How to Replace Door Locks It isn't easy to replace your door lock. It is crucial to secure your home from burglars and to change locks if you get a new housemate or let out your home. The majority of new locks are made for standard width doors. If your door is more thick, you'll require a "thick-door" kit that comes with longer screws and longer tail pieces for the deadbolt. Removing the old lock It is necessary to remove your old lock from the door before you can install the new one. This can be accomplished with a few basic tools, but it's crucial to take care not to harm the door or frame. Using the correct tools will save you money in future repairs. Start by taking off the screws that hold the handle in place and then trim. This can be accomplished with the help of a screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can take off the trim. Then, you can gain access to the screw that binds the trim and handle to the door. After removing the screw, you can remove the handle and remove the lock cylinder from the door. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/southend-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ to turn your key inside, it is an indication that the lock is failing. This is because the tumblers are getting worn out and will eventually stop moving upwards or downwards, disabling the lock's ability to function. If this happens, you'll have to take the lock to a locksmith to be reset-keyed. When you're ready to replace your deadbolt, begin by removing the screws that hold the faceplate in place. If the kit you purchased does not come with new screws, you can purchase them from a hardware shop. If you're installing a mortise lock you must also remove the screws that attach the external rose plate to the door. After removing the screws, remove the plate and the dead bolt. Then, look for a hole in the handle trim inside. If you find a hole, insert a straightened safety-pin into it. You can also make use of a flat screwdriver to press against the depression. This should release the handle and expose screws which 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 wish to replace your lock following an incident of burglary, or just want to improve your door's appearance. It is essential to measure your door prior buying a lock to ensure that it is suitable. This is especially important for deadbolts, as they need to be a certain size in order to fit in the strikeplate and pocket of the bolt. Contact your local hardware store for help when you're not sure how to measure. If you're replacing a mortice use the existing centrerail as a guide to place the new mortise. Once you've marked the location of the lock, make holes along the centre line to the same size as the lock. Then, chisel the wood away until you have a rectangular space to accommodate your mortice lock. Then, insert the lock and outline the faceplate using a marking knife. Mark and drill screwholes to fix the faceplate. When you are rekeying locks, you can save money by buying a starter kit that includes keys that are re-keyable and a key blank. These kits are available from numerous online retailers and also from home improvement and hardware stores. These kits also come with instructions to help you complete your project. If you're renting, be sure to check the lease agreement prior to changing locks. You may have to give the landlord the keys to the new locks. You may need to replace the lock with a standard one if you have to do this. You can purchase a basic lock from your local hardware store or you can purchase a high-tech lock that connects to your home's WiFI and lets you lock and unlock the door remotely. An ideal choice 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 not locked or opened. Installing the new lock A broken lock is a security risk, so it's important to replace it quickly. It's easy to replace locks for doors. The first step is removing the lock that was previously used. The screws holding the lock in place are removed and the lock is removed. You may require either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench depending on the type of lock you have. Save all the parts of the lock you have lost and keep them in a secure location. Then, insert the new lock on the door. Most kits include an example of cardboard that shows how the lock will be fitted onto the door. If the template doesn't match your door, draw a line with a pencil around it, or a Chisel to remove extra material. After the new lock is installed, ensure that the interior latch plate aligns with the mortise lockset hole to ensure an ensconced fit. When installing the new lock, make sure not to over tighten it. This can cause the lock to crack or even break. If you have a lock that is keyed make sure the spindle is in alignment with the knob's hole. If it isn't then you can use a screwdriver to push the spindle through the lock and into the knob. Install the baseplate with the design that comes with the lock once you've finished installing it. If the lock doesn't come with a decorative base plate, you can buy one that is compatible with the hardware. Test the new lock to ensure it functions. This can be done by inserting the key into the lock and turning the lock so that it opens. If it fails then you should contact a locksmith. You can also stop burglaries by having an expert reset your locks. This involves changing the internal tumblers of your lock so that it is not able to accept the keys you have previously used. This will make you feel safe and secure in your home. Test the new lock Installing the lock from scratch is a great way to make sure that it functions exactly as you 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 help. A locksmith can also offer suggestions on the most suitable locks for your home. If you're having trouble opening your lock, it may be a problem with the latch or handle. You can try lubricating the latch by spraying it with WD-40. This may fix the problem. However, you may need to replace the latch completely if it's not working properly. The lock could have been installed incorrectly. The handle clip inside the door can be broken or missing on the new lock. In this instance it is recommended to remove the handle from inside and insert a plastic retainer clip. After that, connect the handle to the lock and test the operation of the lock. It's important to check the keypad after replacing your lock to make sure it is working correctly. You can test the keypad by inserting it and turning it. If the keypad is functioning correctly, your door will be able to open and lock. Check the deadbolt to make sure it's functioning properly. If it's not working properly, remove the latch on the door and take off the Phillips-head screws. Remove the deadbolt you have previously installed and replace it with a new one. Place the deadbolt in the proper direction and load the lock in the correct way. Another method of testing 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 prior to reinstalling the lock in order to ensure that there are no mistakes in the installation.