Reasons to Change Door Lock There are many reasons to replace your door lock, from upgrading your home's security, to redecorating your entrance. You may need to change locks when your key becomes stuck or is difficult to turn. The process of changing your lock is an easy project that even beginner DIY homeowners can complete. Begin by gathering the materials you need. Remove the old lock Removing the old lock from the door is an essential step prior to installing the new lock. This step is especially important in the event that you suspect someone else has a key to your home. This is also a good idea after you've moved into your new house, had a break-in or welcomed a roommate. It's more simple than you think and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Begin by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. You'll have to take off the screws on both sides of the door in order to remove the faceplate. This will allow you see the hidden screws and provide you with a better understanding of how to proceed with the remaining steps. After you have removed the old faceplate, then you have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the bolt and remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted you may need to use a chisel to hit it. When using a chisel remove the bolt, be careful not to scratch the door frame. Before you take down the lock that was previously in use, make sure that the new deadbolt and doorknob will fit in the existing holes in the door. Many hardware stores and large box stores have a wide selection of locks and can help you choose the right one. If the lock you bought doesn't match your door, bring it back and seek help. While you are removing the old lock, search for small notches or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you can locate them, insert straightened safety pins or a flat screwdriver in order to remove the handle. After taking the screw off the handle, you are able to start removing the knob. To do this, locate the set screw located at the base of the knob and loosen. Then, take the spindle off. Install the new lock It's a good idea to change the locks on your doors periodically particularly if you've experienced a burglary. It's easy, affordable and efficient to change the lock on your door. Most people can do this yourself with a screwdriver and some basic instructions. You may also wish to know how to change the key on your door lock to ensure that only you have the key. To start the process, you must purchase a new lock that matches the keyway of your current lock. Many locksmiths will change the lock's key for a fee but you can save money by doing this yourself. You can purchase an entirely new lock from a hardware store or online. Standard deadbolts are suitable for the majority of doors. However, you'll have to measure your door to make sure it fits. The majority times, your new lock will include a cardboard template that shows you how it will fit on the door. You can use it as a guide when drilling the hole which is much more convenient than measuring every time. If the template doesn't align with your hole, you can take it back to the shop and get another one. It is essential to install the new lock on the right side of the door. You can check this by checking the latch, which must be marked "up" or something similar. Check that the latch is properly placed on the latch plate, then secure it using the screws supplied. If you are replacing locks on doors It's important to pay attention to 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 paying attention, the knob 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 test the new lock after you have completed. You should be able both to lock and unlock the door using a key from the inside as well as the outside. If you aren't satisfied with the results you can get a locksmith to fix it. Test the lock A door lock that cannot be locked is a hassle and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's security at risk. It's easy to fix the majority of door lock problems by tackling the issue and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is correctly cut and that the lock assembly itself isn't loose or dirty. If this does not solve the problem try lubricating your door lock actuator with graphite powdered. Check that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses and the actuator connector are all functioning properly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding for all the door lock switch wires. Then, test the wires using a light or digital meter to determine whether the door lock's actuator is receiving power and ground when the switches are activated. If you see an electric voltage switch on each switch activation, that indicates the switches are good and it's probably the actuator that requires to be replaced. If the switch seems to be working however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob, it could be an issue with the actuator cylinder itself. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/derby-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ is loaded with spring pins that keep the cylinder from moving until the key is inserted, which pushes the pins upward to match the key's height in the location. The cylinder then begins to rotate and open the lock body and opening the handle latch. If the door lock actuator is inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to loosen the locking bolt and remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it fall down. You should be able find the two bolts in 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 you own 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 some money. It is recommended to have a professional locksmith check the locks for any issues before you start. This will give peace of assurance that your home is safe and secure. To begin, remove the exterior faceplate from the deadbolt or doorknob. There could be screws that hold it in place, you need to remove them, use a screwdriver to loosen them and pull the faceplate off. Then, remove the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After removing the faceplate, you can take the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder. A locksmith can help determine if the lock you have requires replacement or replaced with a new key. They can also offer suggestions on the most secure measures for your home. They can also make any necessary modifications to the door and frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They will also offer an assurance on their work. If you decide to rekey the lock, you must first purchase an additional key for it. It is essential to use the lock key that fits snugly. A key that's not the right size can damage the internal mechanism of a lock and stop it from functioning. To determine the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it fits in a flush with the plug it's the right size. If the pins extend from the top of the plug the plug, then they're too long. You may need to change the lock on your door for many reasons, including: Rekeying a lock 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 certain instances where rekeying an lock isn't feasible. If the lock has been damaged or jammed repeatedly, for example, it may be time to replace it.