How to Replace Door Locks It can be difficult to change the lock on your door. It is important to protect your home from potential intruders and also to change locks if you have an occupant change or you are letting out your home. The majority of modern locks are designed to fit standard width doors. If your door is more thick, you'll need a "thick-door" kit with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt. Removal of the old lock You'll need to take your old lock from the door before you can install the new one. You can do this with the help of a few tools, but make sure not to damage the door or frame. Making use of the right tools can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Start by removing the screws that hold the handle and trim. This can be accomplished using the help of a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can take the trim off. Then, you can get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw you can lift the handle and take out the lock cylinder from the door. One of the most common signs that your lock is going bad is when you cannot longer move the key inside. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping moving upwards or downwards, which causes the lock to cease to function. It is necessary to have the lock replaced by a locksmith in the event that this occurs. When you're ready for replacing your deadbolt, begin by stripping the screws that fix the faceplate. If your kit doesn't contain new screws, you should purchase them from a hardware store. If you are installing a mortise lock it is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the external roseplate to the door. After taking off the screws, you can remove the plate and dead bolt. Next, search for a pinhole on the interior trim of the handle. If you spot one, slip a straightened safety pin into it. You can also try using a flat screwdriver in an opening or slot. This should loosen the handle and expose screws that can be removed to free the entire lock case from the door. Fitting the new lock Installing a new lock could be done with ease, whether you want to replace your lock following an attack, or simply want to update your door's appearance. However, it's important to measure the door to ensure that you purchase an appropriate lock that is the correct size for your door. This is especially important for deadbolt locks, as they must be a specific size to fit inside the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. If you're not sure of how to measure, you can get help from your local hardware store or locksmith. If you're replacing mortice locks, you can use the existing centre rail as a guide for positioning the new mortise lock. Once you've determined the location of the lock, drill holes along the centre line that are the same width of the lock. Then, chisel away wood until you have a neat rectangular space for your mortice lock to be placed in. After that, insert the lock and outline the faceplate with an outline knife. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate. You can save money on changing locks by purchasing an entry-level set that comes with a re-keyable key and a blank key. The kits are available at a variety of online stores as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also include instructions to assist you in completing your project. If you're renting, be sure to review your lease agreement before changing locks. You may be required to give your landlord the key to the new locks. You may have to replace the old lock with a more standard one if you have to do so. You can buy a basic lock at your local hardware retailer, or purchase a high-tech smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely. The best option is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with all door knobs and levers. This system can be connected to a security hub for your home to allow you to receive alerts whenever your door is not locked or opened. Installing the new lock A damaged lock poses a security risk, so it's essential to replace it as quickly as possible. It's a good thing that replacing locks for doors is a simple task that anyone can complete. The first step is to take out the old lock. This is done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and pulling it out. You may need either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, depending on the type of lock you own. After you have removed the lock that was previously used take all the parts and store them in a secure location. Then, you can install the new lock on the door. The majority of kits come with an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock should be placed to the door. If the template doesn't match your door, draw a line with a pencil around it, or a Chisel to remove extra material. Once the new lock has been put in place, make sure the interior latch plate aligns with the mortise hole for an ensconced fit. When installing the new lock, be cautious not to tighten it too much. This could cause the lock to squeak or even break. If you have a lock with keys make sure the spindle is in alignment with the hole in the knob. If it isn't then you can make use of a screwdriver in order to push the spindle through the lock and into the knob. After you have completed installing the new lock, it is now time to install the decorative base plate that comes with it. If the lock isn't equipped with a decorative base plate, you can buy one that matches the hardware. The final step is to test the new lock to make sure it functions. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it so that it is able to open. If it doesn't work, you should consider contacting locksmith. You can also stop burglaries by having a professional reset your locks. This process involves changing the lock's internal tumblers so that it can not accept your old keys. This will make you feel safe and secure at home. Test the new lock Installing an entirely new lock is a great method to ensure that it works according to the specifications. This is why it's crucial to follow the directions carefully. If you don't, you might not be capable of opening your door. You can call a locksmith for assistance if you are unsure of what to do. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/enfield-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can also give suggestions on the most suitable locks for your home. If you have trouble opening your lock, it might be a problem with the handle or latch. You can try lubricating the latch with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. This can fix the problem. You may need to replace it if the latch is not functioning properly. The lock could have been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip is usually damaged or missing from the new lock. In this case, you should grab the handle from inside and insert a plastic retainer clip. The handle will then be attached to the lock and the lock will be tested. It's crucial to check the keypad after you've replaced the lock to make sure it is working correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad is working correctly, it should be able to unlock and lock your door. Examine the deadbolt to be sure it's working correctly. If it's not working, take off the latch from the door and remove the Phillips-head screws. Replace the old deadbolt with the new one. Make sure to orient and load the deadbolt lock correctly. Another way to test the new lock is by using the spindle test. This can be done by putting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be carried out prior to reinstalling the lock to prevent any mistakes during installation.