Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to replace your the door lock, from improving your home's security to re-decorating your entrance. You may also need to change locks if your key is stuck inside or is difficult to turn.
Changing your lock is a straightforward project that even novice DIY homeowners can take on. To start, gather the necessary materials.
Remove the old lock
Before installing a new lock, it is important to take out the old lock from the door. This is especially crucial when you suspect that someone else has access to your home. It could also be an excellent idea if have recently moved into a home and experienced a burglary or welcomed a new roommate. It's much easier than you think and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Begin by getting rid of the screws that attach the deadbolt faceplate onto the frame of the door. You will need to remove the screws on both sides of the door to remove the faceplate. This will allow you to see the inside of the door and provide you with a better understanding of how to proceed with the rest of steps.
After removing the old faceplate you will have to remove the bolt along with the strike plate and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole with a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty, you might need to use a chisel smash it out. If you're using a chisel, be careful not to damage the door frame.
Make sure your new deadbolt, doorknob and lock fit in the holes already in the door before removing the old one. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores have a wide selection of locks, and can assist you in selecting the best one. If the lock you purchased doesn't match your door, take it back and seek assistance.
While you are removing the old lock, search for small slits or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you can locate them, insert a straightened safety pin or flat screwdriver into these to open the handle and expose screws underneath.
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 the knob and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off.
Install window lock repair cost RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 's a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently particularly if you've experienced a burglary. It's easy, affordable and efficient to change the lock on your door. Most people can do this by themselves using a screwdriver, a screwdriver, and some basic instructions. You may also want to know how to rekey your door lock to ensure that only you have the key.
To start the process, you must purchase a new lock that matches your existing lock's keyway. Many locksmiths will replace your lock at an additional cost however, you can save money by doing this yourself. You can purchase a brand new lock from a hardware store, or online. A standard deadbolt should fit on all doors however, you'll need to measure the size of your door to ensure that it will fit.
The lock you purchase will usually come with a diagram that will show how to put it on the door. You can use this to guide you for drilling the hole, which is much easier than measuring each time. If the template does not line up with your hole, you should take it back to the hardware store and get a different one.
When you install the new lock, you must be sure to place it on the right side of the door. You can confirm this by inspecting the latch, which ought to be marked "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is properly seated in the plate and then attach it using the supplied screws.
When replacing the knob lock, you should also pay attention to its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, however, 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 would make it impossible to lock it from the inside or outside.
After you've finished checking the new lock to confirm that it functions. You should be able to lock the door from both the inside and the outside, and unlock it with the key. If you are not satisfied with the results you can get a locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
A lock that does not open can be a hassle but it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's not difficult to fix most problems with door locks by doing some troubleshooting, and lubrication. Make sure that the key is correctly cut, and that the lock assembly is not dirty or loose. If this does not solve the issue try lubricating your door lock actuator using powdered graphite.
Make sure that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses and the actuator connector are working correctly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding of all 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 notice an electrical voltage switch with each switch's activation, it suggests that the switches are in good condition and it's most likely the actuator that requires to be replaced.
If the switch seems to work but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob, it could be a problem with the actuator itself. The actuator cylinder is fitted with pins that have a spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted which then pushes them upwards to match the height of the key at that location. Eventually, this causes the cylinder to rotate and open the lock body, allowing the handle to latch.
If your door lock actuator is still faulty, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator with small screwdrivers to loosen the bolt that locks and then separate the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. You should then be able to locate the two 10mm bolts that keep the actuator in place and remove them. Once the actuator is removed, you'll be in a position to disconnect the black electrical connector and pull it out together with the lock and actuator assembly.
Replace the key
If you have keys for your deadbolt or door knob If it's not working correctly, you should either reset the lock or replace it completely. This is not difficult and can save you money. But, prior to doing this, it's a good idea to have a locksmith look over the locks and check for any issues. This will provide you with peace of mind that your home is safe and safe.
Take off the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws that are holding it in place, so use a screwdriver to loosen them, and then pull the faceplate off. Then, take off the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After removing the faceplate you can remove the screw and bolt from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can assist you determine if your lock is in need of replacement or replaced with a new key. They can also advise you about the best security options for your home. They can also make any needed modifications to the door and frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They will also offer an assurance on their work.
You must purchase a new lock key before you are able to reset it. It is crucial to select a lock key that fits snugly. A key that's not the right size can cause damage to the internal mechanism of a lock and prevent it from functioning. To determine the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it fits in a flush with the plug it's the correct size. If the pins protrude out from the top of the plug, they're too long.
There are many reasons why you may want to change the lock on your door, including:
If you're moving into a former owner's home or if you lose keys, rekeying your lock can be a more economical alternative than replacing it. It's also less expensive than a complete replacement. Rekeying an existing lock may not be feasible in certain circumstances. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example, it may be the right time to replace it.