Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are a variety of reasons to change your the door lock, from improving your home's security to redecorating your entryway. You may also need to change locks if the key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.
DIY novices can also change their lock. Begin by gathering the required materials.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
The removal of the old lock from the door is a crucial step prior to installing the new lock. This is important when you suspect that someone else has keys to the home. It is also an ideal option if you have moved into a house that was burglarized, or had a roommate move in. The process is simpler than you think and can be completed within 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 take off screws on both sides. This will allow you see the inside of the door and provide you with the knowledge of how to continue with the next steps.
Once you have removed your old faceplate, you will have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole with the screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty you may need to use a chisel to smash it out. When using a chisel to remove the bolt, be careful not to scratch the door frame.
Before you take down the old lock, make sure that the new doorknob and deadbolt fit into the holes on the door. Many hardware stores and large box stores carry a variety of window locks repair and can assist you in choosing the right one. If the lock you purchased does not match your door, send it back and seek help.
Find small dents or depressions in the handle and around the trim as you remove the old lock. If you can locate them, insert a straightened safety pin or flat screwdriver through them to loosen the handle and expose the screws beneath.
Once the screw in the handle is removed, you can begin removing the knob from its spindle. To do this find the set screw on the base of the knob 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 on a regular basis, particularly in the event of a burglary or you move into a new home with roommates. It is easy, cheap and effective to change the lock on your door. The majority of people can do this yourself with a screwdriver and a few basic instructions. Based on the situation, you may also need to learn how to rekey a door lock to ensure that you only have the key.
You will need to purchase an additional lock that has the same keyway as your current window lock replacement near me. You can save money if you change the lock's key yourself. The majority of locksmiths charge a fee for this. You can purchase a brand new lock from an hardware store, or on the internet. Standard deadbolts will fit most doors. However, you'll need to measure your door to ensure it fits.
The majority of the time, your new lock will come with an image of a cardboard model that shows how it will fit on the door. You can use it to guide you for drilling the hole, which is much easier than measuring each time. If the template does not line up with your hole then you should take it back to the hardware store and get another one.
When you install the new lock, ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. You can verify this by checking the latch, which should be labelled "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is properly placed within the latch plate then secure it with the screws supplied.
When replacing the knob lock be sure to be aware of the handing. Some knob locks are right-handed. If you are not careful, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which will hinder it from locking from the outside or inside.
You should try the new lock after you've completed. You should be able to lock the door from both the inside and the outside, and unlock it with keys. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can contact an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
If a lock on your door cannot be locked can be frustrating and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's security at risk. Luckily, it's easy to fix the majority of issues with door locks by doing a bit of troubleshooting window and door lock repair lubrication. Make sure that the key is correctly cut, and that the lock assembly is not dirty or loose. If this doesn't solve the issue, try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease.
Check that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connectors are all working correctly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding for all the door lock switch wires. Use a digital meter, or test light to check if the actuator is receiving power and ground whenever the switches are turned on. If you see an electric voltage switch on each switch activation, that 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 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 the key is placed in and pushes the pins upward to fit the key's height in the location. In the end, this causes the cylinder to turn and let the lock body open and allow the handle to latch.
If the door lock actuator is still inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to unlock the locking bolt and remove the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. After that, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. Then, you should be able identify and take off the two bolts of 10mm that hold the actuator in place. Once the actuator has been removed, you can disconnect the black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob is not working, you'll have to rekey it or replace it. This is not difficult and will save you money. It is best to hire an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any problems prior to beginning. This will give peace of assurance that your home is secure and safe.
To begin, remove the faceplate that is on the outside of the deadbolt or doorknob. There may be screws holding it in place, if so use a screwdriver to loosen them, and then pull the faceplate off. Then, you can remove the inside faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can help you determine if your lock needs to be replaced or replaced with a new key. They can also offer guidance on the most effective security measures for your home. They can also make any necessary modifications to the door and frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They also provide an assurance on their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock you'll have to first buy the new key. It's important to use a key that fits well inside the lock. Using an incorrect key could damage the internal mechanism and prevent it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to check its size. If it fits perfectly with the plug, it's the correct size. If the pins extend out of the top of the plug, they're too long.
You may need to replace your door lock for a variety of reasons, such as:
Rekeying a lock is an affordable alternative to replacing one if you are moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if your keys have been lost. It's also less costly than a full Replacement window lock. However, there are some instances where rekeying an existing lock isn't an option. For instance, if the lock is damaged or jammed repeatedly, it's likely time to replace it.