25 Surprising Facts About Change Door Lock Reasons to Change Door Lock

You can change your door lock for many reasons, from improving the security of your home to re-decorating your entryway. You may need to change locks if your key gets stuck or is difficult to turn.

Change your lock is a simple project that even beginner DIY homeowners can take on. Gather the materials needed to begin.

Remove the old lock

Before installing a new lock it is important to take out the old lock from the door. This step is especially important in the event that you suspect someone else has a key to your home. It may also be an excellent idea if have moved into a new house that was burglarized, or had a roommate move in. The process is a lot simpler than you imagine and can be completed within just a few minutes.

Begin by taking off the screws that secure the deadbolt faceplate on the frame of the door. To remove the faceplate, you will need to take off screws on both sides. This will allow you see the inside of the door and provide you with a better understanding of how to continue with the remaining steps.

Once you have removed your old faceplate, you will need to remove the bolt and strike plate. Remove the bolt from the door hole by using a screwdriver. If the bolt is rusty, you may have to use a chisel to remove it. If you're using a chisel be careful not to scratch the door frame.

Before you take out the old lock, be sure that your new deadbolt and doorknob will fit in the existing holes on the door. A lot of hardware stores and big box stores stock a range of locks and can assist you in choosing the right one. Ask for help if the lock you bought does not fit your door.

Find small depressions or notches inside the handle and around the trim as you remove the old lock. If you can locate them, use a straightened safety-pin or flat screwdriver to open the handle.

After removing the screw from the handle, you are able to begin removing the knob. To do this, locate the set screw at the base of the knob and loosen it. Then, remove the spindle.

Install the new lock

It is a good idea to change the locks on your doors regularly particularly if you've experienced a burglary. It's easy, affordable and effective to change the lock on your door. With a screwdriver and a few basic instructions the majority of people can handle it themselves. You may also wish to learn how you can change the lock's key to ensure that only you hold the key.

You will need to purchase a new lock with the same keyway as your existing lock. Most locksmiths will replace your lock at an additional cost, but you can save money by doing this yourself. You can purchase a new lock from hardware stores or online. Standard deadbolts will fit most doors. However, you'll have to measure the door to ensure it will fit.

The lock you purchase will usually include a template that shows how to put it on the door. You can use it as a reference when drilling the hole, which is much easier than measuring each time. If the template doesn't match to the hole you intend to drill then you should take it back to the hardware store and get an alternative.

When you install the new lock, remember to put it on the right side of the door. Check the latch. It should be marked with "up" or something similar. Make sure the latch is properly seated in the plate, and then attach it using the supplied screws.

When replacing knob locks, you should also pay attention to its handing. Certain knob locks are left-handed. If you're not careful, you could put the knob on the wrong side of the door, which would make it impossible to lock it from inside or outside.


After you've finished checking the new lock to make sure it's working. You should be capable of locking the door from both the inside and the outside, as well as unlock it with a key. If you aren't satisfied with the result you can always contact an expert locksmith to fix the issue.

Test the lock

A door lock that isn't able to be opened is a hassle but it could also put your family's security at risk. Luckily, it's easy to fix most problems with door locks through some troubleshooting, and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is properly cut and that the lock isn't dirty or loose. If this doesn't solve the issue, try applying lubrication to the door lock actuator with powdered graphite or a silicone-based lubricant.

Make sure that the doorlock switch, wiring harnesses and actuator connectors all function correctly. Consult window lock replacement or manual to determine the color code and function of each door lock switch wire. Use a digital meter or test light to check if the actuator is receiving power and ground whenever the switches are turned on. If you notice voltage switches that toggle with each other this means that the switches are in good shape and the actuator is likely to need replacing.

If the switch seems to be working however the actuator does not move when you turn the knob it could be a problem with the cylinder itself. The actuator cylinder has spring-loaded pins that prevent the cylinder from rotating until the key is inserted, which pushes the pins upward to accommodate the height of the key at the point of entry. Eventually, this causes the cylinder to rotate and let the lock body open and allow the handle to latch.

If your door lock actuator is still faulty, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator with small screwdrivers to loosen the locking bolt and separate the plastic cover that holds the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door actuator from the lock and let it fall down. Then, you should be able to find the two 10mm bolts that keep the actuator in place and then remove them. After the actuator is removed then you can disconnect the black electrical connector.

Replace the key

If you own keys for your deadbolt or door knob, when it isn't working properly you need to either rekey the lock or replace it completely. It is not difficult to do this yourself and could save you lots of money. But, prior to doing this, it's an excellent idea to get a locksmith to examine the locks and check for any issues. This will give peace of peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.

To begin, take off the exterior faceplate from the doorknob or deadbolt. If there are screws holding the faceplate then use a screwdriver to take it off. Then, take off the interior faceplate using a screwdriver that has a flat head. After removing the faceplate you can remove the screw and bolt from the lock cylinder.

A locksmith can help determine if the existing lock needs to be replaced or changed. They can also advise you on the best security solutions for your home. They can also make any needed adjustments to the door or frame to ensure that it is a perfect fit. They also provide an assurance on their work.

You must purchase a new lock key before you can reset it. It is essential to select a key that fits well inside the lock. A key that is not of the correct size could cause damage to the internal mechanism of the lock and hinder it from functioning. Insert the key into the lock to check its size. If it is flush with the plug, it's the right size. If the pins protrude out from the top of the plug, they're too long.

You may want to change your door lock for many reasons, including:

If you're moving into a former homeowner's house or lose keys, rekeying your lock can be a more affordable option than replacing it. It's also less expensive than a complete replacement. Rekeying a lock that is already in use may not be possible in certain circumstances. If the lock has been damaged or repeatedly jammed, as in it could be time to replace it.