How to Replace Door Locks Replacing your door lock can be a tricky task. It is essential to protect your home from intruders. It is also advisable to change your locks when you have new housemates, or if you rent your house. Most new locks have been made for standard width doors. If your door is thicker and wider, you'll require a "thick door" kit that has larger screws and a larger tail piece for the deadbolt. Removing the old lock It is necessary to remove the old lock from the door before you install the new one. This can be done with some basic tools, but it's crucial to be careful not to damage the door or frame. Making use of the right tools will save you money in future repairs. Take off the screws that are on the handle and trim. You can use a screwdriver do this. After the screws have been removed, you can pry the trim off. Then, you will be able to get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After removing screw and lock cylinder and open handle. When you can't wiggle your key inside, it is a sign that the lock is failing. This is because the tumblers are wearing out, and eventually will stop moving up and down making it impossible for the lock to function. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/eastleigh-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ 'll need to have the lock changed by a locksmith if this occurs. Start by removing the screws holding the faceplate in place. If your kit doesn't include new screws, buy them at a hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock, you must also take out the screws that attach the external rose plate to the door. After you've removed the screws, remove the dead bolt and the plate away from the door. Next, search for a pinhole on the inside trim of the handle. If you spot a pinhole, insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against a depression. This should loosen the handle and expose screws that can be removed to remove the entire lock case from the door. Installing the new lock Installing a new lock can be done easily regardless of whether you need to replace your lock following a break-in, or you simply want to update your door's appearance. However, it's important to measure the door to ensure that you purchase the right lock that is the correct size for your door. This is particularly crucial for deadbolt locks, as they must be a specific size to fit in the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. Contact your local hardware store for assistance in case you don't know what measurement to take. If you are replacing a mortice, you can use the existing centrerail as a guide to place the new mortise. Once you've determined the location of the lock, make holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. After that, chisel the wood away until you have an even rectangular space that will accommodate your mortice lock. Then, insert the lock and outline the faceplate with an outline knife. Mark and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate. You can save money when changing locks by purchasing an initial set that includes keys that can be re-keyed and an unlocked key. The kits are available at numerous online retailers, as well as home improvement and hardware stores. They also include a set of instructions to assist you in completing the task. Check your lease agreement if you are renting before changing locks. It may require you to give the landlord keys to the new lock. You may have to replace the old lock with a standard one if you are required to do so. You can buy a basic lock from your local 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 remotely. The best option is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with all door levers and knobs. This system can be connected to a smart home security hub to provide alerts whenever your door is unlocked or opened. Installing the new lock A damaged lock poses an issue for security, so it's essential to replace it quickly. It's simple to replace the door lock. The first step is to remove the lock that was used to secure the door. The screws holding it in place are removed and the lock is pulled out. Depending on the kind of lock you have, you might need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Once you have removed the old lock take all the components and place them in a safe place. Install the new lock on the door. Most kits come with an example of cardboard that shows how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template doesn't match to your door, you can trace the template with a pencil, or use a chisel to remove any extra material. After the new lock is installed, ensure that the latch plate inside is aligned with the mortise lockset hole for a secure fit. Be cautious not to over tighten the lock when you install it. This could cause the lock to rattle or even break. If you have a keyed lock ensure that the spindle is in alignment with the hole in the knob. If it's not, you can use the screwdriver to drive the lock into the knob. Install the decorative baseplate that comes with the lock once you've completed installing it. If the lock does not include a base plate you can buy one that is compatible with your hardware. The last step is to test the lock to ensure 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, you should consider contacting locksmith. You can also stop burglaries by having a professional reset your locks. This is a process that involves changing the internal lock tumblers to ensure that it will not accept your old keys. This will allow you to feel secure and safe in your home. Test the new lock Installing an entirely new lock is a great way to ensure that it works as intended. This is why it's important to follow the directions carefully. You may not be able to unlock your door if you don't. If you're unsure of what to do, contact a professional locksmith for 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 a problem with the latch or handle. You can either lubricate your latch with 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 is usually damaged or missing from the new lock. In this case you must remove the handle from inside and insert a plastic retainer clip. The handle is then attached to the lock and the lock tested. It's important to check the keypad after you've changed your lock to make sure it works correctly. You can test it by placing the key in and turning it. If the keypad is functioning correctly, your door will be able for you to unlock and lock. Examine the deadbolt to be sure it's working correctly. If it's not it's time to remove the latch and undo the Phillips head screws on the sides of the door to release it. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Orient and load the deadbolt lock in the correct way. Another way to test the new lock is to perform the spindle test. This can be done by putting an instrument into the spindle. This test should be performed before reinstalling the lock to avoid any errors.