Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to change the lock on your door, from increasing your home's security to redecorating your entryway. You might need to change locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.
Even DIY beginners can easily alter their lock. Gather the materials needed to begin.
Remove the lock from the old one.
Before installing a new lock it is important to take out the old lock from the door. This is important when you suspect that someone else may have a key to the house. It's also a good idea after you've moved into your new home, suffered a break-in, or welcomed a roommate. It is easier than you think to complete and can be done in just a few minutes.
Begin by removing the screws holding the deadbolt faceplate onto the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you will need to take off screws on both sides. This will let you see the inside of the door and give you an understanding of how to proceed with the remaining steps.
After removing the old faceplate you will have to take off the bolt, strike plate and the 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 remove it. If you use a chisel to remove the bolt, be careful not to scratch the door frame.
Before you remove the old lock, make sure that your new deadbolt and doorknob will fit into the existing holes in the door. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores have a wide selection of locks, and can assist you in selecting the best one. Ask for help if the lock you purchased doesn't fit your door.
Find small dents or depressions in the handle and around the trim while you remove the old lock. If you are able to locate them, insert a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to release the handle.
After the screw in the handle is removed, you can begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, find the set screw located at the base of knob and loosen it. Then, remove the spindle.
Install the new lock
It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors regularly particularly if you've experienced a burglary. It is easy, cheap and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few simple instructions, most people can do it by themselves. You may also want to learn how you can change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you hold the key.
To begin the process, you'll have to purchase a new lock that matches the keyway of your current lock. You will save money if you change the lock's key yourself. Many locksmiths charge an extra fee for this. You can purchase the new lock at a hardware store or online. Standard deadbolts are suitable for the majority of doors. However, you'll need to measure your door to ensure that it will fit.
Most times your new lock will be supplied with the cardboard template that will show how it will fit on the door. It can be used to guide you for drilling the hole, which is much more convenient than measuring each time. If the template doesn't exactly match your hole, bring it back to the store and purchase a new one.
The new lock on the right-hand side of the door. Verify the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or similar. Make sure the latch is properly seated in the plate and then fix it using the supplied screws.
If you are 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 a few that are right-handed. If you are not careful, the knob could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which could prevent it from being locked from the outside or inside.
After you're done checking the new lock to make sure it works. You should be able to lock and unlock the door using a key from the inside as well as from the outside. If you're not happy with the result you can always contact an expert locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
A lock that does not open can be a hassle, but it can also put the safety of your family at risk. It's easy to solve the majority of door lock issues by performing some troubleshooting, and lubrication. To start with, check that your key is correctly cut and that the lock itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the issue, try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil.
Make sure that the door lock switch, wiring harnesses and the actuator connector are all functioning correctly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Use a test light or digital meter to determine whether the door lock's actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you notice an electric voltage switch on every switch activation, this indicates the switches are good and it's likely the actuator that needs to be replaced.
If click the next web page seems to be working however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob, it could be a problem with the actuator cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that stop the cylinder from turning until the key is inserted, which moves the pins upwards to match the key's height in the location. Then, the cylinder to rotate and unlock the lock body, allowing the handle to latch.
If your door lock actuator is still inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to loosen the bolt that locks and then separate the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it fall down. You should then be able to find the two 10mm bolts that hold the actuator in place and remove them. 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 deadbolt that is keyed or door knob is not working, you'll need to rekey it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and could save you a lot of money. It is best to hire an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any problems prior to starting. This will give you peace of mind that your home is safe and secure.
To begin, remove the exterior faceplate from the deadbolt or doorknob. If there are screws holding the faceplate in place, use a screwdriver and take it off. Then, take off the interior faceplate by using a screwdriver with a flat head. After you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can assist you determine if your lock requires replacement or replaced with a new key. They can also give you guidance on the most effective security measures for your home. They can also make any necessary modifications to the door and frame to ensure a perfect fit. They will also offer an assurance on their work.
You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you are able to change it. It is important to use a lock key that is snugly fitted. Using an incorrect key could damage the mechanism inside and stop it from working. Insert the key into the lock to verify its size. If the key is perfectly against the plug, then it's the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of plug, then they are too long.
There are many reasons why you may want to change your door lock, for example:
If you're moving into a previous owner's home or if you lose keys, rekeying the lock is an economical alternative than replacing it. It's also less costly than a full replacement. However, there are some instances where rekeying an existing lock isn't an option. For example, if the lock is damaged or has been repeatedly blocked, it's to be time to replace it.