Home security is a vital concern for many people, especially in today’s uncertain times. One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the safety and comfort of your home is to change your house door lock. This can help you avoid unwanted intruders, protect your valuables, and ensure your privacy. Changing a door lock is not a complicated task, and you can do it yourself with some basic tools and skills. If you are not sure how to change a house door lock, you can always seek professional help from a reliable locksmith service, such as Patriot Locksmith, which is providing the best door lock-changing and locksmith service in Kansas City.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing a house door lock in seven simple steps, with clear photos to illustrate each step. You will need the following tools: a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, a flathead screwdriver, a putty knife, and a tape measure. You will also need a new lock that is compatible with your door and your existing keyway. By following this guide, you will be able to change your house door lock quickly and easily and enjoy the benefits of a more secure and convenient home.
Step 1: Measure the Existing Lock and Choose a Compatible Replacement
The first step to changing a house door lock is to measure the existing lock and choose a compatible replacement. You will need to measure three things: the backset, the cross bore, and the door thickness. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the knob or handles hole. The cross bore is the diameter of the knob or handle hole. The door thickness is the width of the door. You can use a tape measure to take these measurements and write them down.
Next, you will need to choose a new lock that fits these measurements and the keyway of the old lock. The keyway is the shape of the keyhole that accepts the key. You can compare the new and old locks by looking at the packaging or the product description online. You can also take the old lock with you to the store or contact the manufacturer to confirm the compatibility. Make sure the new lock has the same or similar features as the old one, such as the type of lock (knob, handle, or deadbolt), the security rating, the finish, and the warranty.
Step 2: Shim the Door to Prevent It from Moving
The second step is to shim the door to prevent it from moving. Shimming the door is important to avoid sagging or shifting during the lock installation, which can affect the alignment and the functionality of the lock. You can use wooden wedges or cardboard pieces to shim the door at the top and bottom edges. You can also use a door stopper or a heavy object to keep the door from closing. Make sure the door is level and stable before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Remove the Old Knobs or Handles from the Door
The third step to changing a house door lock is to remove the old knobs or handles from the door. You will need to unscrew the interior and exterior knobs or handles from the door using a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, depending on the type of screws. You can find the screws on the side or the back of the knobs or handles. Once you unscrew the screws, you can pull the knobs or handles apart and remove them from the door. Be careful not to damage the door or the lock components.
Read more: Ultimate Guide to Choosing Patio Door Lock
Step 4: Remove the Cover Plates that Hide the Screws
Remove the cover plates that hide the screws of the latch and the deadbolt. The cover plates are the metal or plastic pieces that cover the holes and the screws of the lock components on the door and the door frame. You can use a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife to pry off the cover plates from the door and the door frame. Be gentle and avoid scratching the door or the door frame.
Step 5: Remove the Screws and the Old Lock Components
Remove the screws and the old lock components. You will need to unscrew the screws that secure the latch and the deadbolt in place using a screwdriver. The latch is the part that keeps the door closed when the knob or handle is turned. The deadbolt is the part that locks the door when the key is turned. You can find the screws on the edge of the door and the door frame. Once you unscrew the screws, you can remove the latch and the deadbolt from the door and the door frame. Keep the screws and the lock components in a safe place in case you need them later.
Step 6: Install the New Latch and Deadbolt in the Door
Install the new latch and deadbolt in the door. You will need to insert the new latch and deadbolt into the door and the door frame, making sure they align with the holes and the strike plates. The strike plates are the metal or plastic pieces that catch the latch and the deadbolt when the door is closed and locked. You can use the screws and the screwdriver to secure the latch and the deadbolt in place. Make sure the screws are tight and the lock components are flush with the door and the door frame.
If you are interested to be a professional locksmith. This article is for you: How to Become a Locksmith in Missouri?
Step 7: Install the New Knobs or Handles on the Door
The seventh and final step to changing a house door lock is to install the new knobs or handles on the door. You will need to insert the exterior knob or handle through the latch and the door, making sure the torque blade is aligned with the slot. The torque blade is the metal piece that connects the knob or handle to the latch and allows the door to open and close. You can then attach the interior knob or handle and secure it with screws using a screwdriver or an Allen wrench. Make sure the screws are tight and the knobs or handles are firmly attached to the door.
How to Select the Most Suitable Door Lock for Your Home Security?
Your door lock is one of the most important aspects of your home security. It protects your property, your family, and your privacy from intruders and unwanted visitors. However, not all door locks are created equal. Different types of door locks offer different levels of security, convenience, and functionality. In this article, we will help you choose the right door lock for your home by describing the different types of door locks, explaining how to measure your door and the existing lock. Our tips will help you select a lock that matches your door style, security level, and budget. We will also suggest some reputable brands or models of door locks that you can buy online or at a home centre.
