Change Door Lock: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Learned Earlier
Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can change the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from upgrading the security of your home to re-decorating the entryway. You might also have to change locks if your key gets stuck inside or is difficult to turn.
Even DIY beginners can easily change their locks. To begin, gather the required materials.
Remove the old lock
Before installing a new lock it is necessary to remove the old one from the door. This step is especially important when you suspect that someone else has access to your home. This is also a good idea following you've moved into a new home, suffered a break-in or welcomed a roommate. The process is a lot simpler than you might think and can be completed within a few minutes.
Start by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate on the frame of the door. You will need to remove the screws on both sides of the door in order to remove the faceplate. This will allow you to observe what's behind it and will give you a better idea of what to do with the rest of the steps.
Once you have removed the old faceplate, you will have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole with the screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty you may need to use a chisel to hammer it out. If you're using a chisel, be cautious not to scratch the door frame.
Before you take down the old lock, make sure that the new doorknob and deadbolt fit in the existing holes in the door. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores offer various types of locks and can help you find the right one for your requirements. Ask for help if the lock you bought doesn't fit your door.
While you are removing the old lock, look for small slits or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you are able to locate them, you can use a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.
After the screw in the handle has been removed you can begin removing the knob from its spindle. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of knob and loosen it. Next, you will need to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door.
Install the new lock
It's a great idea to change the locks on your doors frequently particularly if you've experienced a burglary. upvc window locks repair , affordable and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few simple instructions most people can handle it themselves. You may also want to learn how to rekey your door lock to ensure that only you hold the key.
You'll need to buy a new lock that has the same keyway as your existing lock. You will save money if you change the lock's key yourself. Most locksmiths charge extra for this. You can purchase a new lock from a hardware store or on the internet. Standard deadbolts will fit most doors. However, you will have to measure the door to make sure it fits.
The lock you purchase will usually come with a template showing how to put it on the door. You can use this as a guide when drilling the hole, which is a lot easier than measuring every time. If the template does not match your hole, take it back to the shop and get another one.
You must install the new lock on the right-hand side of the door. You can check this by checking the latch, which ought to be marked "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is seated correctly in the plate and then fix it using the supplied screws.
When replacing the knob lock, you should also pay attention to its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, but there are some that are right-handed. If you're not careful, the lock could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which will hinder it from locking from the inside or outside.
It is recommended to test the new lock after you have completed. You should be able both to lock and unlock the door using a key from the inside as well as from the outside. If you're not satisfied with the result, you can always call an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
A door lock that cannot be locked is a hassle, it can also put your family's security at risk. It's easy to solve the majority of problems with door locks by tackling the issue and lubrication. First, ensure that your key is properly cut and that the lock assembly isn't soiled or loose. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try lubricating your door lock actuator with graphite powdered.
Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connectors are all working properly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding for all the door lock switch wires. Then, use a test light or digital meter to see if the door lock actuator receives power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you observe a voltage toggle with each switch's activation, it means the switches are working and it's probably the actuator that needs to be replaced.
If the switch appears to work but the actuator does not move when you turn it, there could be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is outfitted with pins that are spring-loaded. They stop the cylinder from turning until the key is put in, which then pushes them up to meet the height of the key in that area. This causes the cylinder eventually to turn opening the lock body, allowing the handle latch to be opened.
If the door lock actuator is still not functioning, you can remove it with a small screwdriver. It is necessary to loosen the bolt that locks it first and then separate the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it fall. Then you should be able to find and remove the two bolts that are which hold the actuator in position. Once the actuator is removed, you'll be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and pull it out along with the actuator and lock assembly.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob is not working, you will have to reset it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and could save you some money. However, before you do this it is an excellent idea to have a locksmith examine the locks and check them for any issues. This will give peace of assurance that your home is secure and safe.
To begin, remove the faceplate on the outside from the deadbolt or doorknob. There could be screws that hold it in place, if then use a screwdriver loosen them, and then pull the faceplate away. Then, you can remove the inside faceplate using a flat-head screwdriver. After you have removed the faceplate, you can take the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can help you determine if the lock you have requires replacement or changed. They can also give you advice on the best security measures for your home. They can also make the necessary modifications to your door and frame to ensure the perfect fit. They will also provide a guarantee on their work.
You must purchase a new lock key before you are able to reset it. It's important to use a key that fits well within the lock. A key that is not of the correct size could cause damage to the internal mechanism of a lock and stop it from working. Insert the key into the lock to verify its size. If it is perfectly with the plug, it's the right size. If the pins stick up from the top of plug, then they are too long.
There are many reasons why you might want to replace your door lock, including:
If you're moving into a former owner's residence or have lost your keys, rekeying the lock could be a more affordable alternative than replacing it. It can also be more cost-effective than a complete replacement. However, there are some circumstances where rekeying your existing lock isn't an option. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example, it may be the right time to replace it.