Reasons to Change Door Lock There are many reasons to replace your the lock on your door, from increasing your home's security, to redecorating your entryway. It is possible to replace locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn. The process of changing your lock is a straightforward project that even novice DIY homeowners can complete. 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 step is especially important if you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. This is also a good idea following you've moved into your new house, had a break-in, or welcomed a roommate. The process is simpler than you might think and can be completed in a few minutes. Begin by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate to the door frame. You'll need to remove the screws on both sides of the door in order to remove the faceplate. This will allow you to discover what's behind it and will give you a better understanding of what to do in the next steps. After removing the old faceplate you'll need to remove the bolt, strike plate and the 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 need to use a chisel or hammer it. When using a chisel remove the bolt, be careful not to scratch the door frame. Make sure the new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit into the existing holes in the door before removing the old one. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores carry a variety of locks and will assist you in choosing the right one. If the lock you bought is not compatible with your door, bring it back and ask for help. Find small dents or depressions in the handle and around the trim when you take off the lock. If you can find them, insert a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver into them to open the handle and expose the screws beneath. Once the screw inside 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 base of the knob and loosen it. Then, remove the spindle. Install the new lock It is a good idea to change locks on doors throughout your home regularly, especially after a burglary or when you move into a new home with roommates. Changing the lock is an affordable, simple and effective method to ensure that your home is secure. Most people can do this by themselves using a screwdriver, a screwdriver, and some basic directions. You may also wish to know how to change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you have the key. To start the process, you have to purchase a new lock that matches your existing lock's keyway. Many locksmiths will replace your lock at a cost however, you can save money by doing this yourself. You can purchase a new lock from a hardware store or on the internet. A standard deadbolt will usually fit on most doors however, you'll have to measure the space on your door to make sure that it will fit. The lock you purchase will usually come with a diagram that will show you how to install it on the door. You can use it as a reference when drilling the hole which is a lot easier than measuring each time. If the template doesn't line to the hole you intend to drill, you should return it to the hardware store to purchase a different one. When installing the new lock, be sure to place it on the right side of the door. Examine the latch. It should have a label that says "up" or something similar. Check that the latch is properly placed on the latch plate, then secure it with the screws provided. If you are replacing locks on doors It's important to be aware of the way it's operated. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/chelmsford-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could place the knob on the wrong side of the door, which could hinder you from locking it from inside or outside. When you're done, you should test the new lock to confirm that it functions. 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 outcome, you can call a locksmith to fix it. Test the lock A door lock that will not open can be a hassle but it can also put the safety of your family at risk. Luckily, it's easy to fix most issues with door locks by doing some troubleshooting, and lubrication. Verify that the key has been correctly cut, and that the lock assembly is not loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the problem, try lubricating your door lock actuator using graphite powdered. Check that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses and the actuator connector are all functioning correctly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. 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 the switches switch on and off with voltage, it means the switches are in good shape and the actuator is likely to require replacement. If the switch appears to work however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob it could be an issue with the actuator itself. The actuator cylinder is equipped with pins that are spring loaded. They stop the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted and then they push them upwards to the same height as the key in that area. Eventually, this causes the cylinder to spin and unlock the lock body, allowing the handle to latch. If the door lock actuator is still malfunctioning, you can take the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to unlock the locking bolt and separate the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator and let it drop down. Then you should be able to find and remove the two bolts that are which hold the actuator in position. After the actuator has been removed, you'll be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and then pull it out together with the lock and actuator assembly. Replace the key If your deadbolt is locked or door knob is not functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. This is not difficult and could save you money. However, before you do this it is a good idea to have a locksmith examine the locks and look for any issues. This will give peace of peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure. Remove the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate in place, use a screwdriver and pull it off. Then utilize a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. After removing the faceplate you can take 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 give you advice about the best security options for your home. They will also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure a perfect fit. They will also provide a guarantee on their work. If you decide to rekey the lock, you'll need to purchase an additional key for it. It is crucial to use the right key within the lock. A key that is not the right size can cause damage to the internal mechanism of a lock and stop it from working. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If the key sits flush against the plug, then it's the right size. If the pins protrude out of the top of the plug, they're not long. You may want to replace your door lock for many reasons, including: If you're moving into an owner's residence or lose keys, rekeying your lock could be a more affordable option than replacing it. It's also less costly than a full replacement. Rekeying a lock that is already in use may not be feasible in certain circumstances. For instance, if the lock is damaged or repeatedly jammed, it's probably time to replace it.