In instances where a new residence has been purchased or a door has been replaced, or in the event of a burglary, it becomes necessary to change the locks on the door. We will elucidate the methodology for modifying the lock on a door handle and installing a new transom. Should you wish to retain the existing door handles, we will propose a solution that allows for the replacement of the key mechanism, thus avoiding the necessity to modify the entire hardware. The procedure is not as complex as it may initially appear. By following our recommendations, one can successfully complete the task.
The following paragraphs will present the most salient points.
1) The initial step is to remove the existing lock by unscrewing the fasteners from the underside of the door.
2) The outer part should then be carefully removed, after which the handle should be turned in order to release the doorplate.
3) The process of installing the new door fitting is to be carried out in reverse order, utilising the supplied accessories.
4) The replacement structure should be securely fastened by reinforcing the fasteners on the face.
Materials and tools needed
When changing a lock, what you need: screwdriver, tape measure, new set of locks, drill, chisel
Changing a lock is not an easy task, but with the right tools it becomes much easier. Let's break down what tools you'll need and why.
- Screwdriver: The basic tool for removing the old lock and installing the new one. With a screwdriver you will be able to unscrew the fixing screws and disassemble the old mechanism.
- A tape measure: Needed to accurately measure the dimensions of the old lock and the doorway. This will help you pick a new set of the right size.
- New set of locks: Obviously, without a new set of locks, the job is not complete. It is important to choose a quality set that takes into account all the necessary security parameters.
- Drill: You may need to drill new holes for fasteners or enlarge existing holes.
Chisel: Used to finish the wood where the new lock is to be installed if grooves or recesses need to be fitted.
These tools will help you efficiently replace an old lock with a new one, keeping your home or office secure.
Step 1: Removing the old lock
In order to commence the process, it is recommended that the screws holding the existing lock to the rear of the door leaf be removed. In the absence of any discernible fasteners, it is probable that they are concealed behind decorative elements. It is not uncommon for manufacturers to cover the screws with small metal plugs, thereby creating the illusion that they are missing. In some instances, the removal of these plugs may be accomplished with the application of slight manual pressure; however, in other cases, the use of a screwdriver may be necessary. Once the screws holding the inner plate of the handle have been located, they should be carefully removed.
In the event that the door screws are encased in rust, it is possible to remove them with the use of a special drill bit.
Step 2: To purchase a new lock, select a model identical in terms of manufacturer and dimensions to your old one.
It is necessary to ascertain the dimensions of the door opening and the specifications of the lock's front plate. It is imperative that the dimensions of the new lock correspond precisely to those of the existing space in order to ensure a seamless integration.
- In the past, the installation of door locks required a specific methodology, but contemporary mechanisms frequently adhere to universal standards. The diameter of a standard lock hole is approximately 5.4 cm, while the width of the front plate is around 2.5 cm.
- Selecting a lock from the same manufacturer will facilitate installation, as it will fit precisely into the existing holes. Nevertheless, even if a product from an alternative brand is purchased, adherence to these dimensions will facilitate the utilisation of the pre-existing holes for installation purposes.
- In the event that the intention is to replace the existing deadbolt, it is advisable to purchase a set that includes the door handle and the deadbolt itself, in order to facilitate the use of a single key for both elements.
Step 3: Instructions for removing the door latch
The procedure commences with the unscrewing of the bolts that are used to fasten the latch to the end of the door. The latch is the component that is pulled aside when the handle is turned and locks the door.
As the bolts are loosened, the latch should be carefully removed from the slot in the door end.
Step 4: Installing the new latch
The lock mechanism should be carefully placed into its designated hole in the door edge. The supplied screws should be screwed into the latch and the door in order to ensure a secure fit. It is not advisable to utilise screws that have been previously employed, as they may have been subjected to wear and tear, and may therefore be incapable of providing the requisite strength of connection.
In order to complete the installation of the door lock, the screws must be inserted into the designated holes located on the inside of the handle.
Step 5: Make sure the locking mechanism operates smoothly
Once both components of the lock have been installed, it is necessary to verify that the lock is functioning properly. Insert the key into the lock and rotate it in both directions several times. It is expected that the mechanism will operate smoothly and without jamming or excessive force.
Step 9: Final Adjustments
Once the preceding steps have been completed, proceed to make the final adjustments necessary to ensure the lock operates smoothly.
- It is recommended that final adjustments be made to ensure smooth operation. These adjustments may include the following:
- It is important to verify that the door closes. The door should close without excessive force.
- It is recommended that the lock mechanism be lubricated in order to facilitate a more seamless operation. A modest quantity of grease should be applied to the moving components of the mechanism, with the objective of forestalling excessive wear and galling.
The installation of a new lock necessitates a degree of care and precision. Correctly following all the aforementioned steps will ensure that the home is adequately protected and that the door mechanism will be comfortable to use for many years to come.