Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are a variety of reasons to change your the door lock, from improving your home's security, to redecorating your entrance. You may need to change locks when your key becomes stuck or is difficult to turn.
Changing your lock is a straightforward project that even beginner DIY homeowners can take on. To begin, gather the required materials.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
Removal of the lock that was previously installed from the door is an essential step before installing the new one. This step is especially important if you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. It is also an excellent idea if have moved into a new house that was burglarized, or had a roommate move 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 onto the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you'll need to remove screws on both sides. This will let you see what is behind it, and will give you a better understanding of how to proceed with the rest of the steps.
Once you have removed the old faceplate, you will have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolt and then remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted, you may need to use a chisel and hit it. If you are using a chisel, you must be careful not to scratch the door frame.
Before you take down the lock that was previously in use, make sure that your new doorknob and deadbolt fit into the holes on the door. Many hardware stores and large box stores carry a variety of locks and can help you choose the right one. If the lock you bought doesn't fit your door.
Look for small depressions or notches in the handle and around the trim while you remove the old lock. If you are able to locate them, use straightened safety pins or a flat screwdriver in order to remove the handle.
Once the screw inside the handle has been removed you can begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this find the set screw at the knob's base and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors periodically particularly if you've experienced a burglary. It's a cheap, easy and effective way to ensure that your home is secure. With a screwdriver, and a few simple instructions the majority of people can do it themselves. Depending on your situation you may need to learn how to reset a lock so that only you have the key.
You'll need to purchase a new lock with the same keyway as your current lock. You will save money if you change the lock's key yourself. Most locksmiths charge extra to do this. You can purchase a brand new lock at a hardware store or on the internet. A standard deadbolt will usually be able to fit on doors of all sizes however, you'll have to measure the space on your door to ensure that it's a good fit.
The lock you buy will typically come with a template showing how to put it on the door. This template can be used to drill the hole. It's a lot easier than having to measure each time. If the template does not line to the hole you intend to drill you need to return it to the hardware store to purchase an alternative.
The new lock on the right-hand side of the door. You can confirm this by checking the latch, which must be labelled "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is correctly seated on the plate, and then fix it using the supplied screws.
When replacing a knob lock, you should also be aware of its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, but there are some that are right-handed. If you're not careful, the knob could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which would hinder it from locking either from the inside or outside.
When you're done testing your new lock to confirm that it's working. You should be in a position to lock the door from both the inside as well as the outside, as well as unlock it using a key. If you're not happy with the results you can always contact an expert locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
A door lock that won't unlock can be frustrating, it can also put your family's security at risk. It's easy to solve the majority of door lock problems by tackling the issue and lubrication. First, make sure whether your key has been properly cut and that the lock itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't fix the issue, try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease.
Make sure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connectors are all working correctly. Consult the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and function of each door lock switch wire. Utilize a digital meter or test light to verify that the actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you see an electrical voltage switch with each switch's activation, it means the switches are working and it's probably the actuator that needs to be replaced.
If the switch seems to be working but the actuator doesn't move when you turn it, there may be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is fitted with pins that have a spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted and then they push them upwards to the same height as the key at the location. In the end, this causes the cylinder to rotate and open the lock body which allows 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 unlock the locking bolt and separate the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then, disconnect Repair My Windows And Doors from the lock and let it drop down. You should then be able to find the two bolts in 10mm that keep the actuator in place and then remove them. After the actuator has been removed, you will be capable of disconnecting the black electrical connector and pull it out along with the actuator and lock assembly.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt is locked or door knob is not working, you'll need to rekey it or replace it. It's not difficult to do this yourself and can save you some money. It is best to hire a professional locksmith check the locks for any issues prior to starting. This will give peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.
Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws holding it in place, if then use a screwdriver loosen them and then pull the faceplate away. 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 inside the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can assist you determine if the existing lock is in need of replacement or changed. They can also offer suggestions on the most secure measures for your home. They can also make the necessary modifications to your door and frame to ensure an ideal fit. They will also offer an assurance on their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock, you must first purchase the new key. It is essential to select the correct key in the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could cause damage to the mechanism's internal mechanisms and prevent it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If the key is completely against the plug then it's the correct size. If the pins extend from the top of the plug the plug, then they're too long.
There are many reasons you might want to replace your door lock, for example:
Rekeying locks is an affordable alternative to replacing one if you are moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys have been lost. It's also less costly than a full replacement. However, there are 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.