Reasons to Change Door Lock You can replace the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from increasing the security of your home to redecorating the entrance. You may need to change locks when your key becomes stuck or is difficult to turn. Change your lock is a simple project that even novice DIY homeowners can tackle. To start, gather the necessary materials. Remove the old lock Removal of the lock that was previously installed from the door is a crucial step prior to installing the new one. This is essential in the event that you suspect that someone else might have access to the home. It may also be an excellent idea if have moved into a house that was burglarized, or welcomed a new roommate. It is more simple than you think and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate on the door frame. You will need to take off the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will allow you to see what is behind it, and will give you a better understanding of what to do in the next steps. After removing the faceplate you must take off the bolt, strike plate and the strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole using a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusted, you may need to use a chisel and hit it. If you are using a chisel be careful not to damage the door frame. Make sure your new doorknob, deadbolt and lock will fit in the existing holes in the door before you take out the old one. Numerous hardware stores and large box stores have a wide selection of locks and will assist you in choosing the right one. Ask for help if the lock you bought does not fit your door. Look for small depressions or notches inside the handle and around the trim when you remove the old lock. If you can find them, slide a straightened safety pin or flat screwdriver into them to loosen the handle and expose screws underneath. Once the screw inside the handle is removed, you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, find the set screw located at the base of the knob and loosen it. Then, remove the spindle. Install the new lock It's a great idea to change the locks on your doors periodically particularly if you've been the victim of a break-in. Change the lock is a cheap, easy and efficient way to ensure that your home is safe. With a screwdriver, and a few basic instructions most people can do it themselves. Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to learn how to rekey a door lock so that only you own the key. To begin the process, you'll have to purchase an additional lock that matches the keyway on your existing lock. Locksmiths are usually able to rekey your lock for you at a cost but you can save money by doing it yourself. You can purchase a brand new lock at an hardware store, or even online. A standard deadbolt should be able to fit on doors of all sizes however, you'll need to measure the space on your door to make sure that it will fit. Most times the lock you purchase will come with a cardboard template that shows the way it will fit on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's a lot easier than having to measure every time. If the template does not match your hole, take it back to the store and purchase a new one. The new lock on the right-hand side of the door. Examine the latch. It should have a label that says "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is properly seated in the plate, and then secure it using the provided screws. When replacing a knob lock be sure to be aware of its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed however, there are some that are right-handed. If you are not careful, the lock could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which would hinder it from locking from the outside or inside. After https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/southend-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ done testing the new lock to ensure it functions. You should be able to lock and unlock the door with keys from inside as well as the outside. If you aren't satisfied with the results then you can always call an expert locksmith to repair it. Test the lock If a lock on your door won't unlock is a hassle, it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix most issues with door locks through some troubleshooting and lubrication. First, ensure whether your key has been properly cut and that the lock isn't dirty or loose. If this doesn't fix the problem, you can try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based oil. Make sure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connectors all function correctly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all door lock switch wires. Then, use a test light or digital meter to see whether the door lock actuator receives power and ground when the switches are activated. If you see an electrical voltage switch with each switch activation, that indicates the switches are good and it's most likely the actuator that needs to be replaced. If the switch seems to be working but the actuator doesn't move when you turn it, it could be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is outfitted with pins that have a spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted which then pushes them upwards to meet the height of the key at the location. The cylinder will then begin to turn, opening the lock body and allowing the handle latch. If your door lock actuator is still inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator by using a small screwdriver to release the locking bolt and separate the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it fall. Then you should be able to find and remove the two 10mm bolts holding the actuator in position. After the actuator is removed then you can disconnect the black electrical connector. Replace the key If your deadbolt that is keyed or door knob isn't functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. This is not difficult and could save you money. It is best to hire an expert locksmith examine the locks for any issues before you start. This will give you peace of heart that your home is safe and safe. To begin, take off the faceplate that is on the outside of the doorknob or deadbolt. There may be screws holding it in place, so use a screwdriver to loosen them and then pull the faceplate away. Then utilize a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate you can pull out the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder. A locksmith can help determine if your lock needs to be replaced or rekeyed. They can also give you advice on the best security options for your home. They can also make any needed adjustments to the door or frame to ensure a perfect fit. They will also provide a guarantee on their work. If you decide to rekey your lock, you must first purchase the new key. It is essential to select the right key inside the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could cause damage to the mechanism's internal mechanisms and prevent it from working. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If it is perfectly with the plug, it's the right size. If the pins protrude out of the top of the plug, they're not long. There are many reasons why you might want to replace your door lock, for example: If you're moving into a former owner's home or if you lose keys, rekeying your lock could be a more affordable option than replacing it. It is also less invasive than a complete replacement. Rekeying a lock that is already in use may not be feasible in some situations. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example, it may be the right time to replace it.