You Are Responsible For The Door Lock Change Budget? Twelve Top Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Do a Door Lock Change
Door lock change is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your home security. However, the procedure isn't for all. It requires a certain amount of patience and skill.
You need to replace the cylinder, which is within the knob's body. The cylinder is what identifies the key when it is placed into the lock.
Take off the lock that was previously used.
The first step in replacing the door lock is to get rid of the old one. It is a fairly simple process, but it is important to keep a few things in mind. Make sure that the new lock fits the door. This will ensure that it fits properly and doesn't leave a gap in the latch or deadbolt plug.
After you have removed the latch plate, you'll be required to search for two bolts or screws on the inside of the casing which are holding the casing together with the two halves of the lock. Unscrew them using a screwdriver, then remove the lock from the door. If you have a mortise lock there may be a set screw located at the base of the handle that holds it to the spindle. Remove the doorknobs by unscrewing the screw using a screwdriver.
You should also remove the latch and deadbolt plug from the hole in the door jamb. Install the new lock. If you are replacing a mortise you must take a measurement of the distance between the lock case and your door's edge to ensure that your new lock fits.
Many reasons could cause you to change the door lock, including suspecting that someone else has the key or if you're welcoming a new roommate. In any case, you can save money by removing the lock yourself, rather than hiring a professional to do it. It's easier than many people imagine, and it can be completed in just a few minutes.
Remove the trim and handle from your door. With a flat screwdriver remove the trim. You should be able to twist off the majority of it. In some instances you may be able to remove the handles completely. Then, look for a small pinhole on the inside and insert a straightened clip into it. This will trigger the release mechanism, which allows you to remove the handle. Then, look on the inside of the lock for another small tab and press it with a flat screwdriver. Once the spindle is removed, you can remove the cylinder and the housing.
Making a decision on a new locking system
There are a lot of options available when it comes time to pick the right lock. Take a look at the various types of locks and select one that matches the design of your door. Take into consideration the backset (the distance between the door's edge and the center of the hole for the lock) and the cross bore (small hole that runs along the edge of the door frame). Also, ensure that replacement locks for double glazed windows choose a lock that will be able to fit the door's thickness and swing.
The American National Standards Institute and BHMA have graded most door locks to give you an idea of their longevity and the difficulty to pick them or disable them. A grade 3 lock could be the best choice for a peaceful suburban apartment complex, whereas a grade 1 lock might stand up to the traffic that is frequented by a store front on a city street.
Most smart door locks require digital code to open. If you're worried about hacking or other security concerns, consult with an expert locksmith or your local police department for assistance.
Replace the cylinder
You can easily replace a damaged or broken door lock cylinder by doing an easy DIY project. The trick is to select the correct cylinder and follow the instructions that come with it. First, you must remove the handle or knob if it is present. Then with a screwdriver take off the trim around the lock cylinder. Once the trim has been removed, you will be able to access the screws that keep the cylinder in place and remove them with a flathead screwdriver. The cylinder is then gently pulled from the door.
Make sure you take measurements of the length of the new cylinder before installing it. Find the distance from the center to the right and left sides of the cylinder using the aid of a tape measure. Buy a new cylinder that has the same measurements. This will prevent cylinders from snapping when doors are kicked or the key gets stuck inside.
If you have a replacement cylinder, put it in 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. You can then loosen the set screws which should be a couple of turns in the head. If there is a screw at the edge of the case that is holding the door, you will have to loosen it.
You can replace the old lock cylinder with a new one by sliding it into the case, and then tightening the set screws. You must also install the part that connects the cylinder with the stem for the lock indicator, which you can do by removing three small tabs on the back of the cylinder using needle-nose pliers. Attach the smaller bracket 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 connected to the top 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 are designed for doors with a thickness of 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches. If your door is thicker it will require an extra-thick door kit that includes longer screws as well as longer tail pieces (for door knobs) or spindle extensions (for deadbolts).
The majority of locks come with a thorough installation guide to aid you. Read the instructions carefully prior to beginning the process to ensure that you've followed all of the necessary steps. The guide will also give you an idea of the level of expertise required to perform the task. If you're changing locks for the first time, you may want to ask an experienced person for help.
Before installing the new lock it is an excellent idea to put tape over the openings of the old hardware. This will stop the screws from slipping through the holes, and also protect any tiles you may have put in. It also helps prevent potential damage from rust dirt, and grime. SECURAM Touch comes with a strip painter's tape designed to be used to protect your painter's tape, but you can also use gaffer's tape as well as masking tape when you have it.
After you have removed the screws that hold the interior half of the lock section to the outside side, pull it straight away. It's crucial to do this quickly to prevent the lock from accidentally closing itself and harming the mechanism.
If the new lock comes with an internal latch bolt, insert the new latch bolt into its upper cross bore. Make sure that you place it in the right position, which will be marked by an arrow. Then, screw the latch plate onto the bolt.
Finally, screw the deadbolt and strike plate into the door jamb. Check the deadbolt several times by throwing it to see if it extends into the strike plate. If you're using an electronic smart lock, make sure to follow the instructions for programming it. This involves downloading an app and registering your email address, confirming your identity and connecting to the wireless network to connect your device.