How to Do a Door Lock Change
The change of your door lock is a simple and inexpensive method to increase the security of your home. However, the procedure is not for all. It requires a certain amount of patience and expertise.
The cylinder is inside the knob's body. The cylinder recognizes the key when it is put into the lock.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
The first step is to remove the lock that was previously in place. It's a fairly simple process, but there are a few points to remember. Make sure your new lock fits the door. This will ensure it is securely fitted and won't leave a gap in the latch or deadbolt.
After you have removed the latch plate, you will need to look for two bolts or screws on the inside of casing which are holding the casing together with the two halves of the lock. Unscrew them using a screwdriver and then remove the lock from the door. If you have a mortise lock, there might be a set screw located at the base of the handle that binds it to the spindle. Use a screwdriver to unscrew this screw, then pull out the doorknobs.
You should also remove the deadbolt latch and latch plug from the hole in your 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 your new lock will fit.
There are a variety of reasons that could prompt you to change the door lock, such as suspecting that someone else has the key, or you are welcoming an incoming roommate. In any event, you could save money by removing the lock yourself, rather than hiring an expert to do it. It's easier than many people think and can be done in a few minutes.
Remove the trim and handle from 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 even be able to remove the handles completely. Then, check the handle for a small pinhole on the inside. Then insert a straightened clip into it. This will activate the release mechanism and allow you to take the handle from the door. Look for a small tab on the interior of the lock and press it with a flat screwdriver. After the spindle is removed, you can then remove the cylinder and the housing.
Selecting a new lock
When it comes to choosing a new lock there are a lot of choices. Consider the different types of locks and pick one that fits the design of your door. Think about the backset, which is the distance between the edge and the middle of the hole for the lock. Also consider Repair My Windows And Doors bore, a tiny hole that is located at the edge of your door's frame. Choose a lock that fits the door thickness and swing.
Most door locks are assessed by BHMA and the American National Standards Institute to provide you with an idea of how well they are able to withstand the rigors of use and how difficult they are to pick or disable. A lock grade 3 might be perfect for a quiet apartment complex in the country, while a lock of grade 1 could be more suitable for 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're worried about hacking or other security concerns, consult a professional locksmith.
Replacing the cylinder
It is easy to replace damaged or broken doors lock cylinder with an easy DIY project. The key is to choose the right cylinder and follow the directions that are included with it. The first step is to remove the knob or handle, in the event that one is present and then remove the trim around the base of the lock cylinder using the help of a screwdriver. Once the trim is removed, you will be able to access the screws that hold the cylinder in place and remove them using the flat-head screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently pulled out of the door.
Be sure to measure the length of your new cylinder prior to putting it in place. With a tape measure, measure the distance between the cylinder's center and its left and right side. Buy a new cylinder that has the same measurements. This will stop cylinders from snapping when doors are kicked or the key gets stuck inside.
Install the replacement cylinder into the door and then turn the key. This will align the cylinder with the carrier that is usually located on the outside of your lock. Then, loosen the set screws which should be a couple of turns in the head. If there is a screw on the edge of the case, which holds the door, you will need to remove it.
You can replace the old lock cylinder with the new one by inserting it into the case and then tightening the set screws. Reinstalling the piece that connects the cylinder to a lock indicator stem is also important. It is done by pulling three small tabs at the back of the cylindrical using needle-nosed pliers. Attach the bracket that is smaller to the back of the cylinder. Then, you need to reinstall the strike plate and latch plate, as well as the retaining ring that is attached to the top lock cylinder.
Installing the new lock
Begin by measuring the width of your door if you are replacing an existing lock. Most locksets for residential use are designed for doors with 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 an extra thick door kit. This will include longer screws and either an extension for the spindle or a longer tail piece for door knobs.
The majority of locks come with a detailed instruction manual to help you install the new hardware. Take the time to read the instructions before beginning the process to make sure that you are following all of the necessary steps. The manual will give you an idea of the level of skill that is required to finish the task. If you're changing a lock for the first time, you might consider asking a more experienced person for help.
It's a great idea to cover the holes in the old lock before installing the new lock. This will prevent the screws from falling out of the holes and will protect any tile you might have installed in the area. It also shields your tiles from damage caused by rust, dirt 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 tape as well as masking tape when you have it.
After taking off the screws that connect the lock's interior half to its exterior then pull the lock straight away. It's important to do this swiftly so that the lock doesn't end up accidentally closing itself and damage the mechanism.
Install the new latch bolt in the upper cross bore of the new lock if it has one. Make sure that you place it in the right position, which will be indicated by an arrow. Next, fit the latch plate onto the bolt and screw it in place.
Finally, screw in the deadbolt and strike plates to the door jamb. Test the deadbolt by throwing it a few times to verify that it extends all way to the strike plate and is completely secure. Follow the directions that come with your electronic smart lock to program it. This requires downloading an application and registering your e-mail address, confirming your identity, and connecting to the wireless network to connect your device.