How to Do a Door Lock Change
Change of the door lock is an easy and inexpensive method to boost your home's security. However, the procedure isn't for all. It requires a certain amount of skill and patience.
You must replace the cylinder, which is inside the knob's body. The cylinder is responsible for recognizing the key when it is inserted in the lock.
The old lock can be removed
The first step to replace the door lock is to take out the old lock. It's a relatively simple process, but you must keep a few things in your mind. Make sure the new lock is compatible with your door. This will ensure that it fits properly and doesn't create 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, which secure the casing and halves of the lock. Remove them with a screwdriver and then remove the lock from the door. If you have a mortise locking system there is an anchor screw that connects the handle to the spindle. Remove the doorknobs by unscrewing this screw using the help of a screwdriver.
It is also recommended to remove the latch and deadbolt plug from the hole in the door jamb. Install the new lock. If you are replacing a mortise lock, you should also determine the distance between the lock case and the edge of your door to ensure that your new lock will fit.
You may want to replace your lock for a variety reasons, for instance, when you suspect that someone else holds the key, or if you have new roommates. You can save money by deciding to take the lock off yourself instead of hiring a professional. It's easier than many people think and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Begin by taking the handle and trim from your door. With a flat screwdriver pry off the trim. You will be able to pull off most of it, and in certain cases the handles may fall off entirely. Then, look for window lock repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors on the interior side and insert a straightened clip into it. This will activate the release mechanism, allowing you to take off the handle. Then, look for a small tab on the interior of the lock and press it using a flat screwdriver. After the spindle is removed, you can then remove the housing and cylinder.
Selecting a new locking system
You have many options when it comes time to pick a new lock. Consider the different types of locks and select one that fits the design of your door. Think about the backset, which is the distance between the edge and the middle of lock hole. Also, consider the cross bore, a small hole in the middle of your door's frame. Choose a lock that fits the door's thickness and the swing.
The American National Standards Institute and BHMA have graded all door locks to give an idea of their strength and how difficult it is to pick them up or disable them. A grade 3 lock could be ideal for a quiet rural apartment complex, while a grade 1 lock might stand up to the traffic that is frequented by a storefront on a busy city street.
Most smart door locks need a digital code to open. If you're worried about hacking or other security issues seek out an expert locksmith or your local police department for assistance.
Replacing the cylinder
If the cylinder of your door lock is broken or damaged it can be replaced in just a few minutes by completing a do-it-yourself project. The key is to select the correct cylinder and follow the steps that accompany it. First, take off the knob or handle if it is present. Then, using a screwdriver, unscrew the trim that surrounds the lock cylinder. After the trim is removed, you can take off the screws that hold the cylinder with the flathead. The cylinder is then gently pulled from the door.
Before you install the new cylinder, be sure that it's the right length for your door. With an instrument, measure the distance between the center of the cylinder and the left and right sides. Buy a new cylinder that has the same measurements. This will prevent cylinders from snapping when doors are hit or the key is stuck inside.
Insert the replacement cylinder in the door, and then turn the key. This will align the cylinder with the carrier which is typically on the outside of the lock. Then, loosen the set screws, which should be a couple of turns in the head. It is also necessary to loosen the screw in the edge of the door that holds the case in place, in the event that there is one.
You can replace the cylinder that was used to lock your old lock with a new one by inserting it into the case and tightening the set screws. The process of reinstalling the component that connects a cylinder to a lock indicator stem is also essential. You can do this by pulling three tabs in the back of the cylindrical with needle-nosed pliers. Attach the bracket that is smaller to the cylinder's back. Then, you should reinstall the strike plate and latch plate, as well as the retaining ring that is connected to the top lock cylinder.
Installing the new lock
Begin by measuring the door's width if are replacing a lock that is already in use. Most locksets for residential use are designed for doors with a thickness of 1 3/8 - 3/4 inch. If your door is thicker than 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches, you'll require a stronger door kit. This will require longer screws and either a longer spindle extension or the tail piece for door knobs.
Most locks come with a comprehensive instruction booklet that will assist you in installing the new hardware. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly prior to beginning the process to ensure that you are following all of the necessary steps. The booklet will give you an idea of the amount of skill that is required to complete the task. You may want to ask a person who has worked with locks for help if you are changing locks for the first time.
It's a good idea to tape the openings in the old hardware before installing the new lock. This will stop screws from slipping through the holes, and protect any tiles you have installed. It also protects against possible damage caused by rust, grime, dirt and. SECURAM Touch comes with a strip of masking or gaffer tape, but you can use any tape you have.
After you have removed the screws that hold the inside of the lock section to the exterior side then pull it out straight away. It's crucial to do this as quickly as possible to prevent the lock from closing itself in a way that could end up harming the mechanism.
Install the new latch bolt in the upper cross bore of the new lock if it has one. Make sure that you put it in the correct position as indicated by an illustration on the faceplate. Then, screw the latch plate onto the bolt.
Attach the deadbolt to the door jamb. Try the deadbolt a few times by throwing it to ensure it is extending into the strike plate. If you're using an electronic smart lock, be sure to follow the instructions to program it. This involves downloading an app and registering your email address, verifying your identity and connecting to the wireless network to add your device.