How to Replace Door Locks Replacing your door lock can be a tricky task. It is crucial to protect your home from burglars and to replace locks if you get an additional housemate or have let out your home. The majority of new locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is wider then you'll need to purchase an "thick door" kit that has larger screws and a larger tail piece for the deadbolt. Remove the old lock You'll need to take the old lock from the door before you can install the new lock. You can do this with some simple tools, but make sure not to damage your door frame or door. Using the right tools will save you money on repairs in the future. Start by taking off the screws that hold the handle and trim. This can be accomplished with the help of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can take the trim off. Then, you can get to the screw that holds the trim and handle to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can remove the lock cylinder as well as open the handle. One of the most frequent signs that your lock is going bad is when you cannot longer turn the key inside. This is due to the tumblers wearing out, and eventually stop moving up or down making it impossible for the lock to function. You'll need to have the lock replaced by a locksmith in the event that this happens. Begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in position. If your kit doesn't include new screws, then you can purchase them from an hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock, you must also take out the screws that secure the external rose plate to the door. After taking off the screws, you can remove the plate as well as the dead bolt. Then, look for a pinhole on the inside trim of the handle. If you spot one, slip straightened safety pins into it. You could also try the flat screwdriver against a depression or slot. This should loosen the handle and expose screws that can be removed to take the entire lock case from the door. Fitting the new lock Whether you need to change your lock after a break-in or simply want to change the appearance of your door, installing a new lock is relatively easy. It is essential to measure your door prior to buying a lock to ensure that it is suitable. This is especially important for deadbolts, which require a specific size in order to fit into the strikeplate and pocket of the bolt. Ask your local hardware store for advice in case you don't know how to measure. If you're replacing a mortice, use the existing centrerail as a reference to position the new mortise. After you've marked the location of the lock, make holes on this centre line which are the same width as the lock. Then, chisel away the wood until you have a clean rectangular space for your mortice lock to sit in. After that, you can insert the lock and trace the faceplate using an outline knife. Mark and drill holes for screws to secure the faceplate into the correct position. You can save money on rekeying locks by purchasing a starter set that includes an re-keyable key as well as a blank key. These kits can be purchased from a variety of online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also include instructions to help you complete your project. Make sure to read your lease agreement if you're renting prior to changing locks. It could require you to provide the landlord with keys to the new lock. You may need to replace the old lock with a more standard one if you are required to do this. You can purchase a basic lock from your local hardware store, or get a high-tech 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 knobs and levers. It can also be connected to your smart home security hub and will send alerts whenever your door is opened or unlocked. Installing the new lock A broken lock can be a security threat, so it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible. It's simple to replace locks for doors. The first step is to remove the lock that was previously used. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure it and then pulling it out. You may require either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench depending on the type of lock you have. Save all the parts of the lock you have lost and put them in a secure place. Install the new lock on the door. The majority of kits come with a cardboard template showing how the lock should fit to the door. If the template does not match your door, draw a line with a pencil around it or a Chisel to remove extra material. Once the new lock is installed, ensure that the latch plate's interior lines up with the mortise lockset hole for a secure fit. When installing the new lock, be cautious not to over tighten it. This could cause the lock to crack or even break. If you have a lock with keys ensure that the spindle is in alignment with the knob's hole. If it isn't you can make use of a screwdriver to push the spindle into the lock and into the knob. Install the decorative baseplate that comes with the lock after you've completed installing it. If the lock isn't equipped with a base plate with a design, you can buy one that matches the hardware. The final step is to test the new lock to make sure it is working. This can be done by inserting the lock key and turning the lock to ensure that it opens. If this doesn't work you need to call a locksmith. Rekeying your locks by professionals can also help prevent break-ins. This involves changing the internal tumblers on your locks to make it unreceptive to your old keys. This will make you feel safe and secure at home. Testing the new lock When installing a new lock you need to ensure that it functions as you intended. It's very important to carefully follow the instructions. If you don't, you may not be capable of opening your door. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/harrow-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ 're not sure what to do, you can seek out a professional locksmith assistance. A locksmith can also give suggestions on the most suitable locks for your home. If you are having trouble opening your lock, it could be an issue with the handle or latch. Try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. This can solve the issue. However, you might need to replace the latch completely if it isn't working correctly. The lock may have been installed incorrectly. The door handle clip may be damaged or missing from the new lock. In this situation, you should grab the handle from inside and insert a retainer clip. After that, connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock. It's crucial to check the keypad after replacing your lock to make sure it works correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad functions correctly, it should be able to unlock and lock your door. Check the deadbolt to make sure it is working properly. If it's not then you must remove the latch and loosen the Phillips head screws on the side of the door in order to unlatch it. Remove the old deadbolt and replace it with a new one. Be sure to align and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way. Spindle testing is a different method to test a new lock. This can be accomplished by inserting a screwdriver in the spindle. This test should be performed prior to reinstalling the lock in order to prevent any mistakes during installation.