A door lock is one of the most important parts of a home's security system.
Installing a new door lock is possible with some basic tools that are found in almost any household, but, it may take some time depending on what type of lock you plan to install. If you do not have an existing door lock, you will need to decide how many screw holes to drill. You should also decide where to place them and if you will need any additional parts. For example, strike plate or screw and all the tools you need. You will also want to consider what type of material your door is made out of and choose a new lock that matches it. Measure the areas where the new lock will go before drilling anything into your door. Most deadbolt locks require at least two screws. You will place them between the edge of the door and its attachment such as a strike plate or side jamb. If your door does not have this space because it is too close to the wall, you may need to attach additional wood pieces to either side of the door.
It generally takes about 20 minutes to install a new door lock. Installing most lock brands is easy if you have the right tools and pay attention to what you are doing.
The following tools can be used to install a new door lock. They include a deadbolt lock, doorknob-sets and other common types of door locks. If you select an unusual type of lock, you may need additional tools or items. It depends on what you purchase. You may also require different screw sizes based on the material your door is made out of. Tools needed for installing a door lock:
Drill with bit for metal doors.
Drill bit for wood doors.
Hammer.
Screwdriver.
Pencil.
Level.
Tape measure.
Pry bar.
Screwdriver.
Strike plate.
Screws.
Before starting any type of door lock installation, you need to ensure that your locks are compatible. Different companies make different types of locks. It is unlikely they will all match up properly if they aren't made by the same manufacturer.
You also need to know what type of screw came with your door. Some are large or smaller than standard screw sizes. If you don't have this information, ask the previous owner. Also, you can try buying replacement screws at your local hardware store.It is best to avoid having problems during the door locks installation process. These two things will help ensure everything goes smoothly without requiring extra parts or time to complete the job.
Deadbolt locks are built with two parts. They are the bolt and the cylinder or core. The cylinder plug can be either part of your door's existing hardware. Also, it can be installed as a separate piece. It is usually done for security reasons. An old lock may not have been built as strongly as today's models. Cylinders also allow you to key new locks without replacing them entirely. You should consult a professional if you wish to replace this type of lock yourself. You could end up damaging it if you do it incorrectly.
It is often very easy to key a door lock yourself. Some locks only require you to turn the lock cylinder one way before turning it back. Then, insert a new key into the lock. It is also possible that your lock will not need to be turned at all during re-keying. It may have been done previously when your home was first built.
Replacing a bedroom door lock is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes.
The first thing you have to do is choose your new lock. There are three most common types of locks. The ones for bedroom doors, which include interior doorknob and levers. Also, there are exterior door knobs and levers, and privacy (or dummy) locks. Interior door knobs and lever sets require little skill to install because they usually don't need any screws or drilling. These types of door locks also come with their own installation instructions. An outside doorknob and levers, however, may require some extra tools such as a screwdriver depending on what type of current hardware you're removing from the door.
Unscrewing this part will give you access to the lock cylinder. You can swap out existing pins with new ones as well as change your keys (if necessary). If yours is a deadbolt lock, you will only need to detach or remove the screws holding it in place.
After determining the type of existing lock you have, you can remove it. If the lock is a knob and not a deadbolt style, you will need to remove the screws holding it in place. The lock may be an old deadbolt and has no visible screws attached. You may be able to use your fingers or a screwdriver to pull out the strike plate. That way, you can remove the entire bolt from the door's frame. If this doesn't work, consult your owner's manual for more information on how these types of locks should be installed and removed.
After removing your old latch, put in your new one by sticking it through existing holes in the door. Place them in the same position where the previous one was installed. Make sure the entire lock is facing inwards when you do this. Then tighten all screws to secure the new hardware into place and you should be all set.
Replacing a front door lock is a little different from replacing a bedroom lock. For one thing, you may need to remove your existing deadbolt. It could be an older type of hardware that you can't change out with ease. Locks for the front door are more complicated than those for the bedrooms. They have more parts and there's always the chance of the door locking while you're working on them. So, make sure to take ample precautions against this common situation. It won't be possible to change some locks on the front door without removing the deadbolt first. The process varies depending on what type of door lock you have. Most exterior door locks are installed using screws. But, you can drill holes and remove them with the proper tools. For example, a screwdriver and wrench. Also, you may be unable to change your door locks without removing your current setup. It is vital to note that there's no thumb latch next to the doorknob. Hence, taking off this piece of hardware will allow you access to how it all fits together.
In most cases, the price of a lock replacement will depend on the hardware you want to use. It can be as cheap as $20 for a simple bedroom set but exterior door locks tend to cost more. They have multiple parts and may require drilling or screws to be installed. But, you need a new deadbolt if the current one is outdated and needs to be replaced. It won't add any additional charges to your project. Tech-savvy homeowners may even choose to install a new keypad or a smart lock themselves rather than hire an expert for help. Most professional locksmiths also offer affordable rates that range from $50-$100 per hour. It depends on how much work needs to be done.
It may be possible for you to install new locks on your doors without drilling. But, if you live in an apartment or condo complex, the landlord may not allow you to make changes. Always check with your homeowner's association before attempting to change your door's locks. Thus, you don't risk getting into any trouble. Although locks that can be installed without screws or drill holes are becoming more popular, these types of accessories aren't quite mainstream yet and they tend to cost more than your typical models. If you're looking for something that won't require any drilling though, it's possible you could get away with using double-sided tape, magnets, or even 3M strips to hold your hardware in place until you're ready to use the screws later on.
The price of your door's lockset will vary depending on the type you have. There are so many different types of exterior hardware and replacing them can be pretty cheap. For example, your front entryway may be using an older model that has no thumb latch plate next to the doorknob and you're looking for something more secure like a digital code padlock. Installation costs may start around $25 to $30.
It's possible for you to re-key your own locks in your existing house. But most homeowners are advised against this type of DIY project. Your skill level may not be sufficient enough to get the job done properly.
Many people don't know how to switch out the new pins inside locks or align them in a way that keeps them secure. They risk doing more harm than good when trying to fix up their door on their own with no prior experience.
It is why it's typically best for you to hire a professional locksmith. They have the know-how and skills to switch out old pins and install new hardware. If you are tenant in Queensland, the Residential Tenancies Authority has a host of information on door locks.Smart locks are a locking mechanism with some type of internet connection. It activates in an automatic way without the use of house keys. There are plenty of different types available including Bluetooth, app-secured, and even fingerprint activated locks. You can install them on your doors today to upgrade your home security. You can also find electronic locks that let you enter passcodes. Also, you can connect to them using your mobile device. They are convenient whenever you come home late at night.