How to Replace Door Locks Replacing your door lock can be a challenging task. It is essential to secure your home from potential intruders and also to change locks if you move in with a new housemate or let out your home. The majority of new locks are designed to fit standard width doors. If your door is wider, you'll require a "thick-door" kit that comes with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt. Removing the old lock You will need to remove your old door lock from the door before you can install the new lock. This can be done using a few basic tools, but it's crucial to be careful not to damage the door or frame. Utilizing the right tools will save you from costly repairs in the future. Take off the screws that are on the handle and trim. This can be done with a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the trim off. Then, you can remove the screw that binds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can remove the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door. One of the most obvious indicators that your lock is failing is when you are unable to longer turn the key inside. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and then stopping the movement upwards or downwards, causing the lock to stop working. If this happens, you'll have to take the lock to a locksmith in order to be changed into a new key. When you're ready for replacing your deadbolt, start by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If your kit does not come with new screws, you can purchase them from an hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock you must also remove the screws that hold the external rose plate to the door. After you've removed the screws pull the dead bolt and the plate away from the door. Then, search for a pinhole on the handle trim inside. If you find one, slide a straightened safety pin into it. You can also try a flat screwdriver against an opening or slot. This should release the handle and reveal screws which can be removed to free the entire lock case from the door. Fitting the new lock If you're looking to replace your lock following a burglary or simply want to improve the look of your door installing an entirely new lock is easy. It is crucial to measure your door prior to buying a lock to ensure it fits. This is particularly important for deadbolt locks, as they require a specific size to fit in the bolt pocket and strike plate. If you're unsure of how to measure, you can get help from your local hardware store or locksmith. If you're replacing a mortice lock, use the existing centre rail to guide you in the placement of the new mortise lock. Once you've marked the position of the lock, drill holes on the centre line that are the same size as the lock. Then, you can chisel the wood until you have a clean rectangular space for your mortice lock to sit in. Insert the lock and then outline the faceplate with a marking blade. Mark and drill screw holes to fix the faceplate in the correct position. You can save money when changing locks by purchasing a starter set that includes an re-keyable key as well as a blank key. These kits can be purchased from many online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. These kits also come with instructions to assist you in completing your project. Review your lease agreement if you are renting prior to changing locks. It may require you to provide the landlord with an access key to the new lock. If so, you might be required to take out the old lock and replace it with a standard lock. You can buy a basic lock at your local hardware retailer, or buy a smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and lets you lock and unlock your door remotely. The best option is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with most door levers and knobs. The system can be linked to an intelligent home security hub to allow you to receive alerts whenever your door is unlocked or opened. Installing a new lock A damaged lock could pose a security risk, therefore it is essential to replace it as quickly as you can. It's a good thing that replacing a door lock is a simple and quick project that anyone can tackle. The first step is to disengage the lock that was previously installed from the door. This is accomplished by removing the screws that hold it in place and then pulling it out. Depending on the type of lock you have, you may need an Allen wrench or screwdriver. Once you've removed the lock you have been using keep all parts and store them in a secure location. Then, insert the new lock into the door. The majority of kits come with an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock will fit on the door. If the template doesn't match up with your door, you can trace around it with a pencil or use a chisel take off any extra material. Be sure that the inside latch plate is aligned with the mortise hole once the new lock has been installed. Be cautious not to over tighten the lock when you install it. This can cause the lock to squeak, or even break. If you have a lock that's keyed, check that the spindle is aligned with the knob's hole. If it's not, you can use the screwdriver to push through the lock into the knob. After you've installed the new lock, it is now time to install the decorative base plate that comes with it. If the lock doesn't come with a base plate with a design then you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware. The final step is to test the new lock to ensure that it is working. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it until you are sure that it is able to open. If it doesn't work then you should contact locksmith. Rekeying your locks with professionals can also aid in preventing burglaries. This is a process that involves changing the lock's internal tumblers to ensure that it will not accept the old keys. This will help you to feel safe and secure in your home. Test the new lock Installing the lock from scratch is a great method to make sure that it functions according to the specifications. This is why it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully. If you don't, you may not be able to open your door. If you're unsure of what to do, contact a professional locksmith for help. A locksmith can also provide suggestions on the most suitable locks for your home. If you're having difficulty opening your lock it could be due to an issue with the latch or handle. Try https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/stockport-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. This can help fix the issue. You may need to replace the latch if the latch is not functioning properly. Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The door handle clip is often broken or missing from the new lock. In this instance it is recommended to grab the handle from the inside and insert a new plastic retainer clip. The handle will then be connected to the lock, and the lock will be tested. It's important to check the keypad after replacing your lock to ensure that it functions properly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad is functioning properly, your door should be able to unlock and lock. It is also advisable to check the deadbolt lock to see whether it's operating properly. If it's not working, you should take the latch off and remove the Phillips head screws on the side of the door to open it. Remove the old deadbolt and replace it with a new one. Orient and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way. Spindle testing is a different method to test the new lock. This can be done by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should always be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock in order to avoid any errors.