How to Do a Door Lock Change
Door lock replacement is a quick and cheap method to increase your home's security. However, the process is not for all. It requires a certain amount patience and expertise.
It is necessary to replace the cylinder, which is located inside the knob's body. The cylinder is responsible for recognizing the key when it is inserted in the lock.
Remove the old lock
The first step is to remove the old lock. It's a straightforward process, however you should keep some things in mind. Make sure that the new lock fits the door. This will ensure it is securely fitted and won't leave a gap at the deadbolt or latch.
After you have removed the latch plate, you'll be required to search for two screws or bolts in the casing's interior which are holding the casing together with the lock halves. Remove these screws with a screwdriver and then pull the lock from the door. If you have a mortise locking, there could be a set screw located at the base of the handle, which binds it to the spindle. Make use of a screwdriver for removing this screw, then remove the doorknobs.
replace window lock must also 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 the new lock will fit.
You might want to change your lock for a variety reasons, for instance, if you suspect that someone else holds the key, or if you've got a new roommate. You can save money if you remove the lock yourself instead of paying an expert. It's much easier than people think and can be completed in a matter of a few minutes.
Begin by removing the handle and trim from the door. With a flat screwdriver, remove the trim. It should be possible to pull off the majority of it. In certain cases you might be able to remove the handles completely. Then, check the handle for a tiny pinhole on the inside and insert a straightened clip into it. This will activate the release mechanism and allow you to remove the handle from the door. Look for a small tab on the interior of the lock and press it with a screwdriver that is flat. After the spindle has been removed, you are able to remove the cylinder and housing.
Making a choice for a new lock
When it comes time to pick a new lock, you have many choices. Take a look at the various types of locks and choose one that matches the style of your door. Consider the backset, which is the distance between the edge and the middle of lock hole. Also, think about the cross bore, a tiny hole that is located at the edge of your door's frame. Also, make sure to select a lock that is able to accommodate the door's thickness as well as swing.
The American National Standards Institute and BHMA have graded the majority of door locks to give an idea of their strength and how difficult it is to pick them up or disable them. A lock grade 3 might be the ideal choice for a tranquil apartment complex in the country, while a lock of grade 1 could be better suited to an area with a lot of traffic, such as an open-air storefront.
Most smart door locks require a digital key code to open. If you are worried about hacking or other security concerns, speak to an expert locksmith.
Replace the cylinder
If your door lock's cylinder is damaged or broken it can be replaced within a matter of minutes with a simple do-it-yourself project. It is important to select the correct cylinder and follow all instructions. First, remove the knob or handle if it is present. Then with a screwdriver take off the trim around the lock cylinder. After the trim is removed, you can access the screws that secure the cylinder and remove them with the flat-head screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently removed away from the door.
Before you install the new cylinder, make sure that it is the correct length for your door. Find the distance from the center to the right and left sides of the cylinder with a tape measure. Then, buy an additional cylinder using the same measurements. This will stop the cylinder from snapping, which can occur when the door is kicked out or when the key gets stuck inside.
Insert the replacement cylinder in the door, and then turn the key. This will ensure that the cylinder is in alignment with the carrier, which is typically located on the outside of the lock. Then, loosen the set screw which should be a few turns in the head. You will also need to loosen the screw on the door's edge that fastens the case, if there is one.
After taking the lock cylinder out and replacing it with a new lock by slipping the new cylinder into the case and tightening the set screw. Installing the part that connects a cylinder to a lock indicator stem is also crucial. You can do this by pulling three small tabs on the back of the cylindrical with needle-nosed pliers. Attach the smaller bracket to the back of the cylinder. Then, you should reinstall the strike plate and latch plate, along with the retaining rings connected to the top of the lock cylinder.
Installing a new lock
If you're replacing an old lock, you should start by measuring the width of the door. Most residential locksets have a thickness of 3/8 inch to 1 3/4 inches. If your door is thicker than 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches, you'll require a thicker door kit. This would include longer screws, or an extended spindle extension or tail piece for door knobs.
Most locks come with a detailed instruction booklet to assist you in installing the new hardware. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before starting the process to ensure that you are following all the steps. The guide will give you a good idea of how much skill is required to complete the task. You may want to seek out a friend who has had experience in changing locks for help if you are changing a lock the first time.
It's a great idea to cover the holes in the old hardware before installing the new lock. This will prevent the screws from falling out of the holes and will protect any tile you might have put in the area. It will also protect your tiles from any damage caused by dirt, rust and grime. SECURAM Touch comes with the masking strip or gaffer tape, however you can use any tape you own.
After removing the screws that hold the lock's interior half to its exterior then remove the lock immediately. It's crucial to do this quickly to avoid the lock from closing itself in a way that could end up damaging the mechanism.
If your new lock has an internal latch bolt, insert the new bolt into the upper cross bore. Make sure that you place it in the right location, which is indicated by an arrow. Then, you can screw the latch plate onto the bolt.
Screw the deadbolt into the door jamb. Test the deadbolt by throwing it few times to verify that it extends all way to the strike plate and is completely secured. Follow the instructions included in your electronic smart lock to program it. This involves downloading an application, registering your e-mail address, confirming your identity, and connecting to the wireless network in order to add your device.