Moving house is never easy. It requires a lot of planning, packing, cleaning, organising, and let’s not forget the financial strain. One important part of the moving process that is easy to slip your mind is changing the locks on your new home before you move in.
If you ask your local locksmith in Cardiff, they will tell you that replacing your locks immediately when you get a new home is absolutely crucial to ensure the safety and security of you and your loved ones.
When you get the keys to a new home, there is no way for you to know exactly how many copies of that key have been made and whose hands they landed in. Safety should always be your number one priority and you will sleep much better knowing that nobody out there has access to your new home.
Changing a lock can look like an intimidating task and sometimes all you want to do is find a reputable locksmith and have them do the job for you which is perfectly okay, but knowing how to change a lock can be an incredibly handy skill if you find yourself in an emergency situation and unable to reach your local locksmith in Cardiff.
First thing’s first, what materials will you need?
What You Will Need
It is easy to assume that the first thing you will need when changing your locks is the new lock itself, but it is actually important that you first make sure you have access to a tape measure. Ask your local locksmith in Cardiff if you are unsure where or how to measure your current locks. You will want to take the proper measurements before you go shopping for a new lock to ensure that you have the right dimensions for the lock you are purchasing.
The other tool you will need is a screwdriver. Depending on the lock you will likely need either a flathead, a phillips head or in some cases both screwdrivers. You can always purchase the screwdrivers once you have found your locks and figured out which types are required.
If you are in the market for a new lock and aren’t sure which type or brand is the best, feel free to contact your local locksmith in Cardiff and they will steer you in the right direction. Now for the lock changing process.
A Step By Step Guide
You have your supplies, now it is time to put them to work. If you have any questions during the process feel free to get in touch with your local locksmith in Cardiff.
1. Remove the old lock and hardware
Find the screws on the interior side of the and remove them as well as the turn plate. Open the door so you can see the side of the lock and find and remove those screws as well. Remove the rest of the deadbolt hardware from the door. There should be no hardware or screws left in the door.
2. Insert the new deadbolt
Install your new deadbolt hardware exactly where the old one was. Most deadbolts will have indications one one side to let you know which part is supposed to be positioned “up”. Use the mounting kit included with your deadbolt to secure the hardware in place. If there is no indicator and you are unsure, go and see your local locksmith in Cardiff.
3. Insert the new lock
The deadbolt will contain slots for both the locking/key mechanism as well as the turning part of your new lock. Assemble the pieces where they need to go according to instructions, and secure them in place with the screws provided.
4. Test the lock
Once you have installed your new lock, always make sure that you are testing it thoroughly. First ensure that the door closes all the way. Turn the lock on the interior side of the door and make sure that the door is locked, next open the door and insert your key into the lock on the exterior side of the door and make sure that it locks and unlocks properly. car
Replacing your locks does not have to be hard or intimidating. It is always a good idea to have your work double checked by a professional if you are uncertain. If you find yourself unsure at any time do not hesitate to call in the professionals at your local locksmith in Cardiff.