How to Do a Door Lock Change
Change of the door lock is a quick and cheap method to increase your home's security. However, this process is not for all. It requires some skill and perseverance.
You must replace the cylinder, which is located inside the knob's body. The cylinder recognizes the key once it's inserted into the lock.
Remove the old lock
First, remove the lock that was previously in place. This is a relatively easy procedure, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure that the new lock fits the door. This will ensure that it fits snugly and doesn't leave a gap around the deadbolt plug or latch.
After you've removed the latch plate, look for two bolts or screws on the inside of the casing that secure the casing and two halves of the lock together. Remove these screws using the help of a screwdriver, and then remove the lock from the door. If you are using a mortise locking system there is a set screw that binds the handle to the spindle. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw, then pull out the doorknobs.
It is also recommended to remove the latch and deadbolt plug from the hole in your door jamb. Install the new lock. If you are replacing a mortise you should take a measurement of the distance between your lock case and the door edge to ensure that your new lock fits.
You might want to change your lock for a variety reasons, for instance, the possibility that someone else holds the key or if you've a new roommate. In any event, you can save money by removing the lock yourself rather than paying an expert to remove it. The process is simpler than many people imagine and can be done in a few minutes.
Begin by removing the trim and handle from your door. With a flat screwdriver take off the trim. You will be able twist off the majority of it, and in some cases the handles could come off entirely. Then, look for a tiny hole on the inside. Then insert a straightened paper clip into it. This will trigger the release mechanism, allowing you to take off the handle. Look for a small tab on the interior of the lock and press it with a screwdriver that is flat. After the spindle is removed, you can remove the housing and cylinder.
The process of selecting a new lock
When it comes to choosing the right lock for your home, you have many choices. Take a look at various types of locks, and find one that matches your door's style. Think about the backset (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the lock hole) and the cross bore (small hole along the edge of the door frame). Select a lock that is suitable for the door thickness and the swing.
The majority of door locks have been assessed by BHMA and the American National Standards Institute to give you an idea of how they stand up to use and how difficult they are to pick or disable. A grade 3 lock may be perfect for a quiet apartment complex in the countryside, whereas locks that are grade 1 might be more suitable for a busy street near a storefront.
Most smart door locks require a digital code to open. If you're concerned about hacking or other security concerns, consult with a professional locksmith or your local police department to get advice.
Replacing the cylinder
If your door lock cylinder is broken or damaged you can repair it in a matter of minutes using a simple DIY project. The key is to choose the right cylinder and follow the directions that accompany it. The first step is to take off the knob or handle, should there be one, then unscrew the trim around the base of the lock cylinder using the help of a screwdriver. Once the trim has been removed, you can access the screws that hold the cylinder in place and remove them with a flathead screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently removed out of the door.
Be sure to measure the length of the new cylinder prior to installing it. Take a measurement of the distance from the center to the right and left sides of the cylinder using the aid of a tape measure. Purchase a new cylinder that has the same measurements. This will help prevent cylinder snapping, which can happen when the door is kicked out or when the key gets stuck inside.
If you have a suitable replacement cylinder, put it into the door and turn the key. This will ensure that the cylinder is in alignment with the carrier, which is usually located on the outside of the lock. Then, loosen the set screws that should be just a couple of turns inside the head. If there is a screw on the exterior of the case that holds the door, you will have to loosen it.
After taking the lock cylinder out after which you can replace it with the new lock by sliding the new cylinder into the case and tightening the set screw. Reinstalling the piece that connects the cylinder to a lock indicator stem is also crucial. It is done by pulling three small tabs in the back of the cylindrical with needle-nosed pliers. Attach the smaller bracket to the back of the cylinder. You should then reinstall the strike plate and latch plate, as well as the retaining rings fixed to the top of the lock cylinder.
Installing the new lock
If you're replacing an old lock, you must begin by measuring the width of the door. The majority of residential locksets are designed to fit a door thickness of 1 3/8 - 3/4 inch. If your door is thicker, you will need an extra-thick door kit that includes longer screws as well as longer tail pieces (for door knobs) or spindle extension (for deadbolts).
The majority of locks come with a detailed instruction booklet to help you install the new hardware. Before you begin, read the instructions to ensure that you've followed all the steps. The guide will also give you an idea of the level of expertise required to accomplish the task. You may want to ask a person who has had experience in changing locks for assistance if you are changing a lock the first time.
Before installing the new lock it's recommended to cover the openings with tape the old hardware. This will stop the screws from slipping out of the holes and protect any tile you might have put in the area. It also protects against possible damage caused by rust, grime, dirt and. SECURAM Touch comes with a strip painter's tape that is intended to be used for this purpose, however you can also use gaffer's tape as well as masking tape when you have it.
After taking off the screws that connect the lock's inner half to its exterior, take the lock off immediately. It is important to do this quickly to prevent the lock from accidentally closing and harming the mechanism.
Install the new latch bolt in the upper cross bore of your new lock, if it comes with one. Make upvc windows locks repair Repair My Windows And Doors that you put it in the right position that is usually marked by an illustration on the faceplate. Then, slide the latch plate on top of the bolt and secure it in the correct position.
Finally, screw in the deadbolt and strike plate into the door jamb. Test the deadbolt by throwing it several times to make sure that it extends all the way into the strike plate and is completely secured. If you're using an electronic smart lock, be certain to follow the instructions for programming it. This requires downloading an application and registering your e-mail address, confirming your identity and connecting to the wireless network in order to add your device.