Reasons to Change Door Lock You can alter your door lock for many reasons, from increasing the security of your home to redecorating the entrance. It is also possible to change locks if your key is stuck or is difficult to turn. Change your lock is a straightforward project that even novice DIY homeowners can tackle. Get the tools you need to begin. Remove the old lock Before installing a new lock, it is necessary to remove the old lock from the door. This is essential when you suspect that someone else may have a key to the house. It may also be a good idea if you have moved into a house and experienced a burglary or welcomed a new roommate. The process is simpler than you think and can be completed within just a few minutes. Begin by taking off the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate onto the door frame. To remove the faceplate, you will need to remove screws on both sides. This will allow you to observe what's behind it and give you a better understanding of what to do with the rest of the steps. After removing the old faceplate, you must take off the bolt along with the strike plate and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole by using the screwdriver. If the bolt is rusted, you may have to use a chisel and hit it. If you are using a chisel, you must be cautious not to scratch the door frame. Before you remove the old lock, be sure that the new deadbolt and doorknob will fit into the existing holes on the door. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores stock a range of locks, and can help you choose the right one. Ask for help if the lock you purchased does not fit your door. When you're removing the old lock, look for small slits or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you are able to locate them, you can use a straightened safety-pin or flat screwdriver to open the handle. Once the screw in the handle has been removed, you can begin removing the knob from its spindle. To do this, find the set screw at the base of knob and loosen. The next step is to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door. Install the new lock It is a good idea to change the locks on doors in your home regularly, especially in the event of a burglary or you move into a room with roommates. Change the lock is a cheap, easy and effective way to ensure that your home is secure. With a screwdriver and a few basic steps most people can do it by themselves. You may also want to learn how to change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you hold the key. To begin the process, you'll must purchase an additional lock that matches the keyway of your current lock. Locksmiths are usually able to change the lock's key for a fee however, you can save money by doing it yourself. You can buy a new lock from a hardware store or on the internet. A standard deadbolt should be able to fit on doors of all sizes however, you'll need to measure the area on your door to make sure that it will fit. Your new lock will often include a template that shows you how to install it on the door. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/manchester-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can be used to guide you when drilling the hole, which is a lot easier than measuring every time. If the template doesn't match to the hole you intend to drill, you should return it to the hardware store and purchase an alternative. When you install the new lock, you must remember to put it on the right side of the door. Verify the latch. It should be marked with "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is seated correctly in the plate, and then fix it using the supplied screws. If you are replacing a door knob lock it is also essential to be aware of the type of lock you're using. Most knob locks are left-handed, but 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 could make it impossible to lock either from the inside or outside. It is recommended to try the new lock after you finish. You should be able to lock and unlock the door with keys from the inside as well as from the outside. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can always call a professional locksmith to fix the issue. Test the lock If a lock on your door cannot be locked can be a nuisance, it can also put your family's security at risk. It's not difficult to fix most issues with door locks through some troubleshooting, and lubrication. To start with, check whether your key has been properly cut and that the lock assembly itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the issue try lubricating your door lock actuator using graphite powdered. Check that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connectors are all working properly. Consult the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color-coding and the function of each wire of the door lock switch. Then, use a test light or digital meter to see whether the door lock's actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you can see voltage toggles with each switch, it means the switches are in good condition and the actuator will need replacing. If the switch seems to be working but the actuator doesn't move when you turn it, there may be a problem in the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is equipped with pins that are spring loaded. They stop the cylinder from moving until the key is inserted which then pushes them upwards to the same height as the key at that location. Then, the cylinder to turn and let the lock body open which allows the handle to latch. If the door lock actuator still not working, you can remove it using a small screwdriver. It is necessary to release the locking bolt first and then remove the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. After that, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. Then, you should be able to locate the two bolts of 10mm that hold the actuator in place, and remove them. Once the actuator has been removed then you can disconnect the black electrical connector. Replace the key If your keyed deadbolt or door knob isn't functioning, you'll need to rekey it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and can save you lots of money. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith check the locks for any problems prior to beginning. This will give you peace of peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure. Remove the faceplate on the outside of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate, use a screwdriver and remove it. Next you can use a flat-head screwdriver to take off the interior faceplate. Once you have removed your faceplate you can pull out the bolt and screw from inside the lock cylinder. A locksmith can help determine if the existing lock needs to be replaced or changed. They can also give you advice on the best security solutions for your home. They can also make the necessary modifications to your door and frame for an ideal fit. They also provide the guarantee on their work. You must purchase a new lock key before you can rekey it. It's important to use the correct key inside the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could cause damage to the mechanism inside and stop it from working. To test the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it is flush with the plug, it's the right size. If the pins stick out from the top of the plug, they're too long. There are many reasons you might want to replace your door lock, including: Rekeying locks is a cheaper option than replacing it if you're moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys are missing. It can also be more cost-effective than a complete replacement. However, there are certain situations in which rekeying your existing lock isn't an option. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example it could be the right time to replace it.