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Reasons to Change Door Lock You can alter the lock on your door for a variety of reasons, from increasing the security of your house to redecorating your entryway. It is possible to replace locks if your key gets stuck or becomes difficult to turn. Change your lock is a simple project that even beginner DIY homeowners can complete. Get the tools you need to begin. Remove the old lock Before installing a new lock, it is important to take out the old one from the door. This is particularly important in the event that you suspect someone else has access to your home. It's also a good idea after you've moved into your new home, suffered a break-in or a roommate moved in. The process is simpler than you might think and can be completed in a few minutes. Begin by taking off the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate on the frame of the door. You'll need to take off the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will let you see what is behind it and will give you a better understanding of how to proceed with the rest of the steps. After you have removed the old faceplate, then you have to remove the bolt and strike plate. Make RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of a screwdriver to loosen the bolt and take it out of the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusted you may have to use a chisel or hammer it. If you are using a chisel be careful not to scratch the door frame. Make sure that the new deadbolt, doorknob, and lock will fit into the holes already in the door before you take out the old one. Many hardware stores and large box stores have a wide selection of locks, and can help you choose the right one. If the lock you purchased does not fit your door. Find small depressions or notches in the handle and around the trim while you take off the lock. If you can locate them, insert a straightened safety-pin or a flat screwdriver to open the handle. After taking the screw off the handle, you are able to start removing the knob. To do this find the set screw on the knob's base and loosen it. The next step is to remove the knob from the spindle. Finally, carefully remove the spindle from the door. Install the new lock It's a good idea change locks on doors throughout your home on a regular basis, particularly in the event of a burglary or you move into a new home with roommates. It's simple, inexpensive and effective to change the lock on your door. Most people can do this by themselves using a screwdriver, a screwdriver, and some basic directions. Based on the situation, you may also want to learn how to reset a lock to ensure that you only have the key. To begin the process, you'll must purchase an additional lock that matches your existing lock's keyway. You can save money by choosing to change the lock's key yourself. Many locksmiths charge an extra fee for this. You can buy a new lock at an hardware store, or on the internet. Standard deadbolts are suitable for most doors. However, you'll have to measure the door to make sure it will fit. The lock you purchase will usually come with a diagram that will show how to put it on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's a lot easier than measuring every time. If the template does not line to your hole you need to return it to the hardware store and purchase an alternative. When installing the new lock, you must be sure to place it on the right side of the door. Check the latch. It should have a label that reads “up” or something similar. Make sure that the latch is seated correctly within the latch plate then secure it using the screws supplied. When replacing knob locks be sure to be aware of its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, however there are a few that are right-handed. If you are not paying attention, the knob could be installed on the wrong side of your door, which will hinder it from locking from the outside or inside. It is recommended to test the new lock after you finish. You should be able to lock the door from both the inside and outside, and unlock it with the key. If you aren't satisfied with the result, you can contact a locksmith to repair the issue. Test the lock If a lock on your door cannot be locked can be frustrating, it can also put your family's safety at risk. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix most issues with door locks by doing a bit of troubleshooting and lubrication. To start with, check that your key is properly cut and that the lock isn't dirty or loose. If this doesn't resolve the problem try lubricating your door lock actuator using graphite powdered. Check that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses, and actuator connectors all function correctly. To check this, refer to the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding of all the door lock switch wires. Utilize a digital meter or test light to determine if the actuator is receiving power and ground whenever the switches are turned on. If you notice the switches switch on and off with voltage it means that the switches are in good shape and the actuator is likely to need replacing. If the switch seems to be working but the actuator does not move when you turn it, there could be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that prevent the cylinder from turning until the key is inserted, which moves the pins upwards to match the key's height in that location. This causes the cylinder eventually to turn and open the lock body and allowing the handle latch. If the door lock actuator is inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator with a small screwdriver to release the locking bolt and separate the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator and let it fall. Then, you should be able identify and take off the two bolts of 10mm holding the actuator in position. Once the actuator is removed, you'll be in a position to disconnect the black electrical connector and remove it along with the actuator and lock assembly. Replace the key If your deadbolt is locked or door knob is not functioning, you'll have to reset it or replace it. It's not too difficult and can save you money. But, prior to doing this, it's a good idea to have a locksmith examine the locks and check for any issues. This will give you peace of mind that your home is secure and secure. Take off the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. There may be screws that are holding it in place, you need to remove them, use a screwdriver to loosen them, and then pull the faceplate out. Next you can use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. Once you have removed the faceplate, you are able to remove the bolt and screw from inside the lock cylinder. A locksmith can tell you if you need to replace or rekey the lock. They can also provide advice on the best security measures for your home. They can also make any necessary adjustments to the door or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They will also offer a warranty on their work. You will need to purchase a brand new lock key before you can change it. It's important to use the correct key inside the lock. Using an incorrect key could cause damage to the mechanism inside and stop it from working. To determine the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If the key fits completely against the plug then it's the correct size. If the pins extend out of the top of the plug, they're too long. There are many reasons why you might want to replace your door lock, including: If you're moving into a previous owner's residence or have lost keys, rekeying your lock can be a more economical alternative than replacing it. It's also less costly than a complete replacement. However, there are certain instances where rekeying an existing lock isn't possible. If the lock has been damaged or repeatedly jammed, for instance, it may be the right time to replace it.