Switching is okay, especially when it comes to your safety! In this case we talk about changing the lock of a door. It's a fairly simple operation that doesn't take much more than a few minutes, but will pay off with great peace of mind. This article gives you the information you need to change a key and bolt lock without latch.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Remove the Old Lock
Step 1. Determine the brand of the lock
It is usually engraved on top of it or on the key (especially if you painted the outside of the lock, or if it's a salvaged piece from an old knob). You will not need a precise and perfect replacement for your old lock, but knowing the make, style, problems and characteristics of the old lock will help you understand if the new one will look and function as advertised.
Replacing the lock with another of the same brand and with the same basic style will help you avoid changes to the door structure
Step 2. Measure the handle or knob
Often the front and rear parts of the lock will be larger than the internal ones. Knowing the size you need in advance will save you a lot of headaches.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the knob or handle. Most of the current locks have a diameter of 6 or 6.5 cm.
- The latch or hook in many modern locks, but check carefully before buying the lock to avoid having to go back and replace it.
- Older locks can vary in size, but are generally smaller and require more carpentry work. If you find yourself with such a lock, try browsing the flea markets for locks in good condition.
Step 3. Remove the inner knob if possible
Detach the springs holding it in place. At this point it should be easy to pull it out, leaving only the decorative cover in place. If you can't get to the springs before removing the cover, first remove the inner cover and then the knob.
Step 4. Remove the inner cover
The screws may or may not be visible before removing the handle (or knob): if they are visible, remove them and set them aside. If they are not, search the edges for a hole with an Allen slot inside. If there are no hidden holes or screws, the plate is simply stuck - use a thin-slotted screwdriver to slowly detach it from the cover, making the internal mechanism visible.
Step 5. Disassemble the lock sections by unscrewing the two internal screws
Remove the screws securing the inner section to the outer half. They are usually found on the inner half of the knob (or handle). When you have removed the two screws, simply remove the two parts of the knob.
Do not close the door or you will have to reinsert the half of the knob with the key into the slot or use a screwdriver or knife to open it
Step 6. Remove the handle assembly
Unscrew the two screws from the assembly on the side of the door. Also remove the door jamb.
- If the new lock is the same make and model as the old one, you may be able to hold the side and front plate. Put the new plates up to the old ones and check if they match. If they are the same it is better to keep the old ones, because removing and changing the screws tends to decrease their grip on the wood.
- If you can't get the new screws to bite, try putting wooden shims in the gap and break them in (toothpicks are great).
- Alternatively, you can buy longer screws, but make sure the heads are identical to the others or they may not fit well and cause problems.
Part 2 of 4: Fit the new Lock
Step 1. Secure the latch
File any imperfections on it to make it fit perfectly. Put it inside the nozzle of the stop. If it seems to fit well, wait to put in the other screws until the other parts of the lock are secured.
If the latch fails to fit inside the vent, put the screws in and tighten them well
Step 2. Install your new lock, making sure the slot is on the outside
Insert the external parts inside the hole, on the latch resting points. Keeping them parallel to the floor, slide the internal parts on, sliding them over the outside of the lock. Insert the screws and tighten them well.
Check that the face plates are aligned with the new lock. If not, you will need to replace them
Step 3. Test the latch movement and the lock mechanism with the key
Try with the door open because if something doesn't work, you will find yourself locked out!
Step 4. Tighten the remaining screws and check that everything works fine:
the handle should be easy to turn, and the door should open and close smoothly.
Part 3 of 4: Remove a Latch Lock with Latch
Step 1. Disassemble the latch by unscrewing the external screws
This will allow you to have access to the inside of the lock.
Step 2. Use an Allen key to remove the internal screws of the dead bolt
A few quick turns of the Allen key should loosen the mechanism from the inside. Remove the inner and outer cylinders.
If your deadbolt has protective plates on the screws, use a putty knife and hammer to pry them off and pliers to remove them. After that, use an Allen key to unscrew the mounting parts
Step 3. If you are unable to remove the screws with the Allen key, you may need to drill a hole in the dead bolt to remove them
It is not the best solution, it requires a very hard bit, but it will definitely help to remove the latch.
- Drill a hole from the outside in the cylinder in the center of the latch bolt to the inner pins and then remove them.
- Drill a hole on both sides of the deadbolt halfway between the top and bottom. Drill through both sides until the outer cover pops out.
- Put a screwdriver in the latch and turn the handle.
Step 4. Remove the Phillips head screws on the side of the door to remove the latch
Take the old dead bolt and remove any residue or dust coming from the nozzle.
Part 4 of 4: Install the new Latch Latch
Step 1. Orient and load the new deadbolt latch lock into the door profile
Make sure the top of the deadbolt is facing up. After aligning it, load it and screw it with two Phillips screws without tightening it too much.
Once the latch is mounted on the door profile, use a screwdriver to test if it moves correctly
Step 2. Align the tabs of the outer and inner cylinders inside the lock
They are flat on one side and curved on the other. Position the tabs until they touch each other. To make this easier, put one cylinder on first and then the other.
Step 3. Screw the screws onto the door profile
Screw in both screws and tighten them well, without shifting the centering of the latch.
Step 4. Check that the latch works as it should
Put the key in the slot and turn - the movement should be smooth and the latch should stay centered.
Advice
- Learn to adjust locks. Adjustable locks avoid filling landfills with adjustable mechanisms. This type of lock allows you to use a single key for all external doors. Some manufacturers sell locks in batches, making the process much easier.
- You can switch between doors and windows with an internal lock, with two locks on both sides. While the former may seem more convenient, the latter may be preferable if you have a door with a large window.
- You can buy complete kits to adjust the locks at a price of 7.5-15 Euros and they usually have a specific tool to open the locks as well as a few extra cylinders to allow you to change the keys.
- Use graphite grease on your locks to avoid having to replace them after a short time. Use this product on the inside of the lock and also in the key slot. An easy way to apply it is to spread it over the key with a pencil.
- You can also change a lock, going from a passing one (without closure) to a button one that works only from the inside or with a key.
Warnings
- If you have a keyless latch on the inside and outside, then you need to keep a key on hand in case of an emergency. You should keep it in a place that is easy to reach even in the event of a fire and that everyone is aware of. You can attach it to a fire extinguisher or a flashlight. Do not remove it from its place except in an emergency.
- Also, this key should be original, not a copy. How many times have you had to do the stunts to turn a badly made key? Now imagine doing this in a room full of flames and smoke. Keep a key for each door with this type of lock even if they have similar keys.
