Replacing Door Locks Isn't As Tough As You Think

Changing Door Locks The security of your home is dependent on the locks that lock your doors. The need to change your locks is usually necessary to protect your property and ensure privacy. But how do you know when it's time to replace your locks? Do you think it's worth the investment? This article will help you determine the importance of replacing it and when rekeying is a better alternative. How to replace a deadbolt Even the sturdiest deadbolt locks will wear out over time, and you may have to replace them. The lock may become unusable when the bolt is stuck or the pins are bent or twisted. It is easy to change the deadbolt and does not require any special knowledge. These directions will guide you through the steps to replace the deadbolt of your choice, however it is always recommended to follow the specific instructions on the packaging for the lock you have chosen. Start by removing your lock's faceplate which is usually fixed by two screws. Remove the screws with a screwdriver and remove the faceplate from the rest. Then remove the latch and bolt from the door. When you remove the plate, be careful not to damage it. You'll have to figure out the number of holes needed to accommodate your new deadbolt. You can determine the hole from the inside of your door, or consult with an expert at your local hardware store. Having the proper measurements will ensure that the new lock is secure and does not leave any gaps that criminals might be able to use to break in. Once RepairMyWindowsAndDoors got the measurements, you'll need purchase the appropriate parts for your new lock. Certain deadbolt locks are compatible with wooden doors, while others can be used on steel ones. Some deadbolt locks include additional security features, like a pick-resistant design or an anti-drilling feature that can protect your home against unauthorized entry. A deadbolt with high-security is an ideal choice if are concerned about the safety of your loved ones. These locks are typically more expensive than their less secure counterparts, but they're also considerably harder to get into. Apply lubricant to your key prior to starting the installation. Place the key into the cylinder. This will help the key glide smoothly, solving any issues you may have with it. It's an excellent idea to test the lock using the thumb-latch. If it's functioning properly, you're ready to start the install. How do you replace the doorknob You can easily replace your door knobs if they're worn out or if you'd like to replace the look of them for aesthetic reasons. You'll need to take out the screws that hold each knob to the wall, then disassemble the knobs and replace the hardware. Once the new door knob is installed, you can install the strike plate and latch bolt into the door jamb, using the hole markings as an indication. Find a door knob that's compatible with the lock you currently have. Also, you should consider security upgrades. There are several options that you can choose from, but the two most essential are drill protection and security pins. Security pins make it harder to pick a lock, and blunt force protection can discourage criminals from drilling through your door. A standard tubular lock is installed into two holes, while mortise locks fit into one hole. The most important thing is to match the backset, or distance between the edge of your door and the center of the doorknob hole, to the hole in the door latch's spindle. This information can be found in the owner's manual for your home or by taking the existing latch with you to a hardware store when looking for replacement hardware. Before you remove the knob on the exterior and latch rod, locate the rod by inserting your finger into the hole. The rod should be extended and lock into latch which makes it nearly impossible to open the door without being inside. If the rod does not extend down then loosen the screws on both sides of the latch using a screwdriver and then pull out the latch. If the interior knobs are covered with an latch plate, you can easily remove the cover by prying the corners upwards using the flat-head screwdriver. Then rotate the plate 90degrees to release the bar that holds it in the position. If the latch plate doesn't have screws, use a knife to lift it from the edge of the door. Insert the latch into the door hole and align it with the direction in which the door moves. How do I change the lock on the car door? The first step in replacing the lock on a car door is to remove the lock that was used to secure the door. This can be a challenging task, but feasible with the right tools. Depending on your vehicle you may have to make use of a screwdriver or Allen wrench, or another special tool to remove the screws holding the lock in place. It is a good idea to refer to the manual for your vehicle for detailed instructions on how to do this. Once you've removed the current lock from the door, begin to remove the other parts that are connected to it. This is a difficult task, especially if your panel is held in place by screws. If you're having trouble opening the panel, you could employ a pry bar or another kind of leverage device to aid. After removing the panel, you will have to remove the plastic liner from the front door. This can be done by gently peeling it off from the door. After you have removed the liner, you'll need to clean the interior of the door with a solvent. This will remove any residue or grease that has accumulated on inside of the door. If your new lock does not work, it could be a problem with either the actuator for the lock or the door lock switch. In some cases there is a short circuit in the electrical components could be the cause of the issue. It is advisable to contact a professional mechanic if you suspect this is the issue. Before starting to replace the lock on a car door it is recommended to spray lubricant based on oil into the keyhole to aid in the removal of the broken key. This will also prevent the keyhole from becoming dirty while you work on the project. Additionally, it will prevent the lock from getting damaged during the removal process. When the lubricant has dried and you are able to begin working on the lock. You should feel resistance when the lock is locked. It should also have very little movement when it is unlocked. How to change a keyless entry lock A keyless entry lock allows you to modify your lock so that it can be opened via the internet. These locks don't require a deadbolt and instead utilize an internal motor that moves the bolt when the right code is entered. They are simple to install and work well, however there are some drawbacks homeowners should be aware of. It is important to note that keys-free door locks are typically bigger in both the height and thickness compared to traditional deadbolts. Be sure that your door frame is wide enough to accommodate the new lock prior to ordering it. Follow the instructions that are included with your keyless lock in order to prepare for installation. This could involve taking off the existing strike plate in order to give the new lock space to install. You'll have to purchase a new doorknob and latch based on the model of the lock. After taking off the handle, remove the retainer clip using the screwdriver. After you have removed the cylinder, you can clean it off with a towel for cleaning. Then, you can insert the new cylinder into the door handle and screw it back in place using the screws provided. You'll want to ensure that the electrical connection between your keyless door lock and the actuator is secure. This will stop the actuator from moving when the lock is turned on and will ensure that your door will be securely secured. Replace any damaged clips in order to prevent any future rattles or looseness. Make sure you connect your new door lock to the proper power source, which will be either an AC adapter or battery. Read the instructions that came along with your lock, as they could differ depending on the type. Test your new keyless door lock by entering the code to unlock the door. If you encounter any issues with your new lock make sure you contact an expert for assistance.