Reasons to Change Door Lock There are many reasons to change door lock, from upgrading your home's security to redecorating your entrance. You may also need to change locks if your key is stuck or is difficult to turn. Changing your lock is a straightforward project that even beginner DIY homeowners can take on. Gather the materials needed to begin. Remove the old lock Before installing a new lock it is necessary to remove the old lock from the door. This is important in the event that you suspect that someone else might have a key to the house. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ is an excellent idea after you've moved into a brand new home, experienced a burglary or welcomed a roommate. The process is simpler than you imagine and can be completed within a few minutes. Begin by removing the screws holding the deadbolt faceplate onto the door frame. To remove the faceplate, you will need to take off screws on both sides. This will let you discover what's behind it and will give you a better understanding of how to proceed with the remaining steps. After you have removed the old faceplate, you will have to take off the bolt and strike plate. Make use of a screwdriver to loosen the bolt, and then remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted you may need to use a chisel or hit it. If you're using a chisel be cautious not to scratch the door frame. Make sure your new deadbolt, doorknob and lock fit in the holes already in the door before removing the old one. Most hardware stores and big box stores carry various types of locks. They 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. While you are removing the old lock, look for small depressions or notches in the handle or around the trim. If you can locate them, insert a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to open the handle. Once the screw inside the handle has been removed, you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of the knob and loosen. Then, remove the spindle. Install the new lock It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently, especially if you have been the victim of a break-in. It's an inexpensive, simple and effective way to ensure that your home is secure. The majority of people can do it by themselves using a screwdriver, a screwdriver, and a few basic instructions. You may also wish to learn how to change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you have the key. You'll need to buy an additional lock that has the same keyway as your current lock. Locksmiths are usually able to rekey your lock for you at a cost however, you can save money by doing it yourself. You can purchase a new lock from hardware stores or on the internet. A standard deadbolt should be able to fit on doors of all sizes 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 you how to install it on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It is much easier than measuring every time. If the template does not match your hole, take it back to the shop and request a replacement. When you install the new lock, be sure to place it on the right side of the door. You can confirm this by looking at the latch, which ought to be labelled "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is properly seated in the plate and then attach it using the supplied screws. When replacing a knob lock, you should also pay attention to its handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you are not paying attention, the knob could be placed on the wrong side of your door, which would hinder it from locking from the inside or outside. It is recommended to test the new lock after you have completed. You should be capable of locking the door from both the inside and outside, as well as unlock it using a key. If you are not satisfied with the results you can contact an expert locksmith to repair it. Test the lock A door lock that will not open can be a hassle but it can also put your family's safety at risk. Luckily, it's easy to fix the majority of issues with door locks by performing some troubleshooting and lubrication. First, ensure whether your key has been properly cut and that the lock itself isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try to lubricate the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease. Check that the door lock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connector are all functioning properly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the function and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Use a digital meter or test light to verify that the actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you can see voltage toggles with each switch it means that the switches are in good condition and the actuator is likely to require replacement. If the switch appears to be working however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob, it could be an issue with the actuator cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that stop the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, which it pushes the pins up to accommodate the key's height at the point of entry. In the end, this causes the cylinder to spin and let the lock body open and allow the handle to latch. If your door lock actuator is inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator by using small screwdrivers to loosen the bolt that locks and then separate the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. You should then be able to find the two 10mm bolts that hold the actuator in place, and remove them. After the actuator has been removed, you should be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and remove it along with the lock and actuator assembly. Replace the key If you have a keyed deadbolt or door knob, If it's not functioning properly, you must either change the lock's key or rekey it or replace it completely. It is not difficult to do this yourself and can save you lots of money. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith inspect the locks for any issues before you start. This will give peace of assurance that your home is safe and secure. To begin, take off the exterior faceplate from the doorknob or deadbolt. There could be screws that hold it in place, so use a screwdriver to loosen them and then pull the faceplate off. Next you can use a flat-head screwdriver to take off the interior faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder. A locksmith can decide whether you need to replace or rekey the lock. They can also give you suggestions on the most secure measures for your home. They will also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure a perfect fit. They also provide the guarantee on their work. If you decide to rekey the lock you must first purchase the new key. It's important to use a key that fits well within the lock. A key that is not the right size can damage the internal mechanism of a lock and stop it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If it is flush with the plug, it's of the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of the plug and are not a good fit, they're too long. There are many reasons you might want to replace the lock on your door, including: Rekeying locks is an affordable alternative to replacing it if you are moving into the home of a previous owner or if keys have gone missing. It is also less invasive than a complete replacement. However, there are some circumstances where rekeying your existing lock isn't an option. For instance, if the lock is damaged or has been repeatedly blocked, it's time to replace it.