How to Replace Door Locks It isn't easy to change the lock on your door. It is essential to protect your home from intruders. It is also advisable to change your locks when you move in with a new housemate, or if you rent your house. The majority of modern locks are designed for standard door widths. If your door is thicker you will need a "thick-door" kit with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt. Removal of the old lock If you're switching your door lock you must remove the old lock from the door. This can be done with a few simple tools, but make sure not to scratch the door or frame. Utilizing the right tools will aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future. Take off the screws that are on the trim and handle. This can be accomplished with the help of a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can pull the trim off. Then, you will be able to get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can remove the lock cylinder and then open the handle. When you can't wiggle your keys inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping moving upwards or downwards, which causes the lock to cease to function. If this happens, you'll need to take the lock to a locksmith in order to be rekeyed. Begin by removing the screws holding the faceplate in position. If your kit doesn't include new screws, you can purchase them from an hardware store. If you are installing a mortise locking, you will also need to remove the screws that attach the external roseplate to the door. After removal of the screws, take off the plate as well as the dead bolt. Next, search for a pinhole on the inside trim of the handle. If you find one, insert a straightened safety pin into it. You could also try using a flat screwdriver in an opening or slot. This should open the lock handle and expose screws that can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door. Installing the new lock If you're looking to replace your lock following a break-in or simply want to improve the look of your door, installing an entirely new lock is simple. However, it's important to measure the door to make sure you buy a new lock that is the correct size for your door. This is particularly crucial for deadbolt locks that must be a specific size to fit inside the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. If you're unsure of how to measure, you can seek help from your local hardware store or locksmith. If you're replacing a mortice use the existing centrerail as a guide to place the new mortise. Once you have marked the location of the lock, make holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. Then, you can chisel your wood away until you have a rectangular space to fit your mortice lock. After that, insert the lock and outline the faceplate using the marking knife. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate. You can save money on rekeying locks by purchasing an entry-level set that comes with keys that can be re-keyed and an unlocked key. The kits are available from a variety of online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also come with a set of instructions that should assist you in completing the task. If you're renting, be sure to check your lease before changing locks. It may require you to provide the landlord with keys to the new lock. If so, you may be required to remove the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a basic lock at your local hardware store, or you can purchase an advanced lock that connects to your home's WiFI and allows you to lock and unlock the door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. The system can also be linked to your smart home security hub which allows you to receive alerts when your door is opened or locked. Installing a new lock A broken lock is a security risk, so it is essential to replace it as quickly as possible. It's easy to replace a door lock. The first step is to remove the lock that was previously installed from the door. The screws holding it in place are removed and the lock is pulled out. Depending on the type you have, you may need an Allen wrench or screwdriver. Save all the parts of the lock you have lost and keep them in a secure place. Install the new lock on the door. The majority of kits come with an example of cardboard that shows how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template does not fit your door, draw a line with a pencil around it, or a the chisel to get rid of extra material. Once the new lock is installed, ensure that the interior latch plate is aligned with the mortise hole for a secure fit. Be cautious not to tighten too much the lock while installing it. This can cause your lock to rattle, or even break. If you have a lock that is keyed ensure that the spindle is aligned with the knob's hole. If it's not, use the screwdriver to push through the lock into the knob. Install the baseplate with the design that comes with the lock once you've finished installing it. If the lock doesn't come with a base plate that is decorative you can purchase one that matches the hardware. The final step is to test the lock to ensure that it functions. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock to make sure that it opens. If it fails then you must contact locksmith. You can also stop burglaries by having professionals reset your locks. This involves changing the internal tumblers on your locks to make it insensitive to your old keys. This will keep your home safe and give you peace of mind. Testing the new lock When installing a new lock, you want to make sure that it works as intended. It is essential to follow the directions. You may not be able unlock your door if you don't. If you're not sure what to do, you can call a professional locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can offer guidance on the most suitable locks for your house. If you're having trouble opening your lock, it may be a problem with the latch or handle. Try lubricating your latch by spraying it with WD-40. In some cases it will resolve the problem. However, you might need to replace the latch completely if it's no longer functioning correctly. Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door may be damaged or missing from the new lock. In https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/christchurch-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ need to grasp the handle from the inside and then insert the new clip made of plastic. The handle can then be attached to the lock and the lock will be 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 inserting the key inside and turning it. If the keypad functions correctly, it will unlock and lock your door. You should also check the deadbolt lock to determine whether it's operating properly. If it's not working, remove the latch on the door and undo the Phillips-head screws. Replace the old deadbolt with the new one. Be sure to align and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way. Another way to test the new lock is by using the spindle test, which can be accomplished by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock in order to avoid errors in installation.