Best Way to Install a Smart Lock at Home
Have you decided to get a smart lock for your residential property? If yes, then you have made the right choice. Smart locks are one of the best and latest ways to increase the security of your house. With the use of the latest technology, the entry of unknowns inside your house becomes impossible. However, choosing the right company for smart lock installation is difficult. If you end up with an unprofessional locksmith that doesn’t even know the basics of installation, you will not get the benefits of the locks. Poorly installed locks are nothing but a liability. However, most smart locks are easy to install and can be done using the proper tools. The best way of installing a smart lock at home is discussed in detail below.
Equipment Needed
- Smart Lock
- Installation Kit
- Phillips screwdriver
- A smartphone
- Drill Machine
The drill machine is optional, as most smart locks come with a mounting kit that includes the necessary hardware for mounting.
Smart Lock Installation Instructions
1-Removal of the Old lock
Every smart lock installation begins with the removal of the old conventional lock. With the Philips screwdriver, remove the screws that are mounted on the main lock connecting the deadbolt assembly. After removing the screws, you can pull out the inner panel. Once the inner panel is out of the way, move to the other side and remove the exterior panel. The only thing missing is the bolt assembly which is held with the help of two screws. When you start unscrewing them, the assembly automatically comes out. Sometimes, the assembly might be deeper, which will need a little force. However, make sure that you don’t damage your door in the process.
2- Installing the New Latch
Most of the smart locks come with deadbolt assemblies. Therefore, you must measure the size of the latch hole before placing the assembly. The hole should be less than 3 inches. But there is a slight chance that the size is bigger. If that is your case, you must make the necessary adjustments to place the assembly. After adjusting, insert the latch into the door. Lock assemblies have an indicator on them that gives you the direction of placement. Make sure you properly place the latch and the lock assembly is secured to the door using the two screws provided by the manufacturer.
3- Exterior Part Installation
After placing the assembly, start working on the outward half of the lock. The exterior part usually has a wire cable which is the main feature of the lock. By sliding the wire under the latch, place the exterior part of the lock inside the frame. Make sure that the locking spindle rod slides through the center of the deadbolt assembly. Once the outer parts are placed, test it by twisting the spindle rod from side to side. The latch should stretch and shouldn’t resist. If everything looks good, pull the latch back before proceeding. Apply tape on the exterior lock parts to hold them in their place before working on the interior parts.
4- Installation of Inner Parts
Many smart locks have some sort of metallic mount inside. Take the ribbon cable first and slide it into the mounting plate’s bottom opening. Install both screws firmly, then grasp the inside of the new lock. The part of the lock should be equipped with the well-known thumb twist mechanism. Furthermore, there is a socket for the outer wire on the back. Connect the cable to the inner part and hook the inner part to the mounting plate. After that, secure the lock in its place by properly tightening the screws.
5- Inserting Batteries
The majority of smart locks come with batteries. If the batteries aren’t present, you can purchase them from a hardware store easily by providing the necessary details. By using a flat screwdriver, carefully remove the battery compartment cover. Then insert the battery provided by the manufacturer, and reinstall the cover.
6- Lock Configuration
After installing batteries, the configuration is the last part of your smart lock installation process. For that, you will need to install an application on your smartphone that supports your smart lock. Connect the lock with the application you have downloaded and start testing the lock. Test the opening and closing of your smart lock more than once to set it properly.
Smart locks are very common these days and are preferred by almost every residential property owner. Open them via a password, voice command, or your phone’s GPS; they make your life easier. This eliminates several problems like a house lockout and provides extra security from frustrating scenarios like theft. Although, poorly installed smart locks have disadvantages. Therefore, knowing the right technique for installing them is extremely important.