How to Replace Door Locks Replacing the door lock could be a tricky task. It is essential to protect your home from burglars. You should also replace your locks when you move in with an additional housemate or if you rent your house. The majority of modern locks are designed to fit standard width doors. If your door is more thick then you'll need to purchase a "thick door" kit that has longer screws as well as a longer tail piece for the deadbolt. Remove the old lock You will need to remove your old lock from the door before you can install the new lock. This can be accomplished with a few basic tools, but you need to ensure that you don't damage the door or frame. Utilizing the right tools will help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Remove the screws that hold the handle and trim. You can use a screwdriver accomplish this. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the trim. You can then access the screw that secures the trim and handle to the door. After removing the screw then, you can take off the lock cylinder as well as open the handle. If you are unable to move your key inside, this is an indication that the lock is failing. This is due to the tumblers getting worn out and eventually will stop moving up or down and thereby limiting the lock's ability to function. You'll need to have the lock replaced by a locksmith in the event that this happens. When you're ready for replacing your deadbolt, begin by removing the screws that fix the faceplate. If your kit doesn't contain new screws, you'll need to purchase them from a hardware shop. If you're installing a mortise locking, you will also need to remove the screws that hold the external roseplate to the door. After you've removed the screws, remove the dead bolt and plate from the door. Then, look for a pinhole in the interior trim of the handle. If you spot a pinhole then insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This should loosen the handle and expose screws which can be removed to take the entire lock case from the door. Fitting the new lock Installing a new lock can be done easily regardless of whether you wish to replace your lock after an incident of burglary, or just want to improve your door's appearance. However, it is essential to measure the door to make sure you buy the right lock that is the right size for your door. This is especially important for deadbolt locks, as they have to be of a certain size to fit into the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. If you're not sure of how to measure, you can seek help from your local hardware store or locksmith. 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, you'll need to drill holes on the centre line that are the same size as your lock. Then, you can chisel your wood until you've got an even rectangular space that will fit your mortice lock. Insert the lock, and then outline the faceplate using the marking blade. Mark and drill holes for screws to secure the faceplate into place. When rekeying locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit that includes keys that can be re-keyed as well as a key blank. 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 task. Make sure to read your lease agreement if 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 lock with a standard one if you are required to do so. You can buy a basic lock at your local hardware retailer, 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 can be used with a variety of door knobs and levers. This lock can be connected to a smart home security hub so that you can receive alerts when your door is not locked or opened. Installing a new lock A broken lock can be a security risk, therefore it is crucial to replace it as soon as you can. It's simple to replace a door lock. The first step is to remove the lock that was used to secure the door. 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 based on the type of lock you have. Save all the components of the old lock and store them in a safe place. Install the new lock into the door. The majority of kits come with a cardboard template of how the lock should fit on the door. If the template doesn't match your door, draw a line with a pencil around it, or a the chisel to get rid of extra material. Once the new lock has been put installed, ensure that the latch plate inside lines up with the mortise lockset hole to ensure an ensconced fit. Be careful not to overtighten the lock when you install it. This could cause the lock to squeak or even break. If you have a lock with keys ensure that the spindle is in alignment with the knob's hole. If it's not then 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 finished installing it. If the lock doesn't come with a base plate with a design then you can purchase one that matches the hardware. The final step is to test the new lock to ensure that it works. This can be done by inserting the lock's key and turning the lock to make sure that it is able to open. If it fails then you should contact a locksmith. Rekeying your locks with professionals can also help prevent break-ins. This involves changing the internal lock tumblers to make it unreceptive to your old keys. This will allow you to feel secure and safe at home. Test the new lock When installing a new lock you want to make sure that it functions as you intended. It is crucial to follow the directions. If you don't, you may 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 also give guidance on the best locks for your home. If you're having trouble opening your lock, it might be a problem with the latch or handle. You can try lubricating the latch with graphite or spraying it with WD-40. This may fix the problem. You may need to replace the latch if it is damaged. latch is not working properly. Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip is usually damaged or missing from the new lock. In this instance, you should grab the handle from the inside and insert a plastic retainer clip. The handle is then linked to the lock and the lock will be tested. It's important to check the keypad after replacing the lock to make sure it functions properly. You can test it by putting the key in and turning it. If the keypad is working correctly, it will unlock and lock your door. Check https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/ashford-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ to make sure it's functioning properly. If it's not working, take off the latch from the door and remove the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Make sure you orient and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way. Spindle testing is another way to test a new lock. This can be accomplished by inserting a screwdriver in the spindle. This test should always be carried out prior to reinstalling a lock to avoid any errors.