Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to change door lock, from upgrading your home's security to redecorating your entryway. You may need to change locks when your key becomes stuck or becomes difficult to turn.
Change your lock is a straightforward project that even beginner DIY homeowners can take on. To begin, gather the materials you need.
Remove the old lock
Before installing a new lock it is essential to remove the old lock from the door. This is essential when you suspect that someone else might have access to the house. It's also a good idea following you've moved into your new home, suffered a break-in, or welcomed a roommate. It's much simpler than you think to complete and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate onto 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 see what is behind it and will give you a better understanding of how to proceed with the rest of the steps.
After removing the old faceplate you must take off the bolt along with the strike plate and strike plate. Make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolt and take it out of the hole in the door. 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 scratch the door frame.
Make sure your new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit into the existing holes in the door before removing the old one. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores carry different kinds of locks and can assist you in finding the best one for your requirements. If the lock you bought doesn't match your door, send it back and ask for help.
Look for small dents or depressions in the handle and around the trim while you take off the lock. If you find them, slide a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver into these to loosen the handle and expose screws underneath.
After you have removed the screw from the handle, you can begin removing the knob. To do this, find the set screw at the base of knob and loosen it. Then, remove the spindle.
Install the new lock
It's a good idea change locks on doors throughout your home regularly, especially in the event of a burglary or you move into a new home with roommates. Change the lock is an inexpensive, simple and effective method to ensure that your home is secure. Most people can do this yourself with a screwdriver and some basic directions. Depending on the circumstances you might also want to learn how to rekey a door lock so that only you own the key.
You will need to purchase a new lock with the same keyway as your existing lock. You will save money if you change the lock's key yourself. The majority of locksmiths charge a fee for this. You can buy a new lock from an hardware store, or even online. A standard deadbolt should fit on all doors however, you'll have to measure the space on your door to make sure that it's a good fit.
The lock you purchase will usually include a template that shows how to put it on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's much simpler than having to measure each time. If the template doesn't match to the hole you intend to drill then you should return it to the hardware store and purchase a different one.
When installing the new lock, ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. You can check this by looking at the latch, which must be labelled "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is properly placed on the latch plate, then secure it with the screws supplied.
When replacing the knob lock be sure to be aware of its handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you're not careful, you could install the knob on the wrong side of the door, which will hinder you from locking it from the inside or outside.
After you're done checking the new lock to ensure it works. read this post here should be able to lock and unlock the door using a key from the inside as well as the outside. If you're not happy with the result then you can always call an expert locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
If a lock on your door cannot be locked can be frustrating, it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's simple to solve the majority of problems with door locks by conducting some troubleshooting and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is correctly cut and that the lock itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't resolve the problem, try lubricating your door lock actuator with powdered graphite.
Make sure that the door lock switch, wiring harnesses and the actuator connector are working properly. To do this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of 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 see an electrical voltage switch with each switch activation, that means the switches are working and it's likely the actuator that requires to be replaced.
If the switch seems to work however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob, it could be a problem with the cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is equipped with pins that are spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, which then pushes them upwards to the same height as the key in that area. In the end, this causes the cylinder to spin and let the lock body open which allows the handle to latch.
If the door lock actuator is still not functioning, you can remove it by using a small screwdriver. It is necessary to release the locking bolt first and then remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then you must disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it drop down. You should be able find the two bolts of 10mm that hold the actuator in place and remove them. After the actuator has been removed then you can disconnect the black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If you have an unkeyed door knob or deadbolt, when it isn't working properly you need to either reset the lock or replace it completely. This isn't difficult and can save you money. It is best to have a professional locksmith check the locks for any problems prior to starting. This will give you peace of assurance that your home is safe and secure.
Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate in place Use a screwdriver to pull it off. Then, you can remove the inside faceplate by using a screwdriver with a flat head. After you have removed the faceplate, you are able to remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can decide if you need to replace or rekey the lock. They can also provide advice on the best security measures for your home. They can also make necessary modifications to your door and frame for a perfect fit. They also provide a warranty on their work.
If you decide to rekey the lock you must first purchase an additional key for it. It's important to use the correct key inside the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could damage the mechanism inside and stop it from working. To test the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it is in a flush with the plug it's of the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of plug, then they are too long.
You may need to change the lock on your door for many reasons, including:
If you're moving into a previous homeowner's house or have lost your keys, rekeying the lock is an affordable alternative than replacing it. It's also less costly than a complete replacement. However, there are certain situations in which rekeying your existing lock isn't possible. For instance, if your lock is damaged or repeatedly blocked, it's time to replace it.