How to Replace Door Locks There are many reasons to replace your door lock. It could be that you have an old broken lock or you want an upgrade to a lock that has more security features. Whatever the reason, it's simple to change your door lock. Removal of old handles and lock components It is essential to first remove the old hardware prior to replace the door lock. This includes the handle, latch and the knob. The old hardware can be replaced by newer ones. There are many reasons to replace the hardware on your door. This includes damage caused by normal wear and tear, temperature fluctuations or if you're planning to remodel. Apart from the usual suspects, you can also look online for top-quality replacements. For the first step, you'll need a screwdriver. A flathead is suitable for removing the base plate and the backing ring. A hex key can be used to remove the grub screw on the neck of the handle. Then, you'll need pliers with a good quality. A small chisel may be essential if you're replacing a knob. A new knob or handle for your door is sufficient however a door lock can be added to increase security. Door locks add a bit of flair to the look of your home while adding security and peace. When it comes time to replace your door hardware, you want to make it right the first time. There are a myriad of options and not all handles are made equal. It's worth taking the time to look into your options. Another thing to think about is the backset. Modern door handles don't require an extra cover plate. If you're replacing a doorknob of a different style however, you may have to take off the old hardware to ensure that the new one is installed correctly. one. Remove the door lock/latch assembly. If you have a door lock that is not working correctly It is likely that the latch is stuck inside the strike plate. This is a common problem that is easily fixed. You will need to take the latch off the door and clean the latch mechanism. A great way to begin is by using a screwdriver. You can gently shake the tool to loosen the latch. Don't press too hard on the fastener with a recessed design, because this could damage the door. Next, you will need to remove the strike plate. The strike plate is an iron piece that is attached to the frame of the door. It could be bent as time passes. It can be a good idea to fill the slot in the strike plate with wood. It's similar to taking off the cylinder lock in order to remove the latch. The latching mechanism is a bolt that is fitted into a strike plate on the door frame. Many screws are used to fix the latch in place. The screws are on both the inside and outside of the door. You'll need to remove two of the screws to release the latch. Next, use a large flat-blade screwdriver, to remove the latch. Certain doors have painted surfaces. Some doors have slots that allow the latch to pass through. You won't be able to install the latch again in the event that you don't have one. The deadbolt needs to be removed. It may be time for a new deadbolt if it isn't working as efficiently as it did previously. It is easy to replace a deadbolt. First, you must remove the old deadbolt before you install it. There are a variety of ways to remove deadbolts. However they all follow the same basic steps. Generally, you will need an electric screwdriver and small containers to store the dislodged pieces. One of the easiest methods to remove deadbolts is to take off the plate that holds the bolt in place. Two screws usually hold the plate in place. A set plate is also an extremely small piece of steel which is placed on the outside of your door. Before the new deadbolt is installed, it is vital that the front and rear plates are aligned. Some deadbolts have decorative covers to conceal the screws that mount them. These covers are used to protect the lock as well as for aesthetic purposes. Another option is to unbolt the cylinder that is keyed from the deadbolt. This can be done by taking off the screws from the inside of the cylinder. Sometimes, the door can be opened to allow the cylinder to be removed. If the keyed cylinder you are using has an engraved plate and you want to remove it, you can remove it from the lock. It should be possible to pull the bolt from the lock without the help of a screwdriver after the plate has been removed. Take off the strike plates You have to take care of the strike plates on your door if you want to increase the security of your home. They prevent forced entry. But, they can also be damaged or misaligned. You can take the old door and replace it with a new one if you're planning to upgrade. First, you need to remove the old strike plate from the door jamb. You can remove the old strike plate using a screwdriver. Then, mark the location of the new one with chalk. Once you have the new strike plate, it is time to place it into the old hole. Make sure you are able to get a good fit between the latch bolt and the hole. Before putting in the new plate, ensure that the holes are large enough to accommodate the screws. Make sure that the screws are in line with the edges. Using wood filler to fill in gaps assist. To adjust the strike plate, you can do so by sliding the other side. However, this isn't the most efficient method and can take a long time. To take a simpler and speedier method you can simply move the handle towards the door. You will be able see whether the strike plate is in the correct position. You can smooth the screws when they are too close to the edge of the plate. However, you must be careful not to cause damage to the threads. Repairing an actuator for a door lock If you're having problems with the door lock actuator There are a few areas to examine. The wiring is the most obvious. The actuator could need to be replaced if electrical connections aren't working. A door lock actuator is a motor-based device that allows you to unlock or lock your vehicle. This piece of technology was created to make the lives of car owners simpler. It is possible that you will need to do some research, regardless whether you're a professional or a novice mechanic. But, there are ways you can fix the actuator yourself. The first step when doing the work yourself is to pinpoint the cause. To check if the motor is functioning properly you can use the tester light or measuring device. Also, you can try to remove the panel. Be cautious when doing this to avoid damaging to the door and its surrounding components. There are online videos that will show you how to perform the same job. Usually, these videos are made by people who have previous experience in the area. Although you can make the repairs on your own but it is best to take it to a mechanic. They will be able to help you get the most value from your investment. Installing a new lock on your door A new lock for your door can increase the security of your home. However, if you're not sure of your capability to do the job you're better off seeking assistance from a professional. The good news is that installing a brand new door lock isn't as difficult as it seems. There are several steps to be followed, including taking out the old lock, determining the kind of lock you'll need to install, and selecting the right lock to be suitable for your home's needs. It's easy to do if you have the proper tools. You'll have to take a look at the dimensions of the holes you have and decide whether or not you need to add more holes or if you can do without them. When you've found the answer, you'll be on your way to installing a brand new modern, contemporary door lock. Although the smallest lock may not be the most secure, it can be the most convenient to use. A smart card door lock is a good example. Another instance is a keyed entry door knob. This kind of doorknob can be installed without needing to drill holes for your door. You may require accessories based on your requirements. These accessories can be quite taxing on your hands and it's a good idea to speak with a professional in the field before making a purchase. Take a look at your door. This is the most important step in this procedure. Utilizing a template or jig you'll be able determine the exact location of the new latch and bolt.