10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden They'll Help You Understand Door Lock Change
How to Do a Door Lock Change
The change of your door lock is an easy and inexpensive way to increase the security of your home. This isn't for everyone. It requires some skill and perseverance.
It is necessary to replace the cylinder, which is within the knob's body. The cylinder is responsible for recognizing the key when it is inserted into the lock.
Remove the old lock
The first step is to remove the lock that was previously in place. It's a simple process, but you must keep a few things in mind. First, ensure that window lock replacement is the right size for the door you have. This will ensure that it fits snugly and does not create a gap around the deadbolt plug or latch.
After removing the latch plate, you will be required to search for two bolts or screws in the casing's interior which are holding the casing in place with the lock halves. Remove these screws using a screwdriver and then pull the lock from the door. If you have a mortise lock there may be a set screw located at the base of the handle that holds it to the spindle. Remove the doorknobs by unscrewing this screw with a screwdriver.
Remove the deadbolt and latch plug from the door jamb. Install the new lock. If you are replacing a mortise lock you should also determine the distance between the lock case and the door's edge to ensure that the new lock will fit.
It is possible to replace your lock for a variety of reasons, including when you suspect that someone else holds the key or if you have a new roommate. In any case, you can save money by taking the lock off yourself rather than paying a professional to do it. It's easier than many people imagine and can be completed in a few minutes.
Remove the trim and handle of your door. Then, pull the trim loose using a flat screwdriver. You will be able to pull off the majority of it and in certain cases the handles could come off completely. Then, check the handle for a small pinhole on the inside. Then insert a straightened clip into it. This will trigger the release mechanism and allow you to take the handle from the door. Then, look for another small tab that is located inside of the lock and press it using a flat screwdriver. After the spindle is removed, you can then remove the cylinder and the housing.
Making a decision on a new locking system
When it comes time to pick the right lock for your home there are a lot of options. Look at different types of locks, and choose one that is compatible with the style of your door. Take into consideration the backset (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the hole for the lock) and the cross bore (small hole in the frame of the door frame). Select a lock that is suitable for the door thickness and the swing.
Most door locks are assessed by BHMA and the American National Standards Institute to give you an idea of how well they stand up to use and how difficult to pick or disable. A grade 3 lock might be ideal for a quiet rural apartment complex, while the grade 1 lock may stand up to the traffic that is frequented by a retail storefront on a busy street.
Most smart door locks need a digital code to open. If you are worried about hacking, or other security concerns, consult an expert locksmith.
Replace the cylinder
You can easily replace a damaged or broken door lock cylinder using a simple DIY project. The key is to choose the right cylinder and follow the directions that accompany it. The first step is to take off the handle or knob in the event that one is present and then remove the trim around the base of the lock cylinder by using a screwdriver. Once the trim is removed, you will be able to access the screws that keep the cylinder in place and remove them with a flathead screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently removed from the door.
Before you install the new cylinder, be sure it's the right length for your door. With an instrument, measure the distance between the center of the cylinder and the left and right side. Purchase a new cylinder that has the same measurements. This will stop the cylinder from snapping, which could happen when the door is kicked out or when the key sticks inside.
If you have a suitable replacement cylinder, put it in the door and turn the key. This will ensure that the cylinder is in alignment with the carrier, which is typically located on the outside of the lock. Then, you can loosen the set screw that should be a couple of turns in the head. If there is a screw located on the edge of the case, which holds the door, you'll need to loosen it.
After you have removed the lock cylinder and replacing it with the new lock by slipping the new cylinder into the case and tightening the set screw. The process of reinstalling the component that connects the cylinder to an indicator stem for a lock is also crucial. You can do this by pulling three tabs at the back of the cylindrical using needle-nosed pliers. Attach the smaller bracket to the back of the cylinder. You should then reinstall the strike plate and latch plate, as well as the retaining rings that are connected to the top of the lock cylinder.
Installing the new lock
If you're replacing an old lock, you should start by taking measurements of the width of the door. The majority of residential locksets have a thickness of 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches. If your door is more thick, you will need an extra-thick door kit that includes longer screws, an extended tail piece (for door knobs) or spindle extension (for deadbolts).
The majority of locks come with a detailed instruction booklet to assist you in installing the new hardware. Before beginning, you must read the instructions to ensure that you've followed the steps. The manual will give you an idea of how much skill is required to finish the task. If you're changing a lock for the first time, you may need to seek out an experienced friend for assistance.
Before installing the new lock it's a good idea to tape over the openings of the old hardware. This will stop the screws from falling through the holes, and protect any tiles you may have installed. It also helps prevent potential damage from rust, dirt, and grime. SECURAM Touch comes with the masking strip or gaffer tape, but you can use any tape you own.
Once you've removed the screws that hold the inside of the lock section to the exterior side, pull it straight away. This should be done swiftly to prevent the lock from accidentally closing and harming the mechanism.
Install the new latch bolt in the upper cross bore of your new lock, if it comes with one. Be sure to put it in the right position, which is usually marked by an illustration on the faceplate. Then, slide the latch plate over the bolt and screw it in place.
Attach the deadbolt to the jamb on the door. Test the deadbolt a few times by throwing it to see if it extends into the strike plate. If you're using an electronic smart lock, be certain to follow the instructions to program it. This involves downloading an application, entering your email address, verifying your identity, then accessing the wireless network to add your device.