A deadbolt lock is a vital part of any home security program. The deadbolt is a lot stronger compared to the doorknob binder, however it needs to operate properly to succeed. Because most wooden doors may swell or shrink slightly due to humidity variations, a seldom-used deadbolt lock can occasionally become wedged or inoperable. It is possible to get rid of a deadbolt that is stuck in the framework and then replace it with a brand new deadbolt in a couple of minutes using some basic hand tools.
Loosen the mounting screws on the deadbolt cylinder to the interior of the door with a Phillips screwdriver, and pull on the cylinder away from the door. If the cylinder is stuck, then add a flat-head screwdriver under the edge of the cylinder and then gently pry the cylinder in the door.
Eliminate the exterior cylinder in the outside half of the door in exactly the same manner as the indoor cylinder.
Slip a sturdy screwdriver through the backset of the deadbolt mechanism within the hole in the door, and pull on the backset toward the middle of the door to release the deadbolt in the framework. If pulling the backset will not discharge the deadbolt, tap on the side of the screwdriver with a hammer to remove the deadbolt in the framework.
Open the door, and loosen the two screws that hold the deadbolt’s mounting plate into the edge of the door. Slip the damaged deadbolt from the door.
Insert the new deadbolt into the edge of the door, and attach it to the door with the two included mounting screws.
Slip the connecting rod in the deadbolt kit’s exterior cylinder into the backset and place the cylinder into place against the door. Then put the matching inside cylinder over the connecting rod against the inside of the door. Tighten the two mounting screws to connect the cylinders into the door.
Test the activity of the deadbolt from the the inside and outside cylinders prior to closing the door. If the deadbolt doesn’t slide freely, loosen the mounting bolts to the inside cylinder one-quarter flip and test again. You can also apply a little bit of locksmith’s graphite into the extended deadbolt to soften the mechanism.
Loosen the two screws that mount the old deadbolt strike plate into the frame of the door, and remove the old strike plate. Place the new strike plate over the mounting holes, and attach it to the frame using the mounting screws.
Shut to the door and test the performance of the deadbolt. If the bolt doesn’t close correctly, adjust the position of the strike plate in the door frame until it operates as anticipated.