How to Do a Door Lock Change
Change your door lock is a simple and affordable way to improve the security of your home. This isn't for everyone. It requires a certain amount of patience and skill.
The cylinder is inside the knob's body. The cylinder is responsible for recognizing the key when it is inserted into the lock.
The old lock can be removed
First, you must remove the old lock. This is a relatively simple process, however there are some things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the lock you choose to install is the correct size for your door. This will ensure it is securely fitted and won't create a gap around the deadbolt or latch.
After you have removed the latch plate, look for two screws or bolts on the inside of the casing, which secure the casing and halves of the lock. Unscrew them using a screwdriver, then pull the lock out of the door. If you have a mortise locking system there is a set screw that holds the handle to the spindle. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw, then remove the doorknobs.
It is also recommended to take the deadbolt and latch plug from the hole in the door jamb. Install your new lock. If you are replacing a mortise lock you should also measure the distance between the lock case and the edge of your door to ensure that the new lock will fit.
There are a variety of reasons that could prompt you to change the door lock, such as being concerned that someone else may have the key or welcoming an incoming roommate. In any event, you could save money by removing the lock yourself rather than paying an expert to do it. It is much easier than most people imagine and can be completed in a matter of a few minutes.
Remove the trim and handle of your door. With a flat screwdriver take off the trim. It should be possible to pull off the majority of it. In some instances you may be able remove the handles completely. Next, search for a pinhole on the inside of the handle and insert a straightened clip into it. This will trigger the release mechanism, allowing you to take off the handle. The next step is to look at the inside of the lock for a small tab, and then press it using a flat screwdriver. Once the spindle has been removed, you can remove the cylinder and the housing.
Selecting a new locking system
When it comes to selecting a new lock, you have many choices. Look at different types of locks and choose one that is compatible with the style of your door. Think about the backset which is the distance between the edge and the center of the hole for the lock. Also consider the cross bore, a small hole in the middle of your door frame. Also, make sure to select a lock that is able to be able to fit the door's thickness and swing.
The American National Standards Institute and BHMA have graded most locks for doors to give you an idea of their durability and the difficulty to pick them or disable them. A grade 3 lock could be ideal for a quiet rural apartment complex, while an entry grade lock could be more able to withstand the traffic near a busy retail storefront on a busy street.
Most smart door locks need a digital code to open. If you're concerned about security breaches or hacking you should consult an expert locksmith or your local police department to get advice.
Replacing the cylinder
You can easily replace a damaged or broken door lock cylinder with a simple DIY project. It is crucial to choose the right cylinder and follow the instructions. The first step is to remove the handle or knob if there is one and then remove the trim that is attached to the base of the lock cylinder with the aid of a screwdriver. After the trim is removed, you can access the screws that hold the cylinder in place and remove them using the flat-head screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently removed away from the door.
Be sure to measure the length of the new cylinder prior to putting it in place. Take a measurement of the distance from the center to the left and right sides of the cylinder with the aid of a tape measure. Then, buy a new cylinder with the same measurements. This will stop the cylinder from snapping, which can happen when the door is kicked in or when the key gets stuck inside.
If Repair My Windows And Doors have a replacement cylinder, insert it into the door and turn the key. This will ensure that the cylinder is in alignment with the carrier, which is normally located on the outside of the lock. After that, you can loosen the set screw which should be a few turns in the head. Also, you will need to loosen the screw on the edge of the door which secures the case 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 then tightening the set screws. The process of reinstalling the component that connects a cylinder with the stem of a lock indicator is also crucial. You can do this by pulling three tabs in the back of the cylindrical using needle-nosed pliers. Then, you can connect the remaining smaller bracket to the back of the cylinder. You should then reinstall the latch plate and strike plate, as well as the retaining rings that are connected to the top of the lock the cylinder.
Installing the new lock
Start by measuring the door's width if you are replacing an existing lock. Most residential locksets have a thickness of 1 3/8 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 will require longer screws as well as a longer spindle extension or tail piece for door knobs.
Most locks come with detailed instruction manual to assist you in installing the new hardware. Before you begin, go through the instructions to make sure you've followed the steps. The manual will also give you an idea of the level of expertise required to accomplish the task. You might want to ask a person who has experience changing locks for assistance if you are changing locks for the first time.
Before installing the new lock it is recommended to cover the holes with tape the old hardware. This will prevent the screws from falling out of the holes and safeguard any tile you may have installed in the area. It also shields your tiles from any damage caused by dirt, rust and grime. SECURAM Touch comes with a strip of painter's tape that is intended to be used for this purpose, however you can also use gaffer's or masking tape if you have it available.
After you have removed the screws holding the interior portion of the lock section to the outside side immediately, pull it back. It is important to do this quickly to prevent the lock from closing accidentally and harming the mechanism.
Fit the new latch bolt into the upper cross bore of your new lock if it has one. Make sure that you put it in the right position as marked by an illustration on the faceplate. Then, screw the latch plate onto the bolt.
Screw the deadbolt into the door jamb. Test the deadbolt by throwing it a several times to make sure that it is extended all the way through the strike plate and is fully secure. Follow the instructions that come with your electronic smart lock to program it. This requires downloading an application and registering your email address, verifying your identity, and connecting to the wireless network in order to add your device.