How to Replace Door Locks Replacing the door lock could be a tricky task. It is essential to protect your home from burglars. You should also replace your locks when you have a new housemate, or if you lease out your home. Most new locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is wider, you'll need a "thick-door" kit with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt. Take off the lock that was previously used. You'll need to take your old door lock from the door before you can install the new one. This can be done with the use of a few tools, but it's crucial to be careful not to cause damage to the frame or door. Using the correct tools will save you money in future repairs. Take off the screws that are on the trim and handle. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the trim. Then, you will be able to remove the screw that binds the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw and lock cylinder and open handle. One of the most common signs that your lock is getting old is when you can no longer wiggle the key inside. This is because the tumblers wear out and then stopping the movement upwards or downwards, which causes the lock to stop working. If this happens, you'll need to take the lock to a locksmith in order to be rekeyed. If you're ready to replace your deadbolt, start by taking off the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If your kit doesn't include new screws, you can purchase them from an hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock you should also remove the screws that hold the external rose plate to the door. After removal of the screws, take off the plate and dead bolt. Next, look for a pinhole in the handle trim inside. If you find a pinhole then insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You can also employ a flat screwdriver press against a depression. This should loosen the handle and reveal screws that can be removed to free the entire lock case from the door. Installing the new lock If you're looking to replace your lock after a break-in or simply want to update the look of your door installing an entirely new lock is simple. However, it's important to measure your door to ensure that you buy an appropriate lock that is the correct size for your door. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/west-bromwich-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ is particularly important for deadbolt locks, which have to be of a certain size to fit inside the bolt pocket and strike plate. Ask your local hardware store for help when you're not sure what measurement to take. If you're replacing a mortice lock, make use of the existing centre rail as a reference for the positioning of the new mortise lock. Once you've determined the location of the lock, you'll need to drill holes along the centre line the same size as the lock. Then, you can chisel the wood until you have a neat rectangular space for the mortice lock to fit into. Then, insert the lock and outline the faceplate using an outline knife. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate into the correct position. When you are rekeying locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit which includes keys that can be re-keyed and a key blank. Kits can be purchased from many online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also include instructions to help you complete your task. Review your lease agreement if renting before changing locks. It may require you to provide the landlord with a key to the new lock. If so, you might be required to dismantle the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a standard lock at the hardware store near you or you can invest in an advanced lock that is connected to your home's WiFI network and lets you lock and unlock the door from a distance. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all levers and knobs. This lock can be connected to an intelligent home security hub to allow you to receive alerts whenever your door is unlocked or opened. Installing the new lock A broken lock is a security risk, so it is essential to replace it as quickly as possible. Luckily, replacing a door lock is a quick and easy project that anyone can tackle. The first step is removing the old lock. This is done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and then removing it. Depending on the kind of lock you have, you may need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Once you've removed the old lock, save all of the parts and put them in a safe place. Next, install the new lock on the door. Most kits include a cardboard template showing how the lock should fit to the door. If the template does not match your door, use a pencil to trace around it, or a the chisel to get rid of extra material. After the new lock is in place, make sure the latch plate inside lines up with the mortise hole for an ensconced fit. When you install the new lock, make sure not to over tighten it. This could cause the lock to squeak or even break. If you have a lock with keys, be sure that the spindle is in alignment with the knob's hole. If it's not, you can use the screwdriver to push the lock into the knob. Install the baseplate with the design that is included with the lock after you've finished installing it. If the lock isn't equipped with a base plate with a design you can purchase one that matches the hardware. Test the new lock to make sure it works. This can be done by inserting the lock key and turning the lock to ensure that it opens. If this doesn't work, you need to contact a locksmith. You can also stop burglaries by having professionals change the locks' keys. This procedure involves changing the internal lock tumblers so that it will no longer accept your old keys. This will make your home secure and will provide you with peace of mind. Testing the new lock Installing a new lock is a great method to ensure that it works according to the specifications. This is why it's essential to follow the directions carefully. If you don't, you may not be capable of opening your door. If you're not sure of what to do, contact a professional locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can also provide guidance on the best locks for your home. If you are having trouble opening your lock it could be due to an issue with the handle or latch. You can either lubricate your latch with graphite, or spray it with WD-40. This can sometimes solve the issue. However, you might need to replace the latch completely if it's no longer functioning correctly. The lock may have been installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door can be broken or gone from the new lock. In this situation it is recommended to grab the handle from the inside and then insert an additional plastic retainer clip. The handle is then attached to the lock and the lock tested. It's crucial to check the keypad after you've changed your lock to ensure that it works correctly. You can test it by putting the key inside and turning it. If the keypad is functioning correctly, it should be able to unlock and lock your door. Examine the deadbolt to be sure it is working properly. If it's not working, remove the latch from the door and remove the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Make sure you orient and load in the deadbolt lock properly. Spindle testing is an additional method to test the new lock. This can be accomplished by inserting a screwdriver in the spindle. This test should be performed prior to reinstalling the lock to ensure that there are no mistakes in the installation.