Many homeowners will consider replacing their locks when they are showing signs of wear. Changing a lock can also help homeowners save money in the long run.
Homeowners should also choose quality hardware that is designed to last. This can be easily found at hardware and home improvement stores.
Changing a cylinder
If you have a cylinder lock on your door, it may be time to replace it. There are several ways to tell if your lock cylinder is about to fail, but the most obvious sign is that the key becomes harder to turn. You might have to jiggle it to get it to turn.
Changing a cylinder lock is not difficult and can be done in about 30 minutes. To start, remove the screw from the faceplate along the edge of the door and put it somewhere safe. Then, open the lock and turn it slightly to the left and right while pulling it toward you. Eventually, the cylinder will come out.
If your cylinder is damaged, you can call a Certified locksmithsto rekey the lock. They will replace the pins or wafers to make it work with a different key. Rekeying is a quick and affordable service that can save you money on new hardware.
Changing a mortice lock
Depending on the type of lock you have, changing a mortice lock can take a little while. This is particularly true if the new lock needs to be up graded to British standard. You may need to purchase a special mortice key and new latch.
The first step is to remove the levers, handleset or knobs and the mortise cylinder(s). Next, unscrew the edge mounting screws on the lock body. Then, slide the body of the new lock into place and screw it back into place.
When buying a replacement mortice lock, you should look for one that is the same make as the old one. This will ensure that the new lock will fit into the existing holes in the door. It is also important to mark the positions of the handle spindle hole and the keyhole on the door with a carpenters square. You will also need to drill the holes for these on the door.
Changing a lock on a wooden door
Like any mechanism with moving parts, locks wear out over time. This is usually because the pins fuse or seize, but can also happen due to jamming the wrong key into a lock or simply the repeated movement of locking and unlocking the door. It’s a good idea to replace your lock if it has visible damage or feels clunky.
The first step is to remove the screws that hold the lock in place. Then, loosen the bolt with a wrench or screwdriver. Once the bolt is loose, you can pull it out of the door.
The next step is to mark where you need to drill the hole. Generally, this will be on the back of the lock body (which should have a label) and the front of the strike plate. Then, mark on the door frame where you need to drill the holes (16mm is normally what’s required). Drill the holes and then chisel off the ridges of wood that are not needed.
Changing a lock on a composite door
If you want to Lock Replacement Services on your composite door, make sure to remove the old ones first. This will save you time and money. Also, it’s a good idea to use the same type of lock as the previous one. Using the same type of lock will reduce the number of holes needed to get the job done.
If your composite door is having problems with locking, it could be an issue with the cylinder or mechanism itself. It may have dropped or lost its position and continued use of the mechanism can damage it further.
This is usually an easy fix and can be solved by adjusting the lock’s hinges or replacing them altogether. It is also a good idea to spray the locking mechanisms with lubricant to keep them in working order. This will help to prevent them from sticking over time. It is recommended to do this once a month.