broken or missing from the new lock. In this instance you must remove the handle from the interior and insert a retainer clip. The handle can then be attached to the lock and the lock will be tested.
It is important to test the keypad after you've changed your lock to make sure it works correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad functions properly, your door should be able to unlock and lock.
Check the deadbolt to make sure it's functioning properly. If it's not working then you must 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. Orient and load the deadbolt lock correctly.
Another method of testing the new lock is to perform the spindle test, which can be done by putting an instrument into the spindle. This test should always be performed before reinstalling the lock in order to avoid any mistakes.