Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can alter your door lock for a variety of reasons, from improving the security of your home to redecorating your entryway. You may also need to change locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.
Changing your lock is a simple project that even beginner DIY homeowners can take on. Get the tools you need to begin.
Remove the old lock
Removing the lock that was previously installed from the door is an essential step before installing the new one. This step is especially important if you suspect that someone else has access to your home. This is an excellent idea after you've moved into a brand new house, had a break-in or welcomed a roommate. It's easier than you think and can be done in a matter of minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate to the door frame. You'll have to remove the screws on both sides of the door to remove the faceplate. This will let you observe what's behind it and will give you a better idea of how to proceed in the next steps.
After removing the faceplate you will have to take off the bolt along with the strike plate and strike plate. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolt, and then take it out of the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusty you might need to use a chisel to hammer it out. When using a chisel to remove the bolt, make sure to not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure your new doorknob, deadbolt and lock fit in the holes that are already present in the door before you take out the old one. Numerous hardware stores and large box stores stock a range of locks, and can help you choose the right one. If the lock you bought does not match your door, send it back and seek assistance.
Look for small depressions or notches inside the handle and around the trim as you take off the lock. If you find them, insert a straightened safety pin or flat screwdriver into these to open the handle and expose the screws beneath.
After the screw in the handle has been removed, you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, locate the set screw at the knob's base and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off.
Install the new lock
It's a good idea to change the locks on the doors of your home regularly, especially in the event of a burglary or you move into a new home with roommates. It is easy, cheap and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few basic steps the majority of people can do it by themselves. You may also wish to learn how you can change the lock's key to ensure that only you hold the key.
You'll need to purchase a new lock with the same keyway as your existing lock. You can save money by choosing to modify the lock yourself. The majority of locksmiths charge a fee for this. You can purchase a brand new lock from a hardware store or on the internet. A standard deadbolt will typically fit on all doors however, you'll need to measure the area on your door to ensure that it will fit.
Most of the time your new lock will come with a cardboard template that shows the way it will fit on the door. This template can be used to drill the hole. It is much easier than having to measure each time. If the template does not line to your hole then you should return it to the hardware store and get a different one.
You must install the new lock on the right side of the door. Examine the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is correctly seated on the plate, and then secure it using the provided screws.
When replacing knob locks be sure to pay attention to its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, however there are a few that are right-handed. If you're not paying attention, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which would hinder it from locking from the inside or outside.
It is recommended to test the new lock after you've completed. 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 results you can get a locksmith to fix it.
Test the lock
A door lock that cannot be locked can be a nuisance, it can also put your family's security at risk. It's simple to solve the majority of problems with door locks by performing some troubleshooting, and lubrication. Make sure that the key is properly cut, and that the lock assembly isn't loose or dirty. If this does not solve the issue Try lubricating the window door lock repair lock actuator using graphite powdered with powder.
Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors are all working correctly. Check the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and function of each door lock switch wire. Use a test light or digital meter to see if the door lock actuator receives power and ground when the switches are activated. If you notice a voltage toggle with every switch activation, this suggests that the switches are in good condition and it's likely the actuator that needs to be replaced.
If the switch appears to be working however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob it could be a problem with the cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is fitted with pins that are spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, which then pushes them upwards to match the height of the key at that location. Eventually, this causes the cylinder to spin and open the lock body and allow the handle to latch.
If your door lock actuator is still inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator by using small screwdrivers to loosen the upvc window locking mechanism repair bolt and separate the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. You should then be able to find the two 10mm bolts that keep the actuator in place and remove them. After the actuator has been removed, you'll be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and pull it out together with the actuator and lock assembly.
Replace the key
If you own a keyed deadbolt or door knob when it isn't functioning properly, you must either change the lock's key or rekey it or replace it completely. This is not difficult and could save you money. It is best to have an expert locksmith examine the locks for any issues prior to starting. This will provide you with peace of mind that your home is secure and secure.
Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws that are holding it in place, so use a screwdriver to loosen them and pull the faceplate out. Next you can use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the interior faceplate. After removing the faceplate, you can remove the screw and bolt from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can tell you if you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also give you advice on the best security options for your home. They can also make necessary modifications to your door and frame to ensure the perfect fit. They will also provide a guarantee on their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock you'll need to purchase a new key for it. It is crucial to select the upvc window lock repair near me key that fits snugly. A key that is not the right size may cause damage to the internal mechanism of the lock and stop it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If it fits in a flush with the plug it's the correct size. If the pins extend out from the top of the plug, they're too long.
You might want to change your door lock for many reasons, including:
Rekeying a lock is an affordable alternative to replacing it if you are moving into the home of a previous owner or if keys have been lost. It's also less invasive than a complete upvc window replacement lock locks for double glazed windows (go to these guys). However, there are instances where rekeying an lock isn't feasible. For instance, if the lock is damaged or jammed repeatedly, it's likely to be time to replace window locks it.