Reasons to Change Door Lock You can replace the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from increasing the security of your home to redecorating the entrance. You may also need to change locks if the key gets stuck or is difficult to turn. Change your lock is an easy project that even beginner DIY homeowners can tackle. Find the necessary materials to begin. Take off the lock that was previously used. Removing the old lock from the door is a necessary step prior to installing the new one. This is important in the event that you suspect that someone else has access to the house. This is also a good idea following you've moved into your new house, had a break-in, or welcomed a roommate. The process is much easier than you imagine and can be completed within a few minutes. Start by removing the screws holding the deadbolt faceplate onto the frame of the door. You'll need to remove the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will let you see the hidden screws and give you the knowledge of how to continue with the next steps. Once you have removed your old faceplate, then you need to remove the bolt and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the bolt and then take it out of the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusty you may need to use a chisel to remove it. If you are using a chisel be careful not to damage the door frame. Before you take out the lock that was previously in use, make sure that the new deadbolt and doorknob will fit in the existing holes in the door. Most hardware stores and big box stores carry different kinds of locks and will help you find the right one for your needs. If the lock you bought does not match your door, take it back and ask for assistance. Look for small depressions or notches in the handle and around the trim while you remove the old lock. If you can locate them, slide a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver through them to open the handle and expose the screws beneath. Once the screw inside the handle is removed, you can now begin to remove the knob from its spindle. To do this find the set screw at the knob's base and loosen it. Next, you will need to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door. Install the new lock It is a good idea to change locks on doors throughout your home regularly, especially after a break-in or when you move into a room with roommates. It's a cheap, easy and efficient way to ensure that your home is secure. The majority of people can do it themselves with a screwdriver and some basic directions. You may also want to know how to rekey your door lock to ensure that only you have the key. You'll need to purchase a new lock that has the same keyway as your current lock. Most locksmiths will rekey your lock for you at an additional cost, but you can save money by doing this yourself. You can purchase a brand new lock from an hardware store, or online. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to most doors. However, you'll have to measure your door to make sure it is suitable. Your new lock will often come with a diagram that will show how to put it on the door. You can use this to guide you when drilling the hole, which is much easier than measuring every time. If the template doesn't exactly match your hole, bring it back to the shop and get another one. When installing the new lock, you must ensure that it is placed on the right side of the door. Verify the latch. It should be marked with "up" or similar. Make sure that the latch is sitting correctly in the latch plate, then secure it using the screws supplied. When replacing the knob lock it is important to pay attention to its handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you are not careful, the lock could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which will make it impossible to lock either from the inside or outside. It is recommended to test the new lock once you have completed. You should be able to lock the door from both the inside as well as the outside, and unlock it using a key. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can get an expert locksmith to repair it. Test the lock A door lock that will not unlock can be annoying, but it can also put the safety of your family at risk. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix most issues with door locks by doing some troubleshooting, and lubrication. Verify that the key has been correctly cut, and that the lock assembly isn't loose or dirty. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease. Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connector all work correctly. Consult the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color code and function of each wire of the door lock switch. Use a digital meter or test light to determine if the actuator is receiving power and is grounded when the switches are turned on. If you can see voltage switches that toggle with each other, it means the switches are in good working order and the actuator is likely to require replacement. If the switch appears to work but the actuator does not move when you turn it, it could be a problem in the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is equipped with pins that are spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is put in, and then they push them upwards to meet the height of the key at that location. Then, the cylinder to spin and let the lock body open, allowing the handle to latch. If your door lock actuator is malfunctioning, you can take the switch and wires from the actuator using small screwdrivers to loosen the bolt that locks and then separate the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then you must disconnect the door lock actuator and let it drop down. Then you should be able to find and remove the two bolts that are which hold the actuator in place. After the actuator is removed then you can disconnect the black electrical connector. Replace the key If your deadbolt is locked or door knob isn't working, you'll have to rekey it or replace it. It is not difficult to do it yourself and can save some money. But, before doing this, it's a good idea to get a locksmith to examine the locks and look for any problems. This will give peace of peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure. To begin, remove the faceplate on the outside from the deadbolt or doorknob. If there are screws holding the faceplate in place Use a screwdriver to remove it. Then, take off the interior faceplate using a flat-head screwdriver. Once you have removed your faceplate, you can remove the bolt and screw from inside the lock cylinder. A locksmith can determine whether you need to replace or rekey your lock. They can also give you advice about the best security options for your home. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/weymouth-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can also make necessary modifications to your door and frame to ensure an ideal fit. They also provide the guarantee on their work. You need to purchase a new lock key before you are able to rekey it. It is essential to select the right key within the lock. A key that is not properly fitted could cause damage to the mechanism's internal mechanisms and prevent it from working. To test the size of a key, simply insert it into the lock. If the key sits perfectly against the plug, then it is the right size. If the pins protrude from the top of the plug the plug, then they're too long. You may need to replace your door lock for many reasons, including: Rekeying locks is an affordable alternative to replacing it if you are moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if keys are missing. It can also be less costly than a full replacement. However, there are certain instances where rekeying an existing lock isn't an option. For instance, if the lock is damaged or has been repeatedly blocked, it's to be time to replace it.