Change Door Lock 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known In The Past

Change Door Lock 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known In The Past

Reasons to Change Door Lock

You can alter your door lock for a variety of reasons, from improving the security of your home to redecorating your entryway. You might also have to change locks if your key gets stuck in the lock or is difficult to turn.

Even DIY beginners can easily alter their locks. Find the necessary materials to begin.

Remove the old lock

Before installing a new lock, it is important to take out the old one from the door. This is particularly important when you suspect that someone else has access to your home. It's an excellent idea after you've moved into your new home, suffered a break-in or welcomed a roommate. It's easier than you think and can be done in a matter of minutes.

Start by removing the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate to the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you will need to remove screws on both sides. This will allow you to see what's behind it and give you an understanding of how to proceed with the remaining steps.

Once you have removed the old faceplate, you will need to remove the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole using the screwdriver. If the bolt is rusted, you may have to use a chisel to smash it. If you are using a chisel be careful not to damage the door frame.

Make sure that the new deadbolt, doorknob and lock will fit into the holes that are already present in the door before you take out the old one. The majority of hardware stores and big box stores offer several different types of locks and will help you find the right one for your needs. Get help if the lock you purchased isn't the right one for your door.

Find small depressions or notches inside the handle and around the trim while you take off the lock. If you find them, slip a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver into these to release the handle and expose the screws beneath.

After you have removed the screw from the handle, you can begin removing the knob. To do this find the set screw that is located on the knob's base and loosen it. Then, you'll need to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door.

Install the new lock

It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors frequently, especially if you have been the victim of a break-in. Changing the lock is a cheap, easy and effective method to ensure that your home is safe. With a screwdriver and a few basic instructions, most people can handle it themselves. Based on the situation you might also be interested in learning how to change the key of a door lock so that only you own the key.

You'll need to buy an additional lock that has the same keyway as your current lock. Locksmiths are usually able to change the lock's key for a fee, but you can save money by doing it yourself. You can purchase an entirely new lock from an hardware store or online. Standard deadbolts will fit most doors. However, you will have to measure your door to make sure it will fit.

Most times the lock you purchase will be supplied with the cardboard template that will show how it will fit on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's much simpler than measuring every time. If the template doesn't match to the hole you intend to drill, you should return it to the hardware store and purchase another one.


You must install the new lock on the right-hand side of the door. Verify the latch. It should have a label that reads "up" or something similar. Make sure that the latch is properly seated in the plate and then attach it using the supplied screws.

When replacing the knob lock be sure to be aware of its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, however there are a few that are right-handed. If you're not careful, you could place the knob on the wrong side of the door, which could prevent you from locking it from either the inside or the outside.

You should try the new lock after you have completed. You should be in a position to lock the door from both the inside and the outside, and unlock it with a key. If you aren't satisfied with the results you can always contact an expert locksmith to fix it.

Test the lock

A door lock that cannot be locked is a hassle and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's safety at risk. Luckily, it's easy to fix most issues with door locks by performing some troubleshooting, and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is properly cut and that the lock assembly itself isn't loose or dirty. If this does not solve the issue Try lubricating the door lock actuator with graphite powdered.

Ensure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors all function correctly. Check the wiring diagram or manual to determine the color code and the function of each door lock switch wire. Use a digital meter or test light to determine if the actuator is receiving power and is grounded when the switches are turned on. If you see an electric voltage switch on each switch's activation, it suggests that the switches are in good condition and it's probably the actuator that needs to be replaced.

If the switch appears to work but the actuator does not move when you turn it, there may be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is outfitted with pins that are spring loaded. They prevent the cylinder from turning until the key is inserted, which then pushes them up to match the height of the key at the location. This causes the cylinder eventually to rotate opening the lock body, allowing the handle latch.

If the door lock actuator is still not working, you can remove it using a small screwdriver.  click through the following post  is necessary to remove the bolt that locks first, and then take off the plastic cover which holds the electrical connector. After that, disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. You should then be able find the two 10mm bolts that hold the actuator in place, and remove them. After the actuator has been removed, you should be able to disconnect the black electrical connector and then pull it out along with the lock and actuator assembly.

Replace the key

If you own an unkeyed deadbolt or door knob If it's not functioning properly, you must either change the lock's key or rekey it or replace it completely. This isn't difficult and can save you money. It is recommended to have an expert locksmith examine the locks for any problems prior to beginning. This will give you peace of heart that your home is safe and safe.

Remove the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws that hold the faceplate in place then use a screwdriver to take it off. Next, use a flat head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. After removing the faceplate you can remove the screw and bolt from the lock cylinder.

A locksmith can decide whether you require a replacement or rekey your lock. They can also offer advice on the best security measures for your home. They can also make any needed adjustments to the door or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They will also offer the guarantee on their work.

You must purchase a new lock key before you can change it. It is essential to select the correct key in the lock. A key that's not of the correct size could harm the internal mechanism of the lock and hinder it from working. Insert the key into the lock to test its size. If it is flush with the plug, it's the right size. If the pins extend out of the top of the plug, they're not long.

You may want to change the lock on your door for many reasons, including:

Rekeying a lock can be an option that is less expensive than replacing one if you are moving into the home of an owner who has passed away or if your keys have gone missing. It can also be less costly than a full replacement. However, there are situations in which rekeying your lock isn't feasible. If the lock has been damaged or repeatedly jammed, for instance it could be the right time to replace it.