5 Laws That Anyone Working In Change Door Lock Should Know
Reasons to Change Door Lock
You can change your door lock for many reasons, from improving the security of your home to redecorating your entryway. You may need to change locks when your key becomes stuck or is difficult to turn.
Changing your lock is a straightforward project that even beginner DIY homeowners can tackle. To begin, gather the materials you need.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
Before installing a new lock it is important to take out the old one from the door. This is especially crucial in the event that you suspect someone else has access to your home. It's also a good idea following you've moved into your new house, had a break-in or a roommate moved in. The process is much easier than you imagine and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Begin by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate to the door frame. To remove Repair My Windows And Doors , you will need to remove screws on both sides. This will let you observe what's behind it and give you a better understanding of what to do with the remaining steps.
After removing the old faceplate, you must remove the bolt, strike plate and the strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole by using a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty, you may have to use a chisel smash it out. If you're using a chisel, be careful not to scratch the door frame.
Make sure the new deadbolt, doorknob, and lock will 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 carry a variety of locks and can assist you in selecting the best one. If the lock you purchased is not compatible with your door, take it back and seek assistance.
While you're taking off the lock that was previously in use, look for small depressions or notches in the handle or around the trim. If you can find them, slide a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver through them to open 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, locate the set screw located at the base of the knob and loosen it. The next step is 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 the doors of your home regularly, especially after a burglary or when you move in with roommates. It's simple, inexpensive and efficient to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver and a few simple instructions most people can do it themselves. Based on the situation you might also want to learn how to rekey a door lock to ensure that you only have the key.
You will need to purchase a new lock that has the same keyway as your existing lock. You can save money by choosing to modify the lock yourself. Most locksmiths charge extra for this. You can purchase an entirely new lock from hardware stores or online. A standard deadbolt will usually fit on most doors, but you'll need to measure the space on your door to ensure that it will fit.
The majority times the lock you purchase will come with a cardboard template that shows how it will fit on the door. You can use this as a reference when drilling the hole which is much easier than measuring each time. If the template does not match your hole, take it back to the shop and purchase a new one.
It is essential to install the new lock on the right side of the door. You can verify this by inspecting the latch, which must be labelled "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is properly seated in the plate, and then attach it using the supplied screws.
If you're replacing the knob lock on your door, it's also important to pay attention to the handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you are not careful, the lock could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which would hinder it from locking from the outside or inside.
After you're done checking your new lock to ensure it works. You should be capable of locking the door from both the inside and the outside, and unlock it using the key. If you aren't satisfied with the result then you can always call an expert locksmith to repair it.
Test the lock
A door lock that will not open can be a hassle but it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix the majority of issues with door locks by doing some troubleshooting and lubrication. Verify that the key has been properly cut and the lock assembly is not dirty or loose. If this doesn't solve the issue, try to lubricate the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease.
Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connectors are all working correctly. To do this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding for all the door lock switch wires. Utilize a digital meter or test light to verify that the actuator is receiving power and is grounded when the switches are activated. If you notice voltage toggles with each switch, it means the switches are in good condition and the actuator is likely to require replacement.
If the switch seems to be working but the actuator doesn't move when you turn it, there could be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that stop the cylinder from moving until the key is placed in and it pushes the pins up to fit the height of the key in the location. In the end, this causes the cylinder to spin and let the lock body open, allowing the handle to latch.
If the door lock actuator is still not functioning, you can remove it by using a small screwdriver. It is necessary to release the bolt that locks first, and then take off the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. Then you should be able to identify and take off the two bolts of 10mm which hold the actuator in place. After the actuator has been removed, you'll be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and then pull it out together with the actuator and lock assembly.

Replace the key
If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob isn't working, you'll have to reset it or replace it. It's not too difficult and could save you money. It is best to have an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any issues prior to starting. This will give you peace of mind that your home is safe and safe.
To begin, take off the faceplate that is on the outside of the doorknob or deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate in place then use a screwdriver to pull it off. Then, you can remove the inside faceplate by using a screwdriver with a flat head. After removing the faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can tell you whether you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also provide advice on the best security solutions for your home. They can also make necessary modifications to your door and frame to ensure the perfect fit. They also provide a warranty on their work.
If you choose to rekey the lock you must first purchase the new key. It is important 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 hinder it from functioning. To determine the size of a key, simply insert it into the lock. If the key sits completely against the plug then it's the right size. If the pins extend out of the top of the plug, they're not long.
There are many reasons you might want to replace the lock on your door, including:
Rekeying a lock is an option that is less expensive than replacing it if you are moving into the home of a previous owner or if your keys are missing. It's also less costly than a full replacement. However, there are instances where rekeying an existing lock isn't possible. If the lock has been damaged or repeatedly jammed, as in, it may be time to replace it.