Change Door Lock: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Reasons to Change Door Lock

You can alter the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from increasing the security of your home to re-decorating the entryway. It is also possible to change locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.

The process of changing your lock is an easy project that even beginner DIY homeowners can tackle. Find the necessary materials to begin.

Remove the old lock

Before installing a new lock it is necessary to remove the old lock from the door. This is particularly important if you suspect that someone else has access to your home. This is an excellent idea after you've moved into your new house, had a break-in or a roommate moved in. The process is simpler than you imagine and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Begin by getting rid of the screws that attach the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you will need to remove screws on both sides. This will allow you see the hidden screws and give you an understanding of how to proceed with the remaining steps.

Once you have removed the old faceplate, then you have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench 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 or smash it. When using a chisel remove the bolt, be careful not damage the door frame.

Make sure that the new deadbolt, doorknob and lock fit in the existing holes in the door before you take out the old one. Numerous hardware stores and large box stores have a wide selection of locks and can assist you in selecting the best one. If the lock you bought is not compatible with your door, take it back and ask for help.

While you're taking off the old lock, search for small slits or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you can locate them, you can use a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.

After you have removed the screw from the handle, you are able to begin to remove the knob. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of knob and loosen. Next, you will need to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door.

Install the new lock

It's a good idea to change the locks on your doors regularly, especially if you have experienced a burglary. Change the lock is a cheap, easy and effective way to ensure that your home is secure. The majority of people can do this yourself with a screwdriver and a few basic instructions. Based on the situation you might also need to learn how to rekey a door lock so that only you own the key.

You'll need to buy a new lock with the same keyway as the existing lock. You can save money by choosing to change the lock's key yourself. The majority of locksmiths charge a fee to do this. You can buy a new lock at an hardware store, or on the internet. A standard deadbolt should fit on most doors, but you'll need to measure the space on your door to make sure that it will fit.

The majority of the time, your new lock will come with an image of a cardboard model that shows you how it will fit on the door. It can be used to guide you when drilling the hole which is a lot easier than measuring every time. If the template doesn't line to your hole then you should take it back to the hardware store to purchase another one.

When you install the new lock, you must ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. Verify the latch. It should be marked with "up" or similar. Make sure that the latch is seated correctly in the plate and attach it using the supplied screws.

If you are replacing a door knob lock it is also essential to be aware of the way it's operated. Most knob locks are left-handed, but there are some that are right-handed. If you are not careful, the lock could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which would prevent it from being locked from the inside or outside.

It is recommended to test the new lock after you have completed. You should be in a position to lock the door from both the inside and the outside, as well as unlock it with a key. If you aren't satisfied with the results you can always contact a professional locksmith to fix it.

Test the lock

A door lock that won't unlock can be a nuisance but it could also put your family's security at risk. It's not difficult to fix most issues with door locks through a bit of troubleshooting and lubrication. First, ensure that your key is properly cut and that the lock assembly isn't soiled or loose. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease.

Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connector all work properly. To do this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all door lock switch wires. Then, use a test light or digital meter to determine whether the door lock's actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you see a voltage toggle with each switch's activation, it indicates the switches are good and it's likely the actuator that requires to be replaced.

If the switch appears to work but the actuator doesn't move when you turn it, it could be a problem in the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that stop the cylinder from turning until a key is inserted and pushes the pins upward to accommodate the key's height in that location. Eventually, this causes the cylinder to turn and let the lock body open which allows the handle to latch.

If the door lock actuator is still not working, you can remove it using a small screwdriver. You will need to loosen the bolt that locks it first and then remove the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. After that, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. Then you should be able to find and remove the two bolts that are holding the actuator in place. Once the actuator is removed, you should be capable of disconnecting the black electrical connector and pull it out together with the lock and actuator assembly.

Replace the key

If your keyed deadbolt or door knob is not functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and could save you lots of money. But, prior to doing this, it's a good idea to have a locksmith examine the repair double glazed window lock repair locks upvc windows locks repair (updated blog post) and check for any problems. This will give you peace of heart that your home is safe and safe.

To begin, remove the exterior faceplate from the doorknob or deadbolt. If there are screws holding the faceplate in place then use a screwdriver to take it off. Next utilize a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the screw and bolt from the lock cylinder.

A locksmith can determine if you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also advise you on the best security solutions for your home. They can also make the necessary modifications to your door and frame for an ideal fit. They also provide an assurance on their work.

You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you are able to rekey it. It is important to use a lock key that is snugly fitted. If you use a key that isn't right, it could cause damage to the mechanism's internal mechanisms and prevent it from functioning. To determine the size of a key, just insert it into the lock. If the key fits flush against the plug, then it's the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of the plug the plug, then they're too long.

There are a variety of reasons you may want to change your door lock, for example:

If you're moving into a former owner's home or if you have lost keys, rekeying the lock is an affordable alternative than replacing it. It can also be less costly than a full replacement window lock. However, there are certain situations in which rekeying your existing lock isn't possible. For example, if the lock is damaged or repeatedly blocked, it's the time to replace it.