Types of Door Locks
There are many types of door locks available in the market, but they can be broadly categorized into four main groups: cylindrical, mortise, deadbolt, and electronic.
Cylindrical Locks:
Cylindrical locks are the most common type of door locks for interior doors, such as bedroom, bathroom, or closet doors. When the door is closed, a latch that a knob or a lever operates extends into the door frame. These cylindrical locks are easy to install and operate, but they provide low security and are easy to pick or force open. A deadbolt lock on exterior doors often accompanies them for extra security.
Mortise Locks:
Mortise locks excel in security and durability over cylindrical locks. Someone installs a lock body inside a cavity or a mortise that they cut into the edge of the door. The lock body has a latch and a bolt that extends into the door frame when the door is closed and locked. A key, a thumb turn, or a lever can operate mortise locks from the outside or the inside respectively. Mortise locks are more difficult to install and more expensive than cylindrical locks, but they offer higher security and resistance to forced entry. They are often used on exterior doors, especially in commercial and industrial buildings.
Deadbolt Locks:
Deadbolt locks are the most secure type of door locks for exterior doors. A bolt slides into the door frame when the door is locked. Only a key from the outside or a thumb turn from the inside can retract the bolt. These are deadbolt locks. They do not have a latch or a knob, and picking or bumping cannot open them. They are usually separate from the cylindrical or mortise lock on the door, and they add an extra layer of security. ANSI/BHMA, a voluntary industry standard, rates deadbolt locks into three grades: Grade 1 (the highest), Grade 2 (the intermediate), and Grade 3 (the lowest). The higher the grade, the more resistant the lock is to forced and stealth entry.
Electronic Locks:
Electronic locks are the most advanced and convenient type of door locks. They use electronic mechanisms, such as keypads, touchscreens, biometrics, or smart devices, to operate the lock without a physical key. Electronic locks offer various features, such as remote access, voice control, auto-lock, guest codes, and activity logs. Electronic locks are more expensive and require batteries or power sources to function, but they offer high security and convenience. They are suitable for both interior and exterior doors, and they can be integrated with other smart home devices.
Read more about this topic: How to open a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver?
How to Measure Your Door and the Existing Lock?
Before you buy a new door lock and change your house door lock, you need to measure your door and the existing lock to find a compatible replacement. Here are the steps to measure your door and the existing lock:
Thickness of your door.
This is the distance from the inside edge to the outside edge of the door. Most doors are between 1 3/8 inches and 1 3/4 inches thick, but some doors may be thicker or thinner. You need to find a door lock that fits the thickness of your door.
Backset of your existing lock.
The hole, which is the centre of the lock bore and the distance from the edge of the door, holds the lock mechanism that someone installs. Most locks have a backset of either 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches, but some locks may have a different backset. You need to find a door lock that matches the backset of your existing lock.
Diameter of the lock bore.
This is the size of the hole where the lock mechanism is installed. Most locks have a standard bore of 2 1/8 inches, but some locks may have a smaller or larger bore. You need to find a door lock that fits the diameter of the lock bore.
Spacing between the locks.
This is the distance between the centre of the lock bore and the centre of the deadbolt bore if you have a separate deadbolt lock on your door. The most common spacing is 5 1/2 inches or 6 inches, but some doors may have a different spacing. You need to find a door lock that matches the spacing between the locks.
Bonus Tip: Patriot Locksmith
If you are looking for a trustworthy and professional service for changing door locks in Lahore, you can always rely on Patriot Locksmith. Patriot Locksmith is a licensed and insured locksmith company that offers fast and affordable services for residential, commercial, and automotive customers. Whether you need to change, repair, or install a new door lock, Patriot Locksmith can handle any job with quality and efficiency. Quality workmanship: Patriot Locksmith uses only the best tools and materials for its work and guarantees customer satisfaction and security.
You must check out this article, if your key is stuck in mortice lock. Read more: How to Remove a Key Stuck in a Mortice Lock?
Video Guidance:
Here is a video guidance to understand how you can replace a house door lock:
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained how to change a house door lock in a simple and effective way. Changing a door lock is a beneficial task that can increase the security and comfort of your home by avoiding unwanted access. To perform this task, you will require some basic tools that are commonly available. These tools are such as a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, a flathead screwdriver, a putty knife, and a tape measure. You will also need to acquire a compatible replacement lock that fits the size and the keyway of your current lock. One can find different types of locks in the market, such as deadbolts, knobs, levers, or smart locks.
You should choose a lock that meets your needs and preferences, as well as the style and design of your door. If you need any guidance on how to choose a new lock. You can contact a professional locksmith service, such as Patriot Locksmith, for expert advice and assistance. They can also help you with the installation process if you encounter any difficulties or challenges. By following these steps and tips, you can change a house door lock successfully and enjoy a safer and more convenient home.
Read more: How to Replace a Deadbolt Lock for a Stronger Front Door?