10 Mistaken Answers To Common Change Door Lock Questions: Do You Know The Right Ones?
Reasons to Change Door Lock You can replace the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from upgrading the security of your house to redecorating your entryway. It is possible to replace locks when your key becomes stuck or becomes difficult to turn. DIY novices can also modify their lock. Gather the materials needed to begin. Take off the lock that was previously used. Before installing a new lock it is essential to remove the old one from the door. This step is especially important if you suspect that someone else has access to your home. This is also a good idea after you've moved into a new home, experienced a burglary or a roommate moved in. The process is a lot simpler than you imagine and can be completed within a few minutes. Begin by getting rid of the screws that attach the deadbolt faceplate onto the frame of the door. You'll need to remove the screws on both sides of the door in order to remove the faceplate. This will let you see what is behind it and give you a better idea of how to proceed in the next steps. After you have removed the old faceplate, you'll need to remove the bolt and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the bolt and then take it out of the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted, you may have to use a chisel and hit it. If you're using a chisel be careful not to scratch the door frame. Before you remove the old lock, make sure that the new deadbolt and doorknob will fit in the existing holes in the door. Numerous hardware stores and large box stores have a wide selection of locks and will assist you in selecting the best one. Ask for help if the lock you bought isn't the right one for your door. While you are removing the old lock, search for small depressions or notches in the handle or around the trim. If you can locate them, slip a straightened safety pin or flat screwdriver into them to release the handle and expose screws underneath. Once the screw inside the handle is removed, you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this find the set screw on the knob's base and loosen it. Next, you will need to remove the knob from the spindle and carefully remove the spindle from the door. Install the new lock It is a good idea to change the locks on doors in your home regularly, especially after a burglary or when you move into a new home with roommates. It's easy, affordable and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few basic instructions, most people can do it themselves. Depending on the circumstances you may be interested in learning how to reset a lock to ensure that you only have the key. To begin the process, you need to buy an additional lock that matches the keyway on your existing lock. Most locksmiths will rekey your lock for you for a fee however, you can save money by doing it yourself. You can purchase a brand new lock at an hardware store, or online. double glazed window lock repairs will fit the majority of doors. However, you will have to measure the door to ensure that it will fit. Most times, your new lock will include a cardboard template that shows you how it will fit on the door. You can use this as a guide when drilling the hole, which is much more convenient than measuring each time. If the template does not line to your hole, you should take it back to the hardware store and get a different one. When installing the new lock, you must be sure to place it on the right side of the door. You can check this by looking at the latch, which should be marked “up” or something similar. Make sure that the latch is properly seated in the plate, and then fix it using the supplied screws. When replacing knob locks be sure to be aware of its handing. Some knob locks are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could install the knob on the wrong side of the door, which would prevent you from locking it from the inside or outside. After you're done checking the new lock to ensure it's working. You should be able both to lock and unlock the door using keys from inside as well as the outside. If you aren't satisfied with the result, you can contact a locksmith to repair the issue. Test the lock A lock that does not unlock can be annoying, but it can also put the safety of your family at risk. It's easy to fix the majority of door lock problems by tackling the issue and lubrication. Check that the key is properly cut and the lock assembly isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try to lubricate the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil. Then, make sure that the door lock switch, wiring harnesses, and the actuator connector are all functioning properly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Then, test the wires using a light or digital meter to determine if the door lock actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you notice voltage toggles with each switch this means that the switches are in good shape and the actuator is likely to need replacing. If the switch seems to be working however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob it could be an issue with the actuator itself. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that keep the cylinder from rotating until a key is inserted and it pushes the pins up to fit the height of the key in the location. Eventually, this causes the cylinder to spin and unlock the lock body and allow the handle to latch. If the 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 remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. Then you should be able to locate and remove the two 10mm bolts which hold the actuator in position. After the actuator has been removed, you should be in a position to disconnect 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 isn't functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. This is not difficult and will save you money. It is best to have an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any issues prior to beginning. This will provide you with peace of mind that your home is safe and secure. Take off the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. There could be screws that hold it in place, if you need to remove them, use a screwdriver to loosen them and then pull the faceplate out. Then, take off the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the screw and bolt from the lock cylinder. A locksmith can determine whether you require a replacement or rekey the lock. They can also give you guidance on the most effective security measures for your home. They can also make the necessary modifications to your door and frame for the perfect fit. They also offer a guarantee on their work. If you decide to rekey the lock, you'll have to first buy an additional key for it. It is crucial to use a key that fits well inside the lock. A key that is not the right size can cause damage to the internal mechanism of the lock and hinder it from working. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If the key fits flush against the plug, then it is the right size. If the pins protrude out of the top of the plug, they're not long. You may need to replace your door lock for a variety of reasons, such as: Rekeying locks is an affordable alternative to replacing it if you are moving into the home of a previous owner or if keys are missing. It can also be less invasive than a complete replacement. However, there are certain circumstances where rekeying your existing lock isn't possible. For instance, if the lock is damaged or jammed repeatedly, it's likely time to replace it.