How to Replace Door Locks It isn't easy to change the lock on your door. It is essential to protect your home from potential intruders and also to change locks when you move in with a new housemate or let out your home. Most new locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is thicker you'll need a "thick-door" kit that comes with longer screws and longer tail pieces for deadbolts. Removing the old lock If you're switching your door lock you must remove the old one from the door. You can do this with a few simple tools, but be careful not to harm your door or frame. Making use of the right tools can aid in avoiding costly repairs in the future. Begin by taking off the screws that hold the handle and then trim. This can be accomplished using a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you can remove the trim. Then, you can get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw then, you can take off the lock cylinder as well as open the handle. One of the most common indicators that your lock is going bad is when you cannot longer turn the key inside. This is because the tumblers are getting worn out and eventually stop moving upwards or downwards, disabling the lock's ability to function. If this happens, you'll have to take the lock to a locksmith to be changed into a new key. When you're ready to replace your deadbolt, start by taking off the screws that fix the faceplate. If your kit doesn't come with new screws, you can purchase them from the hardware store. If you're 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 dead bolt. Then, look for a pinhole in the inside trim of the handle. If you find a pinhole you can insert a straightened safety pin into it. You can also try a flat screwdriver against an opening or slot. This will release the handle and expose screws which can be removed to remove the entire lock case from the door. Fitting the new lock If you're looking to change your lock following a break-in or simply want to change the appearance of your door installing an entirely new lock is simple. It is important to measure your door before buying a lock to ensure it fits. This is especially important for deadbolt locks that must be a specific size to fit in the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. Ask https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/rochdale-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ for advice if you aren't sure how to measure. If you're replacing a mortice lock, make use of the existing centre rail to guide you in the placement of the new mortise lock. Once you've determined the location of the lock, make holes along the centre line to the same size as the lock. Then, chisel away wood until you have a clean rectangular space for the mortice lock to sit in. After that, insert the lock and outline the faceplate using the marking knife. Mark and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate. When you are rekeying locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit which includes a set of re-keyable keys as well as a key blank. The kits are available at a variety of online stores as well as hardware and home improvement stores. These kits also come with instructions to assist you in completing your project. If you're renting, make sure to read the lease agreement prior to changing locks. You might be required to give the landlord the keys 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 purchase a basic lock from your nearest hardware store, or purchase a high-tech smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and allows you to lock and unlock your door from afar. The best option is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with most door levers and knobs. This lock can be connected to an intelligent home security hub to allow you to receive alerts whenever your door is locked or opened. Installing the new lock A broken lock can be a security risk, therefore it is important to replace it as fast as possible. The good news is that replacing locks for doors is a simple task that anyone can complete. The first step is to remove 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 based on the type of lock you have. Once you've removed the lock that was previously used keep all parts and put them in a safe location. Install the new lock into the door. The majority of kits include an example of cardboard that shows how the lock will fit on the door. If the template doesn't match up with your door, you can trace around the template with a pencil, or use a chisel to remove any extra material. Make sure the interior latch plate aligns with the mortise hole after the new lock is installed. Be cautious not to over tighten the lock when installing it. This can cause the lock to squeak or even break. If you have a keyed lock ensure that the spindle is in alignment with the hole in the knob. If it isn't you can make use of a screwdriver to push the spindle through the lock and into the knob. Install the decorative baseplate that comes with the lock after you've installed it. If the lock doesn't come with an appropriate base plate, you can purchase one that matches your hardware. Test the new lock to make sure it works. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it to make sure that it is able to open. If it doesn't work then you should contact a locksmith. You can also prevent break-ins by having an expert rekey your locks. This involves changing the internal tumblers on your locks to make it insensitive to the keys you have previously used. This will make you feel secure and secure at home. Testing the new lock When installing a new lock, you want to make sure that it functions as you intended. It's very important to carefully follow the directions. If you don't, you might not be able to open your door. If you're not sure of what to do, seek out a professional locksmith help. A locksmith can offer advice on the best locks for your house. If you are having difficulty opening your lock, it might be a problem with the latch or handle. You can either lubricate your latch using graphite or spray it with WD-40. In some cases it can fix the problem. However, you might need to replace the latch completely if it's not functioning correctly. The lock may have been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip can be broken or gone from the new lock. In this case you need to grasp the handle from the inside and insert an additional plastic retainer clip. The handle can then be attached to the lock and the lock will be tested. After you've replaced the lock, it's crucial to test the keypad to make sure it's functioning properly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad works properly, your door should be able to open and lock. Examine the deadbolt to be sure it is working properly. If it's not working then you must take the latch off and remove the Phillips head screws on the sides of the door to release it. Remove the old deadbolt and replace it with the new one. Make sure you orient and load in the deadbolt lock correctly. Another way to test the new lock is to use the spindle test, which can be done by putting the spindle with a screwdriver. This test should always be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock to ensure that there aren't any mistakes.