How To Resolve Issues With Door Lock Change

How To Resolve Issues With Door Lock Change

How to Do a Door Lock Change

Changing your door lock is an easy and inexpensive way to increase the security of your home. However, the procedure is not for everyone. It requires some skill and patience.

The cylinder is contained within the knob's body. The cylinder is what recognizes the key when it's placed into the lock.

Removing the old lock

First, you must remove the old lock. It's a fairly simple procedure, but there are some things to be aware of. First, ensure that the lock you choose to install is the correct size for your door. This will ensure that it fits securely, and doesn't create a gap around the latch or deadbolt.

After you have removed the latch plate, you'll need to look for two bolts or screws in the casing's interior that hold the casing in place with the lock halves. Remove  upvc window lock repairs Repair My Windows And Doors  using a screwdriver and then pull the lock from the door. If you have a mortise lock, there might be a set screw located at the base of the handle, which binds it to the spindle. Use a screwdriver to unscrew this screw, then remove the doorknobs.

Remove the deadbolt as well as the latch plug from the door jamb. Then, you can install your new lock. If you are replacing a mortise lock, you must also measure the distance between the lock case and the door's edge to ensure that your new lock will be able to fit.

Several reasons might prompt you to change the door lock, including believing that someone else has the key, or you are welcoming the arrival of a new roommate. You could save money if you remove the lock yourself instead of hiring an expert. The process is easier than many people imagine, and it can be completed in a few minutes.

Remove the handle and trim of your door. With a flat screwdriver, take off the trim. You will be able twist off most of it, and in some instances the handles could come off entirely. The next step is to search for a pinhole on the inside of the handle and insert a straightened clip into it. This will activate the release mechanism and allow you to take the handle from the door. The next step is to look at the interior side of the lock to find a small tab and press it using a screwdriver that is flat. After the spindle is removed, you can take off the cylinder and housing.

Selecting a new lock

When it comes time to pick the right lock for your home you have a variety of choices. Consider the different types of locks and select one that is in keeping with the style of your door. Think about the backset (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the hole for the lock) and the cross bore (small hole along the edge of the door frame). Also, ensure that you 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 most door locks to give you an idea of their longevity and the difficulty to pick them or disable them. A grade 3 lock may be ideal for a peaceful apartment building in the country, while locks that are grade 1 could be more appropriate for a busy street near the storefront.

Most smart door locks need a digital code to open. If you're worried about hacking, or any other security concerns, consult an expert locksmith.

Replace the cylinder

If your door lock's cylinder is broken or damaged, you can replace it in just a few minutes with a simple do-it-yourself project. The key is to choose the right cylinder, and follow the steps that are included with it. First, remove the handle or knob if it is present. Then with a screwdriver unscrew the trim that surrounds the lock cylinder. Once the trim has been removed, you can take off the screws holding the cylinder in place using a flathead. The cylinder is then gently removed from the door.


Before installing the new cylinder, you must make sure that it is the right length for the door you are using. Take a measurement of the distance from the center to the left and right sides of the cylinder using a tape measure. Buy a new cylinder that has the same measurements. This will prevent the cylinder from snapping, which could happen when the door is kicked out or when the key sticks inside.

If you have a suitable replacement cylinder, put it into the door and 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 outside of the case that is holding the door, you will need to loosen it.

After removing the lock cylinder after which you can replace it with a new lock by sliding the new cylinder into the case and tightening the set screw. You should also reinstall the piece that connects the cylinder with the stem of the lock indicator, which you can do by pulling out three small tabs on the back of the cylinder using needle-nose pliers. Attach the bracket that is smaller to the back of the cylinder. Then, you should reinstall the strike plate and latch plate, as well as the retaining rings attached to the top of the lock cylinder.

Installing the new lock

If you're replacing a previous lock, start by measuring the width of the door. Most residential locksets have a thickness of 1 3/8 inch to 1 3/4 inches. If your door is thicker than 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches, you'll need an extra thick door kit. This would include longer screws as well as an extended spindle extension or the tail piece for door knobs.

Most locks come with a detailed instruction manual to assist you in installing the new hardware. Take the time to read the instructions before starting the process to ensure that you've followed all of the necessary steps. The guide will give you an idea of the level of skill that is required to complete the task. If you're changing a lock for the first time, you may need to seek out an experienced person for help.

It's a good idea to seal the openings of the old hardware before installing the new lock. This will keep the screws from falling out of the holes and will protect any tile you might have installed in the area. It will also prevent any potential damage from rust, dirt, and grime. SECURAM Touch comes with a piece of painter's tape designed to be used to protect your painter's tape, but you can also use gaffer's tape or masking tape if you have it available.

After you have removed the screws that connect the inside of the lock section to the outside side then pull it out straight away. It's crucial to do this as quickly as possible to prevent the lock from accidentally closing itself and harming the mechanism.

If the new lock comes with a latch bolt, fit the new bolt into the upper cross bore. Make sure that you place it in the right position, which is marked by an arrow. Then, screw the latch plate onto the bolt.

Finally, screw in the deadbolt and strike plate to the door jamb. Test the deadbolt by throwing it few times to verify that it is extended all the way to the strike plate and is secure. If you're using an electronic smart lock, make certain to follow the instructions to program it. This involves downloading an app, creating an email address, confirming your identity, and accessing the wireless network to connect your device.