How to Replace Door Locks It isn't easy to change your door lock. It is important to protect your home from intruders. It is also advisable to change your locks when you move in with an additional housemate or if you lease out your home. Most new locks have been made to fit standard width doors. If your door is wider and wider, you'll need to purchase a "thick door" kit that has larger screws and a larger tail piece for the deadbolt. Removing the old lock If you're changing your door lock, you need to take the old lock off the door. This can be done with the use of a few tools, but it's crucial to ensure that you don't cause damage to the frame or door. Using the correct tools will save you money on repairs in the future. Begin by taking off the screws that hold the handle in place and then trim. You can use a screwdriver to accomplish this. Once the screws are removed, you can take the trim off. You can then gain access to the screw that binds the trim and handle to the door. After removing the screw, you can open the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door. If you are unable to move your key inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping moving upwards or downwards, causing the lock to stop working. It is necessary to have the lock rekeyed by a locksmith if this happens. Start by removing the screws holding the faceplate in place. If your kit doesn't come with new screws, you can purchase them from the hardware store. If you are installing a mortise lock you'll also have to remove the screws holding the external roseplate to the door. After taking off the screws, you can remove the plate and the dead bolt. Then, search for a hole in the inside of the handle. If you find a hole then insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You can also employ a flat screwdriver press against a depression. This should release the lock handle and expose screws which can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door. Fitting the new lock Installing a new lock could be done with ease regardless of whether you wish to replace your lock after an attack, or just want to improve your door's appearance. It is crucial to measure your door prior buying a lock to make sure it fits. This is especially important for deadbolt locks, as they must be a specific size to fit into the strike pocket and bolt plate. If you're not sure of how to measure, seek help from your local hardware store or locksmith. If you are replacing a mortice, you can use the existing centrerail as a guide to place the new mortise. After you've marked the location of the lock, make holes on the centre line that are the same width as the lock. Then, chisel away wood until you have a clean rectangular space for the mortice lock to sit in. Place the lock in, and then outline the faceplate with the marking blade. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate into the correct position. When rekeying locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit which includes keys that are re-keyable and a key blank. These kits can be purchased from numerous online retailers, as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also come with a set of instructions to assist you in completing the task. Make sure to read your lease agreement if renting prior to changing locks. You may be required to give the landlord the key to the new locks. If so, you might be required to dismantle the old lock and replace it with a standard lock. You can purchase a standard lock at your local hardware store or you can invest in an advanced lock that connects to your home's WiFI network and lets you lock and unlock the door from a distance. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all levers and knobs. This lock can be connected to a smart home security hub to provide alerts whenever your door is not locked or opened. Installing a new lock A damaged lock poses a security risk, so it is essential to replace it immediately. It's easy to replace locks for doors. The first step is to disengage the lock that was previously installed from the door. The screws holding it in place are removed and the lock is pulled out. Depending on the type of lock you have, you may need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. After you have removed the old lock keep all components and place them in a safe place. Install the new lock into the door. Most kits come with an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock should be placed on the door. If the template doesn't match up with your door you can trace around it using a pencil or use a chisel to remove extra material. Once the new lock is installed, ensure that the interior latch plate lines up with the mortise hole for a secure fit. When you install the new lock, be careful not to over tighten it. This can cause the lock to crack or even break. If you have a lock that's keyed, ensure that the spindle aligns with the hole on the knob. If it's not, you can make use of the screwdriver to push the lock into the knob. After you have completed installing the new lock, you are now able to install the base plate that is included 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. Test the new lock to make sure it is working. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can be done by inserting the lock's key and turning the lock to ensure that it is able to open. If this doesn't work, you should seek out a locksmith. You can also avoid burglaries by having a professional reset your locks. This is a process that involves changing the internal lock tumblers so that it can no longer accept your old keys. This will keep your home secure and will give you peace of mind. Testing the new lock When installing a new lock you need to ensure that it works as intended. This is why it's important to follow the directions carefully. If you don't, you may not be in a position to open your door. If you're not sure of what to do, you can seek out a professional locksmith help. A locksmith can also provide suggestions on the most suitable locks for your home. If you have trouble opening your lock, there could be an issue with the latch or handle. You can try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. This may help fix the issue. You may have to replace the latch if the latch is not working correctly. Another possibility is that the lock has been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip is often broken or missing from the new lock. In this case it is recommended to grab the handle from the inside, and insert the new clip made of plastic. The handle can then be attached to the lock and the lock tested. After you've changed the lock, it is important to test the keypad to be sure it's functioning properly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad functions properly, it should unlock and lock your door. Check the deadbolt to make sure it's working correctly. If it's not working, take off the latch from the door and undo the Phillips-head screws. Take out the old deadbolt and replace it with the new one. Orient and load the deadbolt lock properly. Spindle testing is an additional method to test the new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver in the spindle. This test should always be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock to avoid any errors.