Hello there, DIYers! The age of the Internet has not only revolutionized your telecommunication and entertainment needs, but it has also invaded your homes – in a good way, of course. One of the most popular internet-related innovations today is the smart home door lock. If you're asking yourself "Can I install a smart home door lock by myself?", I’m here to tell you, yes you can – and I’m going to help you out.
Why Install a Smart Home Door Lock?
Before we go through the nitty-gritty of installation, let's talk about why you should consider installing a smart door lock. One word: convenience. Imagine this: you’re holding a grocery bag in one hand and your kid's hand in the other — ain’t no time to fumble for keys. But with a smart lock, you can open your door with just a push of a button or a quick swipe on your smartphone.
The Beforehand You Need to Know: Compatibility!
Unfortunately, my fellow DIYers, not all doors are created equal. Not all can accommodate smart locks instantaneously. You need to ensure that your door is compatible with the smart lock you have in mind.
Measure Your Door
You need door measurements to ensure your door is suitable for a smart lock. Measure the thickness of your door, the distance from the edge of the door to the center of your old doorknob, and the diameter of the hole in your door.
Choose the Right Smart Lock
Not all smart locks are the same either. Some smart locks replace your entire deadbolt system, while others only replace the interior part of your existing deadbolt. Research and select one that fits your needs and your door.
The Installation Process
Ever installed a regular lock? If yes, then this should be a breeze. If not, don’t worry; we'll walk through this together.
Remove the Old Lock
It's out with the old! Remove your old lock but be sure to keep the screws safe. Don't forget to detach the thumb latch – the knob on the inside of your door that you turn to lock and unlock the door.
Install Your New Cybersecurity Hero — Your Smart Lock
You're now ready to install your smart lock. Keep that user manual handy, but I'm also here to guide you. Here's what you generally need to do:
- Install the deadbolt: If your smart lock came with a new deadbolt, install it first. Make sure it fits nicely and that the hole in the deadbolt lines up with your door hole.
- Attach the mounting plate: The mounting plate is how your lock stays attached to your door. Secure it properly.
- Connect the cable: It's what brings the “smart” in your smart lock. Connect the cable from the exterior part of your lock to the interior part.
- Secure the interior part: Once the cable is securely connected, attach the interior part of your lock which houses its power supply and motor.
- Test it: Get your smartphone ready and test your smart lock. Keep that user manual around in case you need it.
Maintenance and Reminder
Now that you have successfully installed your smart lock, don't forget to maintain it. Keep the lock's app updated, replace batteries regularly, and remember that while a smart lock provides you the convenience of keyless entry, don't forget to have a physical key handy as a backup.
And There You Have It!
And there we go, folks! I hope this guide has shown you that installing a smart home door lock yourself is not only doable, but also a fun and rewarding DIY project. Don’t be afraid to modernize your home security. As your DIY repairman friend, I believe in your ability to adapt and upgrade. So, until our next project, happy DIY-ing!