Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are a variety of reasons to change your the door lock, from improving your home’s security to re-decorating your entrance. It is also possible to change locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.
Change your lock is a straightforward project that even novice DIY homeowners can complete. Gather the materials needed to begin.
Remove the old lock
Before installing a new lock, it is important to take out the old one from the door. This is especially crucial when you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. This is also a good idea following you’ve moved into a brand new house, had a break-in or a roommate moved in. It is more simple than you think and can be done in a matter of minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate to the door frame. To remove the faceplate, you’ll need to remove screws on both sides. This will let you see what’s behind it and give you the knowledge of how to proceed with the next steps.
After removing the faceplate you must take off the bolt as well as the strike plate and strike plate. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolt, and then remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusty, you might need to use a chisel to smash it out. When using a chisel to remove the bolt, be careful not to damage the door lock Repair Near me frame.
Make sure your new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit in the holes already in the door before removing the old one. Numerous hardware stores and large box stores stock a range of locks and can help you choose the right one. Ask for help if the lock you bought isn’t the right one for your door.
Look for small dents or depressions in the handle and around the trim as you remove the old lock. If you find them, use straightened safety pins or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.
Once the screw inside the handle is removed, you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of knob and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently particularly if you’ve experienced a burglary. It is easy, cheap and effective to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few basic steps, most people can handle it themselves. Depending on the circumstances you might also need to learn how to reset a lock so that only you own the key.
To begin the process, you’ll need to buy a new lock that is compatible with your existing lock’s keyway. You can save money if you change the lock’s key yourself. Many locksmiths charge an extra fee to do this. You can purchase a new lock at a hardware store or even online. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to the majority of double glazed Doors locks. However, you’ll need to measure your door to make sure it is suitable.
The lock you buy will typically include a template that shows how to put it on the door. This template can be used to drill the hole. It’s a lot easier than measuring every time. If the template doesn’t exactly match your hole, bring it back to the store and request a replacement.
When installing the new lock, you must ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. Examine the latch. It should have a label that reads “up” or similar. Make sure the latch is seated correctly in the plate and then secure it using the provided screws.
If you’re replacing locks on doors, it’s also important to pay attention to the type of lock you’re using. Most knob locks are left-handed, however, there are some that are right-handed. If you’re not paying attention, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which would make it impossible to lock from the outside or inside.
When you’re done, you should test the new lock to confirm that it’s working. You should be able both to lock and unlock the door with keys from the inside as well as from the outside. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can get an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
A door lock that will not unlock can be annoying but it can also put your family’s safety at risk. It’s simple to solve the majority of problems with door locks by tackling the issue and lubrication. Check that the key is properly cut, and that the lock assembly isn’t loose or dirty. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil.
Then, make sure that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses and actuator connector are all working properly. To do this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding for all the door lock switch wires. Then, use a test light or digital meter to see whether the door lock actuator receives power and door lock repair near me ground when the switches are turned on. If you notice the switches switch on and off with voltage, it means the switches are in good shape and the actuator will require replacement window locks.
If the switch seems to be working, but the actuator doesn’t move when you turn the knob, it could be an issue with the actuator cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that stop the cylinder from turning until the key is inserted, which it pushes the pins up to match the height of the key in the location. The cylinder then begins to rotate and open the lock body and opening the handle latch to be opened.
If the door lock actuator is still not functioning, you can remove it by using 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 you must disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. You should then be able find the two bolts in 10mm that keep the actuator in place and remove them. Once the actuator has been removed and the electrical connector disconnected, you can remove it. black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob isn’t working, you will have to rekey it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and could save you a lot of money. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any issues before you start. This will provide you with peace of mind that your home is safe and safe.
To begin, take off the exterior faceplate from the doorknob or deadbolt. If there are screws holding the faceplate in place then use a screwdriver to remove it. Then, you can remove the inside faceplate by using a screwdriver with a flat head. Once you have removed the faceplate you can pull out the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can tell you if you need to replace or rekey the lock. They can also give you advice on the best security options for your home. They will also make any necessary adjustments to the door door lock repair near Me or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They also offer the guarantee for their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock you’ll have to first buy the new key. It is important to use a lock key that is fitted snugly. A key that is not of the correct size could cause damage to the internal mechanism of the lock and prevent it from functioning. To test the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it fits in a flush with the plug it’s of the correct size. If the pins stick out from the top of the plug, they’re too long.
There are a variety of reasons you might want to replace your door lock, for example:
Rekeying locks is an affordable alternative to replacing it if you are moving into the home of a previous owner or if your keys have been lost. It’s also less invasive than a complete replacement. Rekeying a lock that is already in use may not be possible in certain situations. For instance, if the window lock repair is damaged or has been repeatedly jammed, it’s probably time to replace it.