How to Replace Door Locks Replacing the door lock could be a challenging task. It is essential to protect your home from potential intruders and also to change locks when you get an additional housemate or have let out your home. Most new locks have been made to fit standard width doors. If your door is more thick, you will need a "thick-door" kit with longer screws and longer tail pieces for deadbolts. Take off the lock that was previously used. If you're replacing your door lock it is necessary to remove the old one from the door. You can do this using a few simple tools, but you must be careful not to scratch the door or frame. Using the correct tools will save you money on repairs in the future. Begin by taking out the screws that support the handle and then trim. You can use a screwdriver to accomplish this. After the screws have been removed, you can take off the trim. You can then access the screw that secures the trim and handle to the door. After removing the screw, you can remove the handle and take out the lock cylinder from the door. If you're unable to turn your key inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping their movement upwards or downwards, causing the lock to stop working. You'll need to get the lock rekeyed by a locksmith if this occurs. Begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate to its place. If your kit doesn't come with new screws, you can purchase them from the hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock you should also remove the screws that attach the external rose plate to the door. After you've removed all screws, pull the dead bolt and the plate from the door. Then, look for a hole in the inside trim of the handle. If you find a hole then insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You could also try a flat screwdriver against an opening or slot. This will release the lock handle and expose screws which can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door. Fitting the new lock Installing a new lock could be done with ease regardless of whether you wish to replace your lock after an incident of burglary, or simply want to update your door's appearance. However, it is essential to measure the door to ensure that you buy the right lock that is the correct size for your door. This is particularly important for deadbolt locks, as they require a specific size to fit inside the bolt pocket and strike plate. If you're not sure of how to measure, ask for assistance at your local hardware store or locksmith. If you are replacing a mortice, use the existing centrerail as a reference to position the new mortise. Once you've marked the location of the lock, you'll need to drill holes along the centre line to the same size as the lock. Then, you can chisel the wood until you have a clean rectangular space for the mortice lock to sit in. Insert the lock and then outline the faceplate using an outliner. Mark and drill screw holes to fix the faceplate in the correct position. You can save money when changing locks by purchasing an initial set that includes an re-keyable key as well as a blank key. The kits are available at a variety of online stores as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also come with a set instructions that should help you complete the task. If you're renting, make sure to check your lease before changing locks. It may require that you give the landlord an access key to the new lock. You may need to replace the lock with a standard one if you are required to do so. You can purchase a basic lock from your local hardware store, or get a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and lets you lock and unlock your 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 unlocked. Installing a new lock A broken lock is a security risk, so it is essential to replace it immediately. It's easy to replace locks for doors. The first step is to disengage the lock that was previously installed from the door. The screws that hold it in place are unscrewed and the lock is pulled out. You may need either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, depending on the kind of lock you own. Save all the components of the old lock and put them in a safe place. Install the new lock on the door. Most kits include a cardboard template that shows how the lock will fit onto the door. If the template doesn't line up with your door, you can trace around it using a pencil or use a chisel to remove any extra material. Be sure that the inside latch plate aligns with the mortise opening once the new lock has been installed. When you install the new lock, be cautious not to tighten it too much. This could cause the lock to crack 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, you can use the screwdriver to drive the lock into the knob. After you have completed installing the new lock, you can now install the base plate that comes with it. If the lock doesn't come with a base plate with a design then you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware. The final step is to test the new lock to make sure it works. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock to ensure that it opens. If it doesn't work then you should contact a locksmith. You can also stop burglaries by having an expert change the locks' keys. This involves changing the internal lock tumblers to make it insensitive to the keys you have previously used. This will ensure that your home is secure and give you peace of mind. Testing the new lock Installing a new lock is a great method to make sure that it functions according to the specifications. It's very important to carefully follow the directions. You might not be able to unlock your door if you don't. You can call the locksmith for help in case you aren't sure what to do. A locksmith can also give advice about the best locks for your home. If you are having trouble opening your lock it could be an issue with the latch or handle. You can try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. In some instances it can fix the issue. However, you might need to replace the latch completely if it's not functioning properly. Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip can be broken or not present on the new lock. In this instance, you should grasp the handle from the inside, and insert the new clip made of plastic. After that, you can connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock. It's important to check the keypad after you've replaced your lock to make sure it works correctly. You can test it by placing the key in and turning it. If the keypad functions correctly, it should be able to unlock and lock your door. Examine the deadbolt to be sure it's working correctly. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/harrow-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ 's not working properly, remove the latch on the door and undo the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Place the deadbolt in the proper direction and load the lock properly. Spindle testing is a different method to test a new lock. This can be done by inserting a screwdriver in the spindle. This test should always be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock in order to avoid any errors.