How to Replace Door Locks
It can be difficult to change the lock on your door. It is important to protect your home from intruders. You should also change your locks when you get an additional housemate or if you lease out your house.
Most new locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is wider, you will need a "thick-door" kit that has longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
If you're replacing your door lock, you need to remove the old lock from the door. You can do this with the help of a few tools, but make sure not to scratch the door or frame. Utilizing the right tools will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Start by taking out the screws that support the handle in place and then trim. This can be accomplished with a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can take the trim off. Then, you will be able to access the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw, you can remove lock cylinder and open handle.
If you're unable to turn your key inside, this is an indication that the lock is failing. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping their movement upwards or downwards, which causes the lock to cease to function. You'll need to have the lock changed by a locksmith if this happens.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate to its place. If the kit you purchased doesn't come with new screws, you'll need to purchase them from a hardware shop. If you're installing a mortise lock it is also necessary to remove the screws that attach the external roseplate to the door. After removal of the screws, take off the plate as well as the dead bolt.
Then, search for a hole in the inside of the handle. If you find one, slip a straightened safety pin into it. You could also try the flat screwdriver against the slot or depression. This should release the handle and reveal screws that can be removed to take the entire lock case from the door.
Installing the new lock
If you're looking to change your lock after a break-in or simply want to change the appearance of your door installing the new lock is easy. However, it's important to measure the door to ensure that you purchase the right lock that is the proper size for your door. This is particularly crucial for deadbolt locks, which must be a specific size to fit in the strike pocket and bolt plate. If you're not sure how to measure, you can get help from your local hardware store or locksmith.
If you're replacing a mortice, use the existing centrerail as a reference to place the new mortise. Once you've determined the location of the lock, make holes on this centre line that are the same size as your lock. Then, chisel away wood until you have a neat rectangular space for the mortice lock to fit into. After that, you can insert the lock and outline the faceplate with an outline knife. Mark and drill screw holes to fix the faceplate.
If you want to rekey locks, you can save money by purchasing a starter kit that includes keys that are re-keyable and a key blank. Kits can be purchased from a variety of online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. The kits also come with instructions to help you complete your task.
If you're renting, be sure to read the lease agreement prior to changing locks. It could require you to give the landlord an access key to the new lock. If so, you might be required to take out the old lock and replace it with a standard lock. You can purchase a basic lock at the hardware store near you or you can purchase an advanced lock that connects with your home's WiFI and lets you lock and unlock the door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. It can also be linked to your home security hub that is smart, allowing you to receive alerts when your door is locked or opened.
Installing a new lock
A broken lock can be a security threat, so it is crucial to replace it as soon as you can. It's easy to replace the door lock. The first step is to remove the lock that was used to secure the door. This is done by unscrewing the screws that secure it and pulling it out. Depending on Repair My Windows And Doors of lock you have, you may need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Save all the parts of the old lock and store them in a secure location.
Then, you can install the new lock on the door. Most kits come with a cardboard template showing how the lock should fit to the door. If the template does not match to your door you can trace it using a pencil or use a chisel to remove extra material. Make sure that the interior latch plate is aligned with the mortise opening once the new lock is installed.
Be cautious not to over tighten the lock when installing it. This can cause your lock to rattle, or even break. If you have a lock with keys, be sure that the spindle is in alignment with the knob's hole. If it's not you can make use of a screwdriver to push the spindle into the lock and into the knob.
Once you have finished installing the new lock, it is now time to install the decorative base plate that comes with it. If the lock does not come with base plates you can buy one that matches the hardware.
The last step is to test the lock to ensure it functions. This can be done by inserting the lock key and turning the lock to make sure that it is able to open. If it isn't working, you should consider contacting locksmith.
Rekeying your locks with professionals can also aid in preventing burglaries. This involves changing the internal lock tumblers to make it insensitive to the keys you have previously used. This will keep your home secure and will give you peace of mind.
Test the new lock
When you are installing a new lock, you need to ensure that it operates as intended. It's very important to carefully follow the directions. You may not be able to open your door if don't. If you're unsure of what to do, call a professional locksmith for help. A locksmith can also offer guidance on the best locks for your home.
If you are having trouble opening your lock it could be due to an issue with the latch or handle. Try lubricating your latch with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. In some cases it will resolve the problem. It may be necessary to replace it if the latch is not functioning properly.
Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door could be damaged or gone from the new lock. In this instance it is recommended to remove the handle from inside and insert a retainer clip. After that, you can connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock.
After you've replaced the lock, it's important to test the keypad to make sure that it's working correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad functions correctly, your door will be able for you to unlock and lock.
You should also check the deadbolt lock to determine if it's functioning correctly. If it's not working, remove the latch on the door and undo the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Place the deadbolt in the proper direction and load the lock in the correct way.
Another way to test the new lock is to use the spindle test. This can be performed by inserting an instrument into the spindle. This test should always be carried out prior to reinstalling a lock to avoid any mistakes.