Don't Be Enticed By These "Trends" About Replacing Door Locks
Changing Door Locks
The locks that protect your doors to your home are essential to its security. Changing your locks is often required to protect your home and ensure privacy.
How do you know if it's time for a new set of locks? Is it worth the cost? This article will help you know the situations when replacing locks is required and when rekeying is a better choice.
How to replace deadbolts?
Even the strongest deadbolt locks will get old and you may have to replace them. The bolt may begin to snag or the pins in it may be bent or twisted, making the lock unusable. It is easy to change the deadbolt, and doesn't require any specific skills. These steps will help you change a deadbolt that is basic. However, it is recommended to follow the directions on the lock's label.
Start by removing your faceplate of the lock, which is usually fixed in place by two screws. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws and pull the plate away from the rest of the lock. Then remove the latch and bolt from the door. Be careful not to scratch the plate when you're removing it.
You'll have to figure out the number of holes required to accommodate the new deadbolt. You can measure the hole from the inside of your door or consult with an expert at your local hardware store. The measurements will ensure your new lock fits properly and doesn't leave gaps for burglars to enter through.
Once you've got the measurements, you'll need get the correct parts for your new lock. Some deadbolts are only compatible with wood doors, whereas others can be used on doors made of metal. Some come with additional security features such as the design that is pick-resistant and an anti-drill feature which can shield your home from unauthorised entry.
A deadbolt with high-security is a good choice if you are concerned about the safety of your family members. These locks are typically more expensive than less secure counterparts, but they're also considerably harder to crack.
Before beginning the installation, apply a grease to the key and try inserting it into the cylinder. This should help the key glide smoothly, solving any issues you may be having with it. You can also test the lock using the thumb-latch. If it's working then you're ready to begin the installation.
How to replace a doorknob
You can easily replace your door knobs when they're damaged or you'd like to replace them to improve the look of your home. You will need to remove the screws that hold each interior knob before disassembling the knobs and replace the hardware. Install the strike plate and latchbolt in the door jamb after the new knob is installed. Utilize the holes to guide you.
Look for a knob that is compatible with the lock type you currently have. It is also worth considering upgrading your security. There are several options however the two most essential are drill protection and security pins. Security pins can make it more difficult to pick locks, while blunt force protection will deter criminals.
A standard tubular lock can be installed through two holes in the door, whereas mortise locks are installed in a single hole. The important thing is to match the backset, which is the distance between the edge of your door and the center of the doorknob hole, with the hole in the door latch's spindle. You can find this information in your home's owner manual or by bringing the existing latch to an improvement store in your home when you shop for replacement hardware.
Before you remove the knob on the exterior, locate the latch rod by inserting your finger into the hole. The rod should extend and lock into latch making it nearly impossible to open door without being inside. If the rod doesn't extend down you can use a screwdriver loosen the screws on both sides of the latch and then pull the latch out.
If your knobs' insides include a cover for the latch plate that you can take off by slicing off the corners using a flat head screwdriver and turning the plate 90 degrees to release the bar holding it in place. If the latch plate doesn't have screws then you can use a knife to remove it from the edge of the door. Place the latch in the hole of the door and align it with the direction that the door swings.
How to change the lock on a car door
To replace a car lock, the first step is to take the lock that is currently in use from the door. This can be a challenging task, but achievable with the appropriate tools. Depending on the type of vehicle you will need to use an Allen wrench, screwdriver or another tool specifically designed to remove the screws that hold the lock in place. It is recommended to refer to the manual for your vehicle for detailed instructions on how to do this.
Once you have removed the old lock from the door, you can begin removing the other components that are attached to it. This can be a difficult task, especially if the panel is secured by screws. If you are having difficulty opening the panel, you could make use of a pry-bar or another kind of leverage device to aid.
After removing the panel you will need to remove the plastic liner from the front door. This can be done by gently peeling the liner away from the door. After repair window locks upvc have removed the liner, you'll need to clean the interior of the door with solvent. This will get rid of any grease or residue that may have accumulated on the inside of the door.
If your new lock doesn't work, it could be an issue with either the actuator for the lock or the door lock switch. In some instances, a short circuit in the electrical components could be the cause of the problem. It is best to call a professional mechanic if you suspect this is the problem.
Before you begin replacing the door lock of your car, you should apply an oil-based lubricant to the keyhole to help you remove the broken key. This will also keep the keyhole from becoming dirty while you work on the project. It also stops the lock from being damaged when it is removed. When the lubricant has dried and the lock is working, you can begin working on the lock. Once the lock is secure you should feel a slight resistance, but only a tiny amount of movement.
How do you replace a lock that is keyless?
If you're seeking to upgrade your door lock to one that can be opened remotely, a keyless entry lock is the best way to go. They do not require a deadbolt, and instead use an internal motor that rotates the bolt once you've entered the proper code. They are simple to install and work well, but there are a few drawbacks homeowners should be aware of.
It's first important to remember that keyless door locks are generally larger in height and thickness than traditional deadbolts. Be sure that your door frame is wide enough to accommodate the new lock prior to purchasing it. Follow the instructions that are included with the keyless lock to prepare for installation. It could be necessary to remove your current strike plate to make room for the new lock. You'll also need a replacement doorknob and latch that matches the model of the new lock.
After taking off the handle, remove the retainer clip using the screwdriver. After removing the cylinder you can clean it with a shop towel. Insert the new cylinder in the door handle, then screw it in place with the screws provided.
You should make sure that the electrical connection between your door lock with a keyless entry and the actuator is secure. This will stop the actuator from moving when the lock is activated and will help to ensure that your door will be securely secured. It is also necessary to replace any damaged clips to prevent the possibility of a rattle or looseness in the future.
Connect your new lock to the correct power source. It could be an AC adapter or batteries. Check the instruction manual included with your lock since they could differ depending on the type of lock.
Once you've installed your new keyless lock, make sure to test it by entering the code and unlocking the door. If you are experiencing any problems with your new lock, call an expert to assist.