Reasons to Change Door Lock
There are many reasons to change the door lock, from improving your home's security to redecorating your entryway. It is also possible to change locks if your key is stuck or is difficult to turn.
Change your lock is an easy project that even novice DIY homeowners can tackle. Gather the materials needed to begin.
Remove the old lock
The removal of the lock that was previously installed from the door is a necessary step prior to installing the new lock. This step is especially important when you suspect that someone else has access to your home. It could also be an excellent idea if have recently moved into a home that was burglarized, or had a roommate move in. The process is simpler than you might think and can be completed within only a few minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate on the frame of the door. You'll have to remove the screws on both sides of the door in order to remove the faceplate. This will allow you see the hidden screws and provide you with a better understanding of how to continue with the next steps.
After removing the old faceplate, you will have to take off the bolt as well as the strike plate and strike plate. Make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolt and then remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted you may have to use a chisel or smash it. If you're using a chisel be cautious not to scratch the door frame.
Before you take down the old lock, be sure that the new deadbolt and doorknob will fit into the holes in the door. Most hardware stores and big box stores sell different kinds of locks and will assist you in finding the best one to meet your needs. Ask for help if the lock you purchased does not fit your door.
While you're taking off the old lock, look for small notches or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you can locate them, slide a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver through them to release the handle and expose the screws beneath.
After you have removed the screw from the handle, you can begin to remove the knob. To do this, find the set screw located at 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 doors in your home regularly, especially in the event of a burglary or you move in with roommates. It's easy, affordable and effective to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver, and a few basic steps most people can do it themselves. You may also wish to learn how you can rekey your door lock to ensure that only you have the key.
You'll need to purchase a new lock that has the same keyway as your existing lock. Most locksmiths will rekey your lock for you at an additional cost however, you can save money by doing this yourself. You can buy the new lock at a hardware store or on the internet. A standard deadbolt will usually be able to fit on doors of all sizes, but you'll need to measure the area on your door to ensure that it's a good fit.
Your new lock will often come with a diagram that will show you how to install it on the door. You can use this as a guide for drilling the hole, which is much more convenient than measuring each time. If the template doesn't match your hole, take it back to the shop and get another one.
When installing the new lock, ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. You can confirm this by checking the latch, which should be labelled "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is correctly seated on the plate, and then secure it using the provided screws.
When replacing the knob lock, you should also be aware of the handing. Certain knob locks are right-handed. If you're not careful, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which could make it impossible to lock from the inside or outside.
It is recommended to try the new lock after you finish. You should be in a position to lock the door from both the inside and the outside, as well as unlock it with the key. If you're not satisfied with the result, you can always call a professional locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
If a lock on your door cannot be locked is a hassle, it can also put your family's security at risk. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix most problems with door locks by performing a bit of troubleshooting and lubrication. First, ensure that your key is properly cut and that the lock assembly itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try to lubricate the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil.
Then, make sure that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses and actuator connector are working properly. Consult the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color code and function of each wire of the door lock switch. 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 see voltage toggles with each switch this means that the switches are in good working order 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 a problem with the cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that stop the cylinder from rotating until the key is placed in and pushes the pins upward to fit the height of the key in that location. The cylinder will then begin to rotate opening the lock body and opening the latch to open for the handle.
If your door lock actuator is still malfunctioning, you can take the switch and wires from the actuator with small screwdrivers to loosen the locking bolt and separate the plastic cover that houses 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 keep the actuator in place and then remove them. After the actuator is removed, you can disconnect the black electrical connector.
Replace the key
If your keyed deadbolt or door knob isn't working, you will have to reset it or replace it. It's not difficult to do it yourself and can save you lots of money. However, before you do this, it's a good idea to get a locksmith to examine the locks and check for any issues. This will give you peace of heart that your home is safe and secure.
To begin, take off the faceplate that is on the outside of the deadbolt or doorknob. If there are screws that hold the faceplate then use a screwdriver to remove it. Then, remove the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. Once image source have removed your faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from inside the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can help you determine if the lock you have is in need of replacement or changed. They can also provide advice about the best security options for your home. They will also make any necessary modifications to the door and frame to ensure a perfect fit. They will also provide the guarantee for their work.
You need to purchase a new lock key before you are able to rekey it. It is essential to use a lock key that is snugly fitted. A key that is not the right size can damage the internal mechanism of the lock and prevent it from functioning. To test the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it fits flush with the plug, it's the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of the plug, then they are too long.
There are a variety of reasons you may want to change the lock on your door, including:
Rekeying a lock can be an affordable alternative to replacing it if you're moving into the home of a previous owner or if keys are missing. It's also more cost-effective than a complete replacement. However, there are some instances where rekeying an existing lock isn't an option. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example, it may be the right time to replace it.