Reasons to Change Door Lock You can change your door lock for many reasons, from upgrading the security of your house to redecorating your entryway. It is also possible to change locks if your key gets stuck inside or is difficult to turn. Change your lock is a simple project that even novice DIY homeowners can take on. To begin, gather the materials you need. Remove the old lock Removal of the old lock from the door is a crucial step before installing the new one. This is crucial if you suspect someone else may have access to the house. It could also be a good idea if you have recently moved into a home that was burglarized, or had a roommate move in. It's easier than you think to complete and can be done in just a few minutes. Begin by removing the screws that hold the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. You will need to take off the screws on both sides of the door to remove the faceplate. This will allow you to see the hidden screws and provide you with an understanding of how to proceed with the next steps. After removing the old faceplate, you'll need to remove the bolt along with the strike plate and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole using a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusted you may need to use a chisel or smash it. If you are using a chisel, be cautious not to scratch the door frame. Before you take out the old lock, make sure that the new deadbolt and doorknob will fit in the existing holes on the door. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores carry several different types of locks and can help you find the right one to meet your needs. If the lock you bought is not compatible with your door, bring it back and ask for help. Find small dents or depressions in 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 these to open the handle and expose the screws beneath. After taking the screw off the handle, you are able to begin removing the knob. To do https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/altrincham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ , locate the set screw on the knob's base and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off. Install the new lock It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors periodically, especially if you have had a break-in. Changing the lock is an affordable, simple and efficient way to ensure that your home is safe. With a screwdriver and a few basic instructions most people can do it by themselves. Depending on the circumstances you might also need to learn how to reset a lock so that only you own the key. You will need to purchase an additional lock that has the same keyway as the existing lock. Most locksmiths will rekey your lock for you at a cost, but you can save money by doing it yourself. You can buy the new lock at an hardware store or online. A standard deadbolt should fit on all doors however, you'll need to measure the size of your door to ensure that it fits. The lock you purchase will usually come with a diagram that will show how to install it on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's much simpler than having to measure each time. If the template doesn't match up with your hole you need to take it back to the hardware store to purchase a different one. When you install the new lock, you must ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. Verify the latch. It should have a label that says "up" or similar. Make sure the latch is seated correctly within the latch plate then secure it using the screws supplied. When replacing a knob lock it is important to be aware of its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed but there are some that are right-handed. If you are not paying attention, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which would make it impossible to lock from the outside or inside. It is recommended to test the new lock once you finish. You should be able to lock and unlock the door with keys from inside as well as from the outside. If you aren't satisfied with the outcome, you can get a locksmith to repair the issue. Test the lock A lock that does not open can be a hassle however, it could also put your family's safety at risk. It's not difficult to fix most problems with door locks by doing some troubleshooting, and lubrication. First, ensure that your key is properly cut and that the lock itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try lubricating the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease. Then, make sure that the door lock switch, wiring harnesses, and the actuator connector are working correctly. Consult the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color code and the function of the wires for each door lock switch. Then, test the wires using a light or digital meter to determine whether the door lock actuator receives power and ground when the switches are turned on. If you see voltage toggles with each switch it means that the switches are in good shape and the actuator will need replacing. If the switch seems to be working but the actuator does not move when you turn it, it could be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is outfitted with pins that are spring-loaded. They stop the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, which then pushes them upwards to the same height as the key at the location. Eventually, this causes the cylinder to turn and open the lock body, allowing the handle to latch. If the door lock actuator is still malfunctioning, you can take the switch and wires from the actuator with a small screwdriver to release the locking bolt and remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then you must disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it fall. Then you should be able to find and take off the two bolts of 10mm which hold the actuator in place. Once the actuator has been removed, you can disconnect the black electrical connector. Replace the key If your keyed deadbolt or door knob isn't working, you will have to reset it or replace it. This isn't difficult and could save you money. But, before doing this, it's a good idea to get a locksmith to examine the locks and look for any issues. This will give peace of assurance that your home is secure and safe. Remove the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws that are holding it in place, you need to remove them, use a screwdriver to loosen them and pull the faceplate out. Then, use a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. Once you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder. A locksmith can help determine if the lock you have requires replacement or changed. They can also give you guidance on the most effective security measures for your home. They can also make the necessary adjustments to your door and frame to ensure an ideal fit. They will also offer a warranty on their work. If you choose to rekey your lock, you'll have to first buy the new key. It is crucial to select a lock key that is snugly fitted. A key that is not the right size may harm the internal mechanism of a lock and stop it from working. To test the size of a key, just insert it into the lock. If it fits perfectly with the plug, it's the right size. If the pins stick up from the top of plug, then they are too long. There are many reasons you might want to replace the lock on your door, including: Rekeying a lock can be an affordable alternative to replacing one if you are moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys are missing. It's also more cost-effective than a complete replacement. Rekeying a lock that is already in use may not be feasible in some situations. For instance, if your lock is damaged or jammed repeatedly, it's likely to be time to replace it.