Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can alter the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from increasing the security of your house to redecorating the entryway. You might need to change locks if your key gets stuck or becomes difficult to turn.
DIY novices can also change their locks. Get the tools you need to begin.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
Before installing a new lock it is essential to remove the old lock from the door. This is important if you suspect someone else may have keys to the home. It is also a good idea if you have moved into a new house, experienced a break-in or received a new roommate. The process is a lot simpler than you imagine and can be completed within only a few minutes.
Begin by taking off the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate on the door frame. To remove the faceplate, you will need to remove screws on both sides. This will allow you to observe what's behind it and will provide you with a better understanding of how to proceed with the rest of the steps.
After removing the faceplate you will have to take off the bolt, strike plate and the strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole using a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusted you may need to use a chisel to hammer it. When using a chisel remove the bolt, make sure to not damage the door frame.
Make sure the new deadbolt, doorknob, and lock will fit in the existing holes in the door before you remove the old one. Many hardware stores and large box stores stock a range of locks, and can assist you in selecting the best one. If the lock you bought does not match your door, bring it back and ask for assistance.
When you're removing the old lock, look for small notches or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you are able to locate them, insert straightened safety pins or a flat screwdriver to open the handle.
After the screw in the handle has been removed, you can begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of the knob and loosen it. The next step is to remove the knob from the spindle and carefully remove the spindle from the door.
Install the new lock
It's a good idea to change the locks on the doors of your home periodically, especially after a burglary or when you move in with roommates. It's easy, affordable and efficient to change the lock on your door. The majority of people can do it yourself with a screwdriver and a few basic instructions. You might also want to learn how you can change the lock's key to ensure that only you hold the key.
You'll need to buy an additional lock that has the same keyway as your current lock. You will save money if you change the lock's key yourself. Most locksmiths charge extra for this. You can buy the new lock at an hardware store or online. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to the majority of doors. However, you will need to measure your door to make sure it fits.
The lock you purchase will usually come with a template showing you how to install it on the door. upvc window lock repair can use it to guide you when drilling the hole which is a lot easier than measuring each time. If the template does not align with your hole, you can take it back to the store and purchase a new one.
The new lock on the right side of the door. Verify the latch. It should be marked with "up" or similar. Make sure the latch is correctly seated on the plate and attach it using the supplied screws.
When replacing knob locks be sure to be aware of its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed but there are some that are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could install the knob on the wrong side of the door, which will make it impossible to lock it from the inside or outside.
You should test the new lock once you have completed. You should be capable of locking the door from both the inside as well as the outside, and unlock it with the key. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can always contact an expert locksmith to fix the issue.
Test the lock
A lock that does not open can be a hassle however, 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 doing a bit of troubleshooting and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is properly cut and that the lock itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't resolve the problem try lubricating your door lock actuator with graphite powdered with powder.
Make sure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors are all working correctly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding for all the door lock switch wires. Utilize a digital meter or test light to determine if the actuator is receiving power and ground whenever the switches are turned on. If you can see voltage toggles with each switch it means that the switches are in good condition and the actuator is likely to require replacement.
If the switch appears to work but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob it could be an issue with the actuator itself. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, which pushes the pins upward to accommodate the height of the key in the location. The cylinder will then begin to turn, opening the lock body and opening the handle latch to be opened.
If your door lock actuator is malfunctioning, you can take the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to unlock the locking bolt and separate the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. Then, you should be able find and remove the two 10mm bolts that hold the actuator in place. Once the actuator is removed, you will be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and pull it out along with the actuator and lock assembly.
Replace the key
If you own keys for your deadbolt or door knob, If it's not functioning properly, you must either change the lock's key or rekey it or replace it completely. It is not difficult to do this yourself and can save you lots of money. But, prior to doing this, it's an excellent idea to have a locksmith examine the locks and look for any problems. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.
Take off the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate Use a screwdriver to pull it off. Then utilize a flat head screwdriver to take off the interior faceplate. Once you have removed the faceplate, you are able to remove the bolt and screw from inside the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can help determine if the existing lock is in need of replacement or rekeyed. They can also advise you on the best security options for your home. They can also make any needed adjustments to the door or frame to ensure a perfect fit. They also offer an assurance on their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock you must first purchase a new key for it. It is crucial to select a lock key that is fitted snugly. A key that is not the right size may harm the internal mechanism of a lock 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 is the right size. If the pins protrude from the top of the plug, then they are too long.
You might want to change your door lock for a variety of reasons, such as:
If you're moving into a previous homeowner's house or have lost your keys, rekeying the lock is an affordable alternative than replacing it. It's also less expensive than a full replacement. Rekeying an existing lock may not be feasible in some circumstances. For instance, if the lock is damaged or has been repeatedly blocked, it's to be time to replace it.