How to Do a Door Lock Change The change of your door lock is a simple and affordable way to improve the security of your home. This isn't for all. It requires some expertise and patience. It is necessary to replace the cylinder that is located within the knob's body. The cylinder is what recognizes the key when it's put into the lock. Removing the old lock The first step to replace the door lock is to remove the old one. It's a relatively straightforward process, however it is important to keep a few things in your mind. First, ensure that the lock you choose to install is the correct size for your door. This will ensure it is secure and doesn't leave a gap in the latch or deadbolt. After you have removed the latch plate look for two bolts or screws on the inside of the casing that hold the casing and the two halves of the lock together. Take these screws off using the help of a screwdriver, and then remove the lock off the door. If you are using a mortise locking system there is a set screw that holds the handle to the spindle. Take off https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/birmingham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ by removing this screw using the help of a screwdriver. It is also recommended to remove the latch and deadbolt plug from the hole in your door jamb. Install your new lock. If you are replacing a mortise lock you should also determine the distance between the lock case and the edge of your door to ensure that the new lock will be able to fit. You might want to change your lock for various reasons, including when you suspect that someone else is holding the key, or if you've a new roommate. In any case, you can save money by removing the lock yourself, rather than hiring an expert to do it. It's much simpler than most people imagine and can be accomplished in just a few moments. Begin by removing the trim and handle from your door. Then, you can pry the trim loose using a flat screwdriver. You should be able twist off the majority of it. In certain cases you may be able remove the handles completely. Next, look for a hole on the inside of the handle, and insert an unstraightened clip into it. This will activate the release mechanism and allow you to take the handle from the door. Look for a small tab in the interior of the lock and push it with a flat screwdriver. Once the spindle is removed, you can remove the cylinder and housing. The process of selecting a new lock There are many options to choose from when it comes to choosing a new lock. Think about the various kinds of locks and pick one that fits the style of your door. Think about the backset (the distance between the door's edge and the center of the lock hole) and the cross bore (small hole along the edge of the door frame). Select a lock that is suitable for the door thickness and the swing. The American National Standards Institute and BHMA have graded most door locks to give an idea of their strength and the difficulty to pick them up or disable them. A lock grade 3 might be the ideal choice for a tranquil apartment complex in a rural area, whereas locks that are grade 1 may be more appropriate for an area with a lot of traffic, such as an open-air storefront. Most smart door locks require a digital code to open. If you're concerned about hacking or other security concerns, consult with a professional locksmith or your local police department for advice. Replacing the cylinder If the cylinder of your door lock is damaged or broken, you can replace it in just a few minutes by completing a do-it-yourself project. The key is to choose the right cylinder, and follow the steps that come with it. First, take off the handle or knob if it is present. Then using a screwdriver take off the trim around the lock cylinder. Once the trim has been removed, you can take off the screws that hold the cylinder in position with the flathead. The cylinder can then be gently removed from the door. Make sure you measure the length of the new cylinder prior to installing it. With an instrument, measure the distance between the center of the cylinder and the left and right side. Then, buy another cylinder that has the same measurements. This will prevent cylinders from snapping when doors are kicked or the key becomes stuck inside. If you have a suitable replacement cylinder, put it in the door and turn the key. This will ensure that the cylinder is in alignment with the carrier, which is usually located on the outside of the lock. You can then loosen the set screws that should be just a couple of turns inside the head. If there is a screw at the outside of the case, which holds the door, you'll need to loosen it. You can replace the cylinder that was used to lock your old lock with a new one by slipping it into the case, and then tightening the set screws. Installing the part that connects the cylinder to a lock indicator stem is also important. It is done by pulling three small tabs on the back of the cylindrical with needle-nosed pliers. Attach the smaller bracket to the cylinder's back. Then, you should reinstall the strike plate and latch plate as well as the retaining ring connected to the top of the lock the cylinder. Installing a new lock If you're replacing an existing lock, you must begin by taking measurements of the width of the door. Most locksets for residential use are designed for doors with a thickness of 1 3/8 - 3/4 inches. If your door is more thick you will require a door kit that is thick and includes longer screws, an extended tail piece (for door knobs) or spindle extension (for deadbolts). The majority of locks come with a detailed instruction booklet to help you install the new hardware. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly prior to beginning the process to make sure that you are following all the steps. The guide will give you an idea of the amount of skill that is required to complete the task. If you're replacing a lock for the first time, you might consider asking a more experienced friend for assistance. Before installing the new lock it's an excellent idea to put tape over the openings of the old hardware. This will prevent the screws from slipping out of the holes and safeguard any tile you may have put in the area. It will also protect your tiles from any damage caused by dirt, rust and grime. SECURAM Touch includes the masking strip or gaffer tape. However, you can make use of any tape you have. Once you've removed the screws that connect the interior half of the lock section to the exterior side then pull it out straight away. It is important to do this swiftly to avoid the lock from accidentally closing on itself and damage the mechanism. If your new lock is equipped with an internal latch bolt, insert the new latch bolt into the upper cross bore. Make sure to place it in the proper position, which will be marked by an arrow. Then, screw the latch plate onto the bolt. Screw the deadbolt to the door jamb. Check the deadbolt several times, throwing it around to see if it extends into the strike plate. Follow the instructions included with your electronic smart lock to program it. This involves downloading an app, creating an email address, verifying your identity, and then connecting to the wireless network to add your device.