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How to Do a Door Lock Change The change of your door lock is an easy and affordable way to improve the security of your home. However, the process is not for everyone. It requires a certain amount of skill and perseverance. It is necessary to replace the cylinder that is inside the knob's body. The cylinder recognizes the key when it is put into the lock. Removing the old lock The first step is to remove the lock you have been using for a while. It's a fairly simple process, however there are some things to be aware of. Make sure that the new lock is compatible with your door. This will ensure that it fits securely and doesn't leave a gap around the latch or deadbolt plug. Once you have removed the latch plate look for two screws or bolts on the inside of the casing, which hold the casing and the halves of the lock. Unscrew them using the help of a screwdriver, and then take the lock out of the door. If you have a mortise locking system, there is a set screw that binds the handle to the spindle. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw, then pull out the doorknobs. You should also remove the deadbolt latch and latch plug from the hole in the door jamb. Then, you can install your new lock. If you are replacing a mortise you must determine the distance between the lock case and your door edge to ensure that the new lock is a good fit. Several reasons might prompt you to change your door lock, for instance suspecting that someone else has the key or welcoming a new roommate. In any case, you can save money by taking the lock off yourself rather than paying an expert to do it. It is much easier than most people imagine and can be done in a matter of minutes. Remove the trim and handle from your door. Then, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can pry the trim away using a screwdriver that is flat. You should be able to twist off the majority of it. In certain cases, you may even be able to take off the handles completely. Then, check the handle for a tiny hole on the interior side and insert a straightened paper clip into it. This will trigger the release mechanism and allow you to remove the handle from the door. Then, look on the interior side of the lock to find a small tab, and then press it with a flat screwdriver. After the spindle is removed, you can remove the cylinder and the housing. Selecting a new locking system When it comes time to pick a new lock, you have many choices. Take a look at the various types of locks and select one that is in keeping with the design of your door. Think about the backset (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the lock hole) and the cross bore (small hole in the frame of the door frame). Also, be sure to select a lock that is able to fit the door thickness and swing. Most door locks have been assessed by BHMA and the American National Standards Institute to give you an idea of how well they will withstand use and how difficult to pick or disable. A grade 3 lock may be ideal for a quiet urban apartment complex, whereas an entry grade lock could stand up to the traffic near a busy store front on a city street. Most smart door locks require a digital key code to open. If you're concerned about hacking or other security concerns seek out an expert locksmith or your local police department to get advice. Replacing the cylinder If your door lock's cylinder is damaged or broken you can repair it in just a few minutes by completing a do-it-yourself project. The trick is to select the right cylinder and follow the steps that are included with it. The first step is to take off the handle or knob should there be one, then unscrew the trim around the base of the lock cylinder using a screwdriver. After the trim is removed, you can remove the screws holding the cylinder in place using the flathead. The cylinder is then gently pulled from the door. Before installing the new cylinder, be sure that it is the correct length for the door you are using. With a tape measure, measure the distance between the center of the cylinder and the left and right sides. Then, buy a new cylinder with the same measurements. This will prevent cylinders from snapping when the door is kicked or the key becomes stuck inside. Install the replacement cylinder into the door, and then turn the key. This will align the cylinder with the carrier which is typically on the outside of the lock. Then, you can loosen the set screw that should be just a few turns inside the head. If there is a screw on the edge of the case, which holds the door, you will need to loosen it. After taking the lock cylinder out and replacing it with a new lock by sliding the new cylinder into the case and tightening the set screw. It is also recommended to reinstall the piece that connects the cylinder to the stem of the lock indicator, which you can do by pulling out three small tabs on back of the cylinder with needle-nose pliers. Attach the smaller bracket to the cylinder's back. Then, you must reinstall the strike plate and latch plate as well as the retaining ring connected to the top of the lock cylinder. Installing the new lock If you're replacing an existing lock, you should start by taking measurements of the width of the door. Most locksets for residential use come with a thickness of 3/8 to 1 ¾ inches. If your door is more thick you will require a door kit that is thick and includes longer screws as well as an extended tail piece (for door knobs) or spindle extension (for deadbolts). The majority of locks come with a detailed installation guide to help you. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly prior to beginning the process to ensure that you are following 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 great idea tape the openings in the old hardware prior to installing the new lock. This will prevent the screws from slipping out of the holes and safeguard any tile you may have put in the area. It will also prevent any potential damage from rust, dirt, and grime. SECURAM Touch comes with a strip of masking or gaffer tape, but you can make use of any tape you have. After you have removed the screws that hold the inside of the lock section to the exterior side immediately, pull it back. It's crucial to do this quickly to avoid the lock from closing itself in a way that could end up harming the mechanism. If your new lock is equipped with a latch bolt, fit the new bolt into its upper cross bore. Make sure you place it in the correct place, which is usually marked by an arrow on the faceplate. Then, place the latch plate onto the bolt and secure it in the correct position. Screw the deadbolt into the jamb of the door. Test the deadbolt by throwing it few times to ensure that it extends all way to the strike plate and is completely secure. If you're using an electronic smart lock, be certain to follow the instructions to program it. This requires downloading an app, entering your email address, confirming your identity, and accessing the wireless network to add your device.