How to Replace Door Locks The replacement of your door lock can be a challenging task. It is important to protect your home from burglars. You should also replace your locks when you move in with an additional housemate or if you rent out your home. The majority of modern 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 You will need to remove the old lock from the door before you can install the new lock. You can do this with a few simple tools, but make sure not to damage your door or frame. Using the right tools will save you money on future repairs. Take off the screws that are the trim and handle. This can be accomplished using the help of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the trim. You can then get to the screw that holds the handle and trim to the door. After removing the screw, you can open the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door. When you can't wiggle your key inside, it is a sign that the lock is not working. This is because the tumblers are wearing out, and eventually stop moving upwards or downwards, disabling 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 to replace your deadbolt, begin by stripping the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If the kit you purchased does not come with new screws, you can purchase them at a hardware shop. If you're installing a mortise lock you must 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 away from the door. Then, search for a pinhole on the inside trim of the handle. If you spot one, slip a straightened safety pin into it. You can also try a flat screwdriver against a depression or slot. This should open the lock handle and expose screws which can be removed to remove the entire lock from the door. Fitting the new lock If you're looking to replace your lock following a break-in or simply want to improve the look of your door installing the new lock is easy. However, it is essential to measure the door in order to ensure that you buy the right lock that is the correct size for your door. This is especially important for deadbolt locks, which have to be of a certain size to fit in the strike pocket and bolt plate. If you're not sure of how to measure, get help from your local hardware store or locksmith. If you're 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, you'll need to drill holes on this centre line which are the same width of the lock. Then, chisel the wood away until you have an even rectangular space that will fit the mortice lock. Insert the lock and then outline the faceplate with an outliner. Mark and drill screw holes to secure the faceplate. When rekeying locks you can save money by buying a starter kit that includes keys that can be re-keyed and a blank key. The kits are available from many online retailers as well as hardware and home improvement stores. They also include instructions to help you complete your task. If you're renting, be sure to read your lease before changing locks. It may require that you give the landlord an access 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 with your home's WiFI and lets you to lock and unlock your door from a distance. Schlage Smart Lock is compatible with all knobs and levers. It can also be connected to your smart home security hub which allows you to receive notifications when your door is opened or locked. Installing a new lock A broken lock can be a security threat, so it is essential to replace it as soon as you can. The good news is that replacing a door lock is a simple and quick project that anyone can do. The first step is to remove the lock that was previously used. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure it and then removing it. Depending on the type of lock you have, you might need an Allen wrench or screwdriver. Once you've removed the old lock, save all of the parts and store them in a secure location. Then, insert the new lock into the door. The majority of kits come with a cardboard template of how the lock will fit to the door. If the template doesn't line up with your door, you can trace it with a pencil or use a chisel to take off any extra material. Once the new lock is installed, ensure that the latch plate's interior lines up with the mortise hole for an ideal fit. When you install the new lock, make sure not to over tighten it. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/manchester-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ could cause the lock to squeak, or even break. If you have a keyed lock ensure that the spindle is aligned with the knob's hole. If it's not then you can make use of a screwdriver in order to push the spindle through the lock and into the knob. Once you have finished installing the new lock, you can now put in the decorative base plate that comes with it. If the lock does not include an appropriate base plate you can buy one that matches your hardware. Test the new lock to ensure it works. This can be done by inserting the lock key and turning the lock to ensure that it opens. If it isn't working then you should contact a 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 to ensure that it will not accept the old keys. This will ensure that your home is safe and provide you with peace of mind. Testing the new lock When you are installing a new lock, you need to ensure that it works as intended. It is crucial to follow the directions. You may not be able to unlock your door if you don't. If you're unsure of what to do, you can call a professional locksmith for help. A locksmith can offer guidance on the most suitable locks for your home. If you have trouble opening your lock, it may be a problem with the latch or handle. It is possible to lubricate the latch with graphite or spray it with WD-40. This can help fix the issue. However, you may have to replace the latch completely if it isn't functioning correctly. The lock may have been installed incorrectly. The inner door handle clip can be broken or gone from the new lock. In this situation it is recommended to remove the handle from the inside and insert a retainer clip. The handle is then connected 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 the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad functions properly, it should unlock and lock your door. Check the deadbolt to make sure it is working properly. If it isn't, you should take the latch off and remove the Phillips head screws on the side of the door to release it. Take out the old deadbolt and replace it with a new one. Make sure to orient and load in the deadbolt lock correctly. Spindle testing is a different method to test the new lock. It can be performed by inserting a screwdriver into the spindle. This test should be performed before re-installing the lock to prevent any mistakes during installation.