How to Do a Door Lock Change Door lock replacement is a quick and cheap way to improve your home security. However, this process is not for everyone. It requires a certain amount of skill and patience. The cylinder is located within the knob body. The cylinder is responsible for recognizing the key as it is inserted in the lock. Removing the old lock The first step to replace the door lock is to get rid of the old lock. It's a relatively simple process, but you must keep certain things in your mind. First, ensure that the lock you choose to install is the right size for your door. This will ensure that it is securely fitted and won't leave a gap at the deadbolt or latch. After you have removed the latch plate, you will be required to search for two bolts or screws on the inside of the casing that hold the casing together with the lock halves. Unscrew these with the help of a screwdriver, and then remove the lock from the door. If you have a mortise locking, there may be a set screw located at the base of the handle, which binds it to the spindle. Make use of a screwdriver for removing this screw, then remove the doorknobs. You should also remove the deadbolt latch and latch plug from the hole in the door jamb. Then, you are able to install your new lock. If you are replacing a mortise you should determine the distance between the lock case and your door's edge to make sure that the new lock is a good fit. Many reasons could cause you to change the door lock, for instance believing that someone else has the key or if you're welcoming an incoming roommate. You can save money if you remove the lock yourself instead of hiring for a professional. It's much easier than you think and can be done in a matter of minutes. Remove the handle and trim of your door. With a flat screwdriver take off the trim. You should be able twist off the majority of it. In some instances you may be able remove the handles completely. Next, look for a pinhole on the inside of the handle and then insert straightened clips into it. This will activate the release mechanism and allow you to remove the handle from the door. Look for a small tab that is located inside of the lock and push it with a flat screwdriver. After the spindle is removed, you can then remove the cylinder and the housing. Selecting a new locking system When it comes to choosing a new lock, you have many choices. Look at different kinds of locks, and find one that matches the style of your door. Consider the backset (the distance between the door's edge and the center of the lock hole) and the cross bore (small hole that runs along the edge of the door frame). Select a lock that will fit the door thickness and swing. The American National Standards Institute and BHMA have graded most locks for doors to give you an idea of their longevity and how difficult it is to pick them or disable them. A grade 3 lock might be ideal for a quiet rural apartment complex, while an entry grade lock could stand up to the traffic that is frequented by a store front on a city street. Most smart door locks need a digital code to open. If you're worried about hacking or other security issues you should consult a professional locksmith or your local police department to get advice. Replace the cylinder If your door lock cylinder is broken or damaged you can repair it in just a few minutes using a simple DIY project. The key is to choose the right cylinder and follow the steps that accompany it. First, take off the handle or knob if it is present. Then using a screwdriver unscrew the trim that surrounds the lock cylinder. After the trim is removed, you will be able to access the screws that keep the cylinder in place and remove them with the flat-head screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently removed from the door. Make sure you take measurements of the length of the new cylinder prior to putting it in place. Find the distance from the center to the left and right sides of the cylinder with a tape measure. Purchase a new cylinder that has the same measurements. This will prevent cylinders from snapping when doors are kicked or the key gets stuck inside. If you have a replacement cylinder, insert it into the door and turn the key. This will ensure that the cylinder is aligned with the carrier, which is normally located on the outside of the lock. After that, you can loosen the set screw which is supposed to be a few turns in the head. If there is a screw at the outside of the case that holds the door, you will need to remove it. After you have removed the lock cylinder, you can replace it with a new lock by sliding the new cylinder into the case and tightening the set screw. You must also install the piece that connects the cylinder with the stem for the lock indicator, which you can do by pulling up three small tabs on the back of the cylinder with needle-nose pliers. Attach the bracket that is smaller to the back of the cylinder. Then, you must put back in the strike plate and latch plate as well as the retaining ring attached to the top of the lock cylinder. Installing the new lock If you're replacing an old lock, you should start by measuring the width of the door. Most residential locksets come with a thickness of 3/8 inch to 1 3/4 inches. If your door is thicker you will require a thick door kit that includes longer screws, an extended tail piece (for door knobs) or spindle extensions (for deadbolts). The majority of locks come with a comprehensive instruction booklet that will help you install the new hardware. Before you begin, go through the instructions to ensure you've followed the steps. The booklet will give you an idea of the level of skill that is required to complete the task. You might want to ask a person who has worked with locks for assistance if you are changing a lock the first time. It's a good idea to cover the holes in the old hardware prior to installing the new lock. This will stop the screws from falling through the holes, and protect any tiles you might have installed. It will also prevent any potential damage from rust, dirt, and grime. SECURAM Touch comes with a strip painter's tape, which is designed to be used for this purpose, however you can also use gaffer's or masking tape in the event that you have it. After you have removed the screws that hold the lock's inner half to its exterior then pull the lock straight away. It's important to do this quickly to prevent the lock from accidentally closing itself and harming the mechanism. If your new lock has an latch bolt, install the new bolt into the upper cross bore. Be sure to put it in the right position as marked by an arrow on the faceplate. Then, place https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/ashford-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ onto the bolt and secure it in the correct position. Attach the deadbolt to the jamb on the door. Test the deadbolt by throwing it a few times to verify that it extends all the way through the strike plate and is fully secured. If you're using an electronic smart lock, be certain to follow the instructions to program it. This involves downloading an application and entering your email address, verifying your identity, then accessing the wireless network to add your device.