How to Replace Door Locks The replacement of your door lock can be a difficult task. It is crucial to keep your home secure from intruders, and to change locks if you get an occupant change or you are letting out your home. The majority of modern locks are designed to fit standard width doors. If your door is thicker you'll need a "thick-door" kit with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt. Remove the old lock It is necessary to remove your old lock from the door before you can install the new one. This can be done with some simple tools, but be careful not to harm the door or frame. Using the right tools will help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Begin by taking off the screws that hold the handle and trim. This can be accomplished with the help of a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you can remove the trim. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/eastleigh-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can then access the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After you have removed the screw, you can remove the lock cylinder and then open the handle. One of the most common indications that your lock is failing is when you can no longer turn the key inside. This is because the tumblers are wearing out, and will eventually stop moving up or down making it impossible for the lock to function. It is necessary to have the lock changed by a locksmith if this occurs. Start by removing the screws holding the faceplate in place. If your kit does not include new screws, you can purchase them from an hardware store. If you're installing a mortise lock, you must also remove the screws that attach the external rose plate to the door. After taking off the screws, you can remove the plate and the dead bolt. Then, look for a pinhole in the interior handle trim. If you find one, insert a straightened safety pin into it. You can also make use of a flat screwdriver to press against a depression. 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 can be accomplished easily regardless of whether you need to replace your lock following an attack, or simply want to update your door's appearance. It is important to measure the door to ensure that you purchase a new lock that is the correct size for your door. This is particularly crucial for deadbolt locks that have to be of a certain size to fit inside the bolt pocket and strike plate. If you're not sure how to measure, you can ask for assistance at your local hardware store or locksmith. If you're replacing mortice locks, use the existing centre rail as a guide for positioning the new mortise lock. Once you've determined the location of the lock, drill holes along the central line of the same size as the lock. Then, chisel away wood until you've got a clear rectangular space for your mortice lock to be placed in. Insert the lock, and then outline the faceplate using an outliner. Mark and drill holes for screws to secure the faceplate in place. When rekeying locks you can save money by purchasing a starter kit which includes a set of re-keyable keys and a blank key. The kits are available at many online retailers, as well as hardware and home improvement stores. These kits also come with instructions to help you complete your project. Make sure to read your lease agreement if renting prior to changing locks. It may require you to provide the landlord with a key to the new lock. If so, you might be required to take out the old lock and replace it with a standard lock. You can buy a basic lock at the hardware store near you or you can buy a high-tech lock that connects to your home's WiFI and lets you to lock and unlock the door remotely. The best option is a Schlage Smart Lock, which is compatible with most door levers and knobs. This system can be connected to a security hub for your home to allow you to receive alerts when your door is unlocked or opened. Installing a new lock A damaged lock poses an issue for security, so it's essential to replace it quickly. Luckily, replacing locks for doors is a simple and quick task that anyone can complete. The first step is removing the lock that was previously used. This is done by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and pulling it out. Depending on the type of lock you have, you might need an Allen wrench or screwdriver. After you have removed the lock you have been using, save all of the parts and store them in a safe place. Then, you can install the new lock into the door. The majority of kits come with an image of a cardboard template that illustrates how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template doesn't line to your door, you can trace it using a pencil or use a chisel remove any extra material. Once the new lock is installed, ensure that the interior latch plate lines up with the mortise lockset hole to ensure a secure fit. 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 lock that is keyed, ensure that the spindle aligns with the knob's hole. If it's not, use the screwdriver to push through the lock into the knob. Install the baseplate with the design that is included with the lock once you've finished installing it. If the lock doesn't come with an appropriate base plate then you can purchase one that is compatible with your hardware. The final step is to test the new lock to ensure it functions. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock to ensure that it is able to open. If this doesn't work you must contact a locksmith. Rekeying your locks by a professional can also help to prevent burglaries. This is a process that involves changing the lock's internal tumblers so that it will not accept the old keys. This will ensure that your home is secure and give you peace of mind. Testing the new lock Installing an entirely new lock is a great way to make sure that it functions exactly as you intended. This is why it's essential to follow the instructions carefully. If you don't, you might not be able to open your door. If you're unsure of what to do, contact a professional locksmith for help. A locksmith can give you guidance on the most suitable locks for your home. If you're having trouble opening your lock, it could be an issue with the latch or handle. You can lubricate the latch using graphite or spray it with WD-40. In some instances, this will fix the issue. You may have to replace the latch if the latch is not functioning properly. Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The door handle clip could be damaged or missing on the new lock. In this situation, you should grasp the handle from the inside and insert the new clip made of plastic. The handle can then be linked to the lock and the lock will be tested. After you've replaced the lock it's crucial to test the keypad to be sure that it's working correctly. You can test it by putting the key inside and turning it. If the keypad is functioning correctly, your door will be able to open and lock. It is also advisable to check the deadbolt lock to see whether it's working properly. If it's not working properly, remove the latch on the door and remove the Phillips-head screws. Remove the deadbolt you have previously installed and replace it with a new one. Make sure to orient and load the deadbolt lock properly. Spindle testing is an additional method to test a new lock. This can be accomplished by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock in order to ensure that there are no mistakes in the installation.