Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can change the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from upgrading the security of your house to redecorating the entryway. You may also need to change locks if the key gets stuck inside or is difficult to turn.
Change your lock is a simple project that even novice DIY homeowners can tackle. Find the necessary materials to begin.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
Removing the lock that was previously installed from the door is a crucial step prior to installing the new lock. window lock repairs is especially important in the event that you suspect someone else has access to your home. It may also be an ideal option if you have moved into a house and experienced a burglary or welcomed a new roommate. It's more simple than you think and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you'll need to remove screws on both sides. This will allow you to see the hidden screws and give you the knowledge of how to proceed with the next steps.
Once you have removed your old faceplate, then you have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolt and then take it out of the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusty, you may have to use a chisel to smash it out. When using a chisel remove the bolt, take care to not to damage the door frame.
Make sure your new deadbolt, doorknob, and lock will fit into the existing holes in the door before you take out the old one. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores carry a variety of locks, and can assist you in choosing the right one. If the lock you purchased doesn't fit your door.
While you are removing the lock that was previously in use, look for small depressions or notches in the handle or around the trim. If you can locate them, insert straightened safety pins or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.
Once the screw in the handle is removed, you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, find the set screw at the base of the knob, and loosen. Then, take the spindle off.
Install the new lock
It's a good idea change the locks on doors in your home on a regular basis, particularly after a break-in or when you move into a room with roommates. It is easy, cheap and effective to change the lock on your door. The majority of people can do this themselves with a screwdriver and a few basic instructions. Based on the situation you may want to learn how to change the key of a door lock so that only you have the key.
You will need to purchase a new lock with the same keyway as your existing lock. Locksmiths are usually able to replace your lock at an additional cost however, you can save money by doing this yourself. You can buy a new lock from an hardware store, or online. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to most doors. However, you'll have to measure your door to make sure it is suitable.
The lock you buy will typically come with a template showing you how to install it on the door. You can use it to guide you for drilling the hole, which is much more convenient than measuring each time. If the template does not match your hole, take it back to the shop and purchase a new one.
The new lock on the right side of the door. Check the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or similar. Make sure the latch is properly seated in the plate and then fix it using the supplied screws.
When replacing the knob lock be sure to be aware of its handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you are not paying attention, the knob could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which would make it impossible to lock from the outside or inside.
You should test the new lock after you've completed. It should be able to lock and unlock the door using keys from inside as well as the outside. If you aren't satisfied with the outcome, you can get a locksmith to repair the issue.
Test the lock
A door lock that cannot be locked can be a nuisance and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's safety at risk. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix the majority of issues with door locks by performing a bit of troubleshooting and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is correctly cut and that the lock assembly itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't resolve the problem Try lubricating the door lock actuator using graphite powdered.
Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors are all working correctly. Check the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and function of each door lock switch wire. Use a digital meter, or test light to verify that the actuator is receiving power and is grounded when the switches are turned on. If you can see voltage switches that toggle with each other, it means the switches are in good working order and the actuator will require replacement.
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 are spring loaded. They stop the cylinder from moving until the key is inserted which then pushes them upwards to meet the height of the key at the location. The cylinder will then begin to rotate opening the lock body and opening the latch to open for the handle.
If the door lock actuator still not functioning, you can remove it by using a small screwdriver. It is necessary to release the bolt that locks it first and then separate the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. After that, disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. You should be able to find the two bolts in 10mm that hold the actuator in place, and remove them. Once the actuator has been removed, you can disconnect the black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If you own an unkeyed deadbolt or door knob if it is not working correctly, you should either reset the lock or replace it completely. It's not hard to do this yourself and can save a lot of money. It is best to hire an expert locksmith examine the locks for any issues prior to beginning. This will give you peace of assurance that your home is secure and safe.
Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws holding the faceplate in place then use a screwdriver to take it off. Then utilize a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. Once you have removed your faceplate you can pull out the bolt and a screw from inside the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can decide whether you require a replacement or rekey the lock. They can also give you advice on the best security solutions for your home. They will also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They also provide the guarantee on their work.
You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you can rekey it. It is essential to use the lock key that is snugly fitted. Using an incorrect key could cause damage to the mechanism inside and stop it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to check its size. If the key is flush against the plug, then it's the correct size. If the pins extend from the top of the plug and are not a good fit, they're too long.
You may need to change your door lock for many reasons, including:
If you're moving into an owner's residence or lose keys, rekeying your lock is an affordable alternative than replacing it. It's also less invasive than a complete replacement. However, there are some instances where rekeying an lock isn't feasible. If the lock has been damaged or repeatedly jammed, as in, it may be the right time to replace it.