How to Do a Door Lock Change The change of your door lock is a simple and inexpensive method to increase the security of your home. This isn't for everyone. It requires a certain amount of patience and expertise. The cylinder is located within the knob body. The cylinder is what identifies the key once it's put into the lock. Remove the old lock First, you must remove the lock you have been using for a while. This is a relatively simple procedure, but there are a few things to be aware of. Make sure your new lock fits your door. This will ensure that it is secure and doesn't leave a gap in the latch or deadbolt. After removing the latch plate, you will have to look for two bolts or screws on the inside of the casing that are holding the casing together with the two halves of the lock. Remove these screws with a screwdriver before removing the lock from the door. If you have a mortise locking, there might be a set screw at the base of the handle, which binds it to the spindle. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw, then remove the doorknobs. Take the deadbolt and latch plug from your door jamb. Install the new lock. If you are replacing a mortise lock, you should also measure the distance between the lock case and the edge of your door to ensure that your new lock will be able to fit. You may want to replace your lock for a variety of reasons, including if you suspect that someone else has the key or if you have an incoming roommate. You can save money by deciding to remove the lock yourself instead of hiring an expert. It's much simpler than most people imagine and can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Start by removing the trim and handle from your door. With a flat screwdriver, pry off the trim. It should be possible to pull off the majority of it. In some cases you may be able to remove the handles completely. Next, search for a pinhole on the inside of the handle and then insert straightened clips into it. This will trigger the release mechanism, allowing you to take off the handle. Look for a small tab that is located inside of the lock, and press it using a flat screwdriver. After the spindle has been removed, you are able to remove the housing and the cylinder. Selecting a new lock There are a lot of options available when it comes to selecting the right lock. Consider different kinds of locks, and choose one that is compatible with the style of your door. Take into consideration the backset (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the lock hole) and the cross bore (small hole in the frame of the door frame). Also, ensure that you choose a lock that will be able to fit the door's thickness and swing. The American National Standards Institute and BHMA have graded all door locks to give you an idea of their durability and the difficulty to pick them or disable them. A grade 3 lock might be ideal for a quiet rural apartment complex, while an entry grade lock could stand up to the traffic that is frequented by a storefront on a busy city street. Most smart door locks require a digital key code to open. If you're worried about hacking or other security issues, talk to an expert locksmith. Replace the cylinder It is easy to replace a damaged or broken door lock cylinder using a simple DIY project. The trick is to select the right cylinder and follow the instructions that are included with it. The first step is to take off the knob or handle if there is one, then unscrew the trim that is attached to the base of the lock cylinder using the help of a screwdriver. After https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/ashford-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ is removed, you can reach the screws that hold the cylinder in place and remove them using a flathead screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently removed from the door. Make sure you measure the length of your new cylinder prior to putting it in place. Measure the distance from the center to the right and left sides of the cylinder with an instrument. Then, buy an additional cylinder using the same measurements. This will stop cylinders from snapping when the door is kicked or the key gets stuck inside. Insert the replacement cylinder in the door, and then turn the key. This will ensure that the cylinder is aligned with the carrier, which is usually located on the outside of the lock. Then, loosen the set screw, which is supposed to be a few turns in the head. It is also necessary to loosen the screw at the door's edge which secures the case if there is one. After taking the lock cylinder out after which you can replace it with a new lock by sliding the new cylinder into the case and tightening the set screw. You should also reinstall the bracket that connects the cylinder to the lock indicator stem, which you can do by removing three small tabs on back of the cylinder using needle-nose pliers. Then, you can attach the smaller bracket to the back of the cylinder. You should then reinstall the strike plate and latch plate, along with the retaining rings attached to the top of the lock the cylinder. Installing the new lock If you're replacing an existing lock, you should start by measuring the width of the door. Most residential locksets have a thickness of 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches. If your door is thicker it will require an extra-thick door kit that includes longer screws as well as an extended tail piece (for door knobs) or spindle extensions (for deadbolts). Most locks come equipped with a comprehensive installation guide to assist you. Before you begin, go through the instructions to make sure you have followed all the steps. The guide will give you an idea of the level of skill that is required to finish the task. If you're changing a lock for the first time, you might need to seek out an experienced friend for assistance. Before installing the new lock, it's an excellent idea to put tape over the openings of the old hardware. This will stop the screws from slipping out of the holes and will protect any tile you might have put in the area. This will also protect your tiles from any damage caused by rust, dirt and grime. SECURAM Touch includes an ad-hoc strip of masking tape or gaffer tape, but you can use any tape you own. After you have removed the screws that connect the inside of the lock section to the outside side, pull it straight away. This should be done swiftly to prevent the lock from closing accidentally and damaging the mechanism. Fit the new latch bolt into the upper cross bore of the new lock, if it has one. Be sure to put it in the correct position, which is usually marked by an illustration on the faceplate. Then, screw the latch plate onto the bolt. Finally, screw in the deadbolt and strike plate into the door jamb. Test the deadbolt by throwing it few times to verify that it is extended all the way through the strike plate and is secured. Follow the directions included in your electronic smart lock to program it. This involves downloading an application, creating an email address, confirming your identity, and accessing the wireless network to add your device.