How to Replace Door Locks It isn't easy to change the lock on your door. It is crucial to protect your home from potential intruders and also to replace locks if you get an additional housemate or have let out your home. Most new locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is wider, you will need a "thick-door" kit that comes with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt. The old lock can be removed If you're changing your door lock it is necessary to take the old lock off the door. You can do this with a few simple tools, but you must be careful not to damage your door or frame. Making use of the right tools can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Remove the screws that hold on the trim and handle. You can use a screwdriver do this. After the screws have been removed, you can take off the trim. You will then be able to get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can remove the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door. One of the most obvious signs that your lock is failing is when you are unable to longer move the key inside. This is because the tumblers wear out and eventually stopping moving upwards or downwards, which causes the lock to stop working. You'll need to get the lock changed by a locksmith if this occurs. Start by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If the kit you purchased does not include new screws, then you can purchase them at the hardware store. If you are installing a mortise lock you'll also have to remove the screws that hold the external roseplate to the door. After you've removed the screws, pull the dead bolt and the plate from the door. Then, look for a hole in the interior trim of the handle. If you find one, slide a straightened safety pin into it. You can also try a flat screwdriver against a depression or slot. This will release the lock handle and expose screws which can be removed in order to remove the entire lock from the door. Fitting the new lock Installing a new lock could be done easily regardless of whether you wish to replace your lock following an attack, or just want to improve your door's appearance. However, it is essential to measure the door in order to make sure you buy a new lock that is the right size for your door. This is particularly crucial for deadbolt locks, which must be a specific size to fit in the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. If you're unsure of how to measure, get 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, make holes along the centre line that are the same size of the lock. Then, chisel the wood until you have an even rectangular space that will fit your mortice lock. After that, insert the lock and outline the faceplate with an outline knife. Mark and drill holes for screws to secure the faceplate into place. You can save money when making rekeys on locks by buying an entry-level set that comes with a re-keyable key and an unlocked key. The kits are available at a variety of online stores as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also come with a set instructions that should help you complete the task. Make sure to read your lease agreement if renting prior to changing locks. You might be required to give the landlord the key to the new locks. If so, you might be required to remove the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a basic lock from your local hardware store, or you can buy a smart lock that connects to the Wi-Fi of your home and lets you lock and unlock your door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. This system can also be connected to your home security hub that is smart and will send alerts when your door is locked or opened. Installing the new lock A damaged lock poses a security risk, so it's important to replace it as quickly as possible. The good news is that replacing a door lock is a simple and quick project that anyone can tackle. The first step is to disengage the old lock from the door. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure it and then removing it. Depending on the kind of lock you are using, you might require an Allen wrench or screwdriver. Keep all the parts of the lock that were used and store them in a safe place. Then, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can install the new lock into the door. The majority of kits come with a cardboard template that shows how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template doesn't match your door, you can use a pencil to trace around it or use a chisel for extra material removal. Make sure that the interior latch plate aligns with the mortise opening once the new lock has been installed. When installing the new lock, make sure not to tighten it too much. This could cause the lock to rattle or even break. If you have a keyed lock make sure the spindle is aligned with the hole in the knob. If it's not, use the screwdriver to drive the lock into the knob. Install the decorative baseplate that is included with the lock after you've completed installing it. If the lock doesn't come with a decorative base plate then you can purchase one that is compatible with the hardware. Test the new lock to make sure it works. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it until you are sure that it opens. If it isn't working then you should contact locksmith. Rekeying your locks with a professional can also aid in preventing burglaries. This is a process that involves changing the lock's internal tumblers so that it will no longer accept your old keys. This will allow you to feel secure and secure in your home. Test the new lock When installing a new lock you must ensure that it operates as intended. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you don't follow them, you could not be capable of opening your door. You can call the locksmith for help in case you aren't sure what to do. A locksmith can also give guidance on the best locks for your home. If you are having trouble opening your lock it could be due to an issue with the latch or handle. You can try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. In some cases, this will fix the issue. You may need to replace it if the latch is not functioning correctly. The lock could have been installed incorrectly. The door handle clip could be damaged or gone from the new lock. In this situation you need to grasp the handle from the inside and then insert the new clip made of plastic. The handle is then connected to the lock, and the lock will be tested. After you've changed the lock, it's crucial to test the keypad to be sure that it's working correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it into the lock and turning it. If the keypad functions correctly, your door will be able to unlock and lock. You should also examine the deadbolt lock to see whether it's operating properly. If it's not working, take off the latch from the door and take off the Phillips-head screws. Take out the old deadbolt and replace it with a new one. Make sure to orient and load in the deadbolt lock in the correct way. Another method to test the new lock is to use the spindle test, which can be accomplished by inserting an instrument into the spindle. This test should be performed prior to reinstalling the lock to prevent any mistakes during installation.