Reasons to Change Door Lock You can change your door lock for a variety of reasons, from increasing the security of your home to redecorating the entryway. It is also possible to change locks if your key is stuck inside or is difficult to turn. DIY novices can also alter their locks. Find the necessary materials to begin. Remove the old lock The removal of the lock that was previously installed from the door is a crucial step before installing the new lock. This is important when you suspect that someone else may have a key to the home. It's an excellent idea after you've moved into a new home, experienced a burglary, or welcomed a roommate. It's simpler than you think and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Begin by taking off the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/oldham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ 'll have to take off the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will allow you to see the inside of the door and give you a better understanding of how to continue with the next steps. After removing the old faceplate, you'll need to take off the bolt as well as the strike plate and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the bolt and then take it out of the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusty you might need to use a chisel smash it out. When using a chisel remove the bolt, take care to not to damage the door frame. Before you remove the lock that was previously in use, make sure that your new deadbolt and doorknob will fit into the existing holes on the door. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores have a wide selection of locks and can assist you in selecting the best one. If the lock you purchased isn't the right one for your door. Find small dents or depressions in the handle and around the trim while you remove the old lock. If you can find them, slip a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver into these to loosen the handle and expose the screws beneath. After you have removed the screw from the handle, you can begin removing the knob. To do this, find the set screw located at the base of knob and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off. Install the new lock It is a good idea to change locks on doors throughout your home periodically, especially after a break-in or when you move into a new home with roommates. It's simple, inexpensive and effective to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver and a few basic instructions most people can do it themselves. Depending on your situation you might also be interested in learning how to change the key of a door lock so that only you own the key. To start the process, you need to buy a new lock that is compatible with the keyway of your current lock. Locksmiths are usually able to change the lock's key at an additional cost, but you can save money by doing this yourself. You can buy a new lock from hardware stores or online. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to the majority of doors. However, you will have to measure your door to ensure it will fit. Most of the time your new lock will come with a cardboard template that shows you how it will fit on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's much simpler than having to measure every time. If the template does not line up with your hole then you should return it to the hardware store and get a different one. When installing the new lock, you must be sure to place it on the right side of the door. Verify the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or similar. Make sure that the latch is correctly seated on the plate, and then fix it using the supplied screws. If you are replacing locks on doors, it's also important to pay attention to the type of lock you're using. Certain knob locks are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could put the knob on the wrong side of the door, which will make it impossible to lock it from the inside or outside. You should test the new lock after you have completed. You should be capable of locking the door from both the inside and the outside, as well as unlock it using keys. If you're not happy with the result, you can always call a professional locksmith to fix it. Test the lock If a lock on your door won't unlock can be a nuisance and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's safety at risk. It's simple to solve the majority of door lock issues by tackling the issue and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is properly cut and that the lock isn't dirty or loose. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you can 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 properly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Then, use a test light or digital meter to see whether the door lock's actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you can see voltage toggles with each switch it means that the switches are in good condition and the actuator will require replacement. If the switch seems to be working but the actuator doesn't move when you turn the knob it could be a problem with the cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder is loaded with spring pins that stop the cylinder from turning until a key is inserted and pushes the pins upward to fit the height of the key at the point of entry. The cylinder will then begin to rotate and open the lock body, allowing the handle latch. If your door lock actuator is malfunctioning, you can take the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to loosen the locking bolt and remove the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. After that, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. You should be able to find the two bolts of 10mm that hold the actuator in place and remove them. Once the actuator is removed, you'll be capable of disconnecting the black electrical connector and pull it out along with the lock and actuator assembly. Replace the key If your deadbolt is locked or door knob isn't working, you'll need to rekey it or replace it. It's not hard to do it yourself and could save you lots of money. It is best to have 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. Take off the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws holding the faceplate then use a screwdriver to pull it off. Then, use a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate you can pull out the bolt and a screw from inside the lock cylinder. A locksmith can determine if you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also give you advice about the best security options for your home. They can also make any needed modifications to the door and frame to ensure a perfect fit. They will also offer the guarantee on their work. You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you are able to reset it. It's important to use a key that fits well in the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could damage the mechanism's internal mechanisms and prevent it from functioning. To determine the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If the key sits completely against the plug then it's the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of the plug and are not a good fit, they're too long. You may want to change the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, including: If you're moving into a former owner's residence or have lost keys, rekeying your lock could be a more economical alternative than replacing it. It's also less expensive than a complete replacement. Rekeying an existing lock may not be feasible in some situations. For instance, if your lock is damaged or has been repeatedly blocked, it's time to replace it.