How to Replace Door Locks Replacing your door lock can be a challenging task. It is important to protect your home from burglars and to change locks when you move in with an occupant change or you are letting out your home. The majority of modern locks are designed to fit standard door widths. If your door is thicker you will need a "thick-door" kit that has longer screws and longer tail pieces for deadbolts. Take off the lock that was previously used. You will need to remove your old lock from the door before you can install the new lock. This can be accomplished with the use of a few tools, but you need to take care not to cause damage to the frame or door. Making use of the right tools can save you from costly repairs in the future. Start by taking out the screws that support the handle and then trim. This can be accomplished with a screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, you can pry the trim off. Then, you can 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 common indications that your lock is failing is when you cannot longer wiggle the key inside. This is due to the tumblers wearing out and eventually stopping moving up or downward, causing the lock to stop working. If this happens, you'll have to bring the lock to a locksmith in order to be reset-keyed. When you're ready to replace your deadbolt, begin by taking off the screws that keep the faceplate in place. If your kit doesn't include new screws, then you can purchase them from a hardware shop. If you're installing a mortise lock, you should also remove the screws that secure the external rose plate to the door. After you've removed the screws take the plate and dead bolt from the door. Then, search for a pinhole on the interior trim of the handle. If you spot one, insert a straightened safety pin into it. You can also use a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This should open 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 accomplished easily, whether you want 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 a new lock that is the right size for your door. This is especially important for deadbolt locks, as they require a specific size to fit into the strike and pocket of the bolt plate. Contact your local hardware store for advice in case you don't know what measurement to take. If you are replacing a mortice use the existing centrerail as a reference to position the new mortise. Once you've marked the position of the lock, make holes on this centre line that are the same size as the lock. Then, chisel away wood until you have a neat rectangular space for the mortice lock to fit into. Place the lock in and then outline the faceplate with a marking blade. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate. You can save money when making rekeys on locks by buying an initial set that includes keys that can be re-keyed and an unlocked key. These kits can be purchased from numerous online retailers and also from home improvement and hardware stores. The kits also come with instructions to assist you in completing your task. If you're renting, be sure to read the lease agreement prior to changing locks. You may be required to give your landlord the key to the new locks. If this is the case, you could be required to take out the old lock and replace it with a new lock. You can purchase a basic lock from your nearest hardware store, or you can buy a smart lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi and lets you lock and unlock your door remotely. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. The system can be linked to a smart home security hub to provide alerts whenever your door is locked or opened. Installing a new lock A broken lock is an enigma for security, which is why it's important to replace it quickly. It's a good thing that replacing locks for doors is a simple and quick project that anyone can do. The first step is to take out the old lock. The screws that hold it in place are unscrewed and the lock is pulled out. Depending on the type you have, you may need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Once you have removed the lock that was previously used, save all of the parts and store them in a secure location. Install the new lock in the door. Most kits include an image of the cardboard template that shows how the lock will fit to the door. If the template doesn't fit your door, you can use a pencil to trace around it, or a chisel for extra material removal. Make sure the interior latch plate is aligned with the mortise hole after the new lock is installed. Be cautious not to tighten too much the lock while installing it. This can cause your lock to rattle, or even break. If you have a keyed lock, be sure that the spindle is aligned with the hole in the knob. If it's not, you can make use of the screwdriver to push through the lock into the knob. After you have completed installing the new lock, it is now time to install the decorative base plate that comes with it. If the lock does not come with a base plate then you can purchase one that is compatible with your hardware. The final step is to test the lock to ensure that it works. You can do this by inserting the key into the lock and turning it so that it opens. If it isn't working then you should contact a locksmith. Rekeying your locks by a professional can also help to prevent burglaries. This is a process that involves changing the internal lock tumblers so that it will not accept the old keys. This will make you feel secure and safe in your home. Test the new lock Installing the lock from scratch is a great way to make sure that it functions as intended. It's very important to carefully follow the instructions. You may not be able to open your door if don't. If you're unsure of what to do, call a professional locksmith for assistance. 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 handle or latch. Try https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ by spraying it with WD-40. In some instances, this will fix the problem. You may have to replace it if the latch isn't working properly. Another possibility is that the lock was installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door is often broken or missing from the new lock. In this case, you should grasp the handle from the inside, and insert an additional plastic retainer clip. The handle will then be connected to the lock, and the lock tested. After you've replaced the lock, it's crucial to check the keypad to make sure that it's functioning correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad functions properly, it should unlock and lock your door. Examine the deadbolt to be sure it's functioning properly. If it's not working properly, remove the latch on the door and remove the Phillips-head screws. Replace the deadbolt that was installed with the new one. Orient and load the deadbolt lock correctly. Spindle testing is another way to test the new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver in the spindle. This test should always be conducted prior to reinstalling the lock in order to avoid any mistakes.