The significance of a door lock, from security point of view, cannot be ignored. In case, the door lock is broken, or loose, the security of the house will be compromised. You need to replace the door lock in such situations. Check out the step-by-step process to change the lock of your door.
See also: How to weatherproof door?
Measure size of the replacement lock
The first step is to measure the space allocated for fixing the lock. You should measure the diameter of the lock hole on your door so that the new lock fits well. Based on that you can choose the dimension of your new lock.
In case you want to install a big lock, you need to enlarge the existing space on the door or create a new space. This can be done by using a hole saw.
Note, if you want to replace the lock, you should first explore the types of lock, such as electronic, number, fingerprint, sensor-based locks, etc.
Remove doorknob from door
Unscrew the doorknob from inside part of the door. Next, remove the old latch plate.
To save time, you may insert the new latch plate where the tapered plate will be in outward direction (direction in which the door will be pushed). Check if the fittings of the latch plate are perfect. Once this is done, next is to remove the deadbolt. This can be done in the same way you removed the doorknob by removing screws that hold it from inside.
Lock installation
There is a spindle in a door lock that turns the doorknob. This leads to the spring within the latch to make the bolt open the door.
Start with installing the knobs by sliding the spindle on the latch. Then align screws from the inside knob to cylinders that are present in outside doorknob. Once this is done, tighten all screws. Next, fasten the screws on the strike plate. Check multiple times that the latch aligns with the strike plate and the doorknob works well.
The final step is to insert the deadbolt. Insert a new bolt with screws on the edge of the door. Insert the exterior lock part by attaching the metal piece through the opening in the centre of the bolt with screws. You can have different types of deadbolts, some with an interior plate or fancy exterior plate. Read instructions that come along to fix it.
Door lock: Common problems
When the door lock doesn’t work, it’s not necessary to immediately replace it. There may be small problems that can be easily fixed, such as:
- Alignment issues
- Key getting stuck in the doorknob
- Latch not working properly
- Loose doorknob
In case you are unable to remove the lock from a door or fear that you may damage the door, you should call a professional to fix it.
FAQs
How do you fix a door lock that won't turn with a key?
Spray a silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray or a dry lubricant into the keyway and then try to open the lock with the key. The lubricant will help the key turn and the door lock will open.
Why is door not locking?
Weather especially during rains, buildup of dust and damage to the lock or the key will stop the door from locking. Attend to it if faced frequently.
Which tools are needed to change a doorknob?
A screwdriver and flat-head screwdriver are important for changing a doorknob. You should also keep your regular set of tools ready for use.
When replacing the doorknob, can the existing hole space be used?
Yes, but you should measure the diameter of the space and choose a lock accordingly. You can also enlarge the space, or have a new doorknob hole space, using a hole saw.
How to remove the old lock?
First remove the screws of the old lock and then the latch plate.
What should be done to ensure the doorknob is aligned and in turn functional?
Test the door to ensure the latch closes each time. In this way, you can check the alignment of the door, latch, and knobs. You can adjust for proper alignment.
Can you fix a doorknob on any type of door?
Yes, you can choose the type and size of the doorknob based on the space available.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
