Have you ever wished your door locks were smart locks, but didn’t want to change the keys or the colors? now you can. You can buy a piece of hardware designed to fit inside or outside your existing deadbolt hardware.
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The new, smart interior or exterior piece will power your old deadbolt hardware. We’ll shed light on the technique and show you how to set it up.
Advantages and disadvantages of converting to smart lock
You may or may not already have Smart Lock. If you’re unsure, you can determine if you already have smart devices in your home.
If you don’t have smart locks, there are some advantages to keeping your existing lock hardware in place. You can keep your existing keys without the key again, or carry extra keys on your keychain.
And the look of your existing lock hardware will not change. You won’t be able to tell by looking at it that it’s a smart lock, which is an advantage for those who like the vintage look of door hardware. If you like the color that’s also an advantage.
Matching new door hardware colors to door hardware throughout your home can be difficult. But there’s no need to worry if you only use a smart, internal locking mechanism.
Just to note, retrofitting new hardware to your existing lock can be difficult, especially if you have older locks in your home. If your conversion hardware doesn’t fit, you can always replace your entire old lock with a new smart lock.
to start
Installation instructions may vary, but in this article we’ll use the Level Bolt Smart Lock as an example. There are other products that will accomplish a similar task, such as the Kwikset Convert Smart Lock Conversion Kit.
As a first step, make sure your existing key and deadbolt work as expected. Doors can settle, and deadbolts can stop working when they don’t go into the door frame.
If your existing deadbolt works, also make sure the new deadbolt piece (if any) will fit into the door frame hole when you apply the lock. In some cases it can be very large.
Also make sure that your conversion hardware will fit with your older hardware. New doors may most likely work with the conversion hardware of the new deadbolt. Take lots of pictures along the way for reference if you need to put the old lock back together.
installation instructions
You will probably need a Phillips screwdriver to perform these steps.
Unscrew and remove the two long screws that hold the existing deadbolt in place. They are found on the side that locks.
Remove both sides of the outer lock housing from the door, leaving only the inner mechanism that attaches to the actual deadbolt.
Remove the two screws that hold the deadbolt to the side of the door.
Take the deadbolt and small internal component out of the door.
Replace the removed deadbolt with a level bolt deadbolt, sliding it back into the door the same way you took the old deadbolt out.
Tighten the motor with the small screw already on the motor. Be careful not to tighten and strip it too far.
Insert the two small screws back into the new deadbolt strike plate to secure the deadbolt, and tighten them with a screwdriver.
Choose the correct “tailpiece” from a few included options.
It is a small cylindrical tube. This will form the transition piece between the original lock hardware and the level bolt gearbox. The original lock rod that operates the deadbolt must fit through this piece.
Slide the original lock components back onto both sides of the door the same way you removed them. Make sure everything fits back together flush against the sides of both doors.
Put the two long screws back through the deadbolt body and secure them with a screwdriver.
Make sure the thumb turn level and/or the original key still operates the lock.
Optional: Replace old door frame strike plate with new one. It’s the rectangular plate that the deadbolt slides into and out of the door frame when locked. Secure the new screws.
In the app home screen, you can tap and hold the lock location icon. Your lock will be unlocked or locked.
Out with the old and in with the new
It is wiser not to ruin your old lock. Especially if it works well. Why not enhance it with smart features as well? The Level Bolt Smart Lock is relatively easy to install and easy to operate. You can recycle the functionality, look and security of your lock.
You can be with the new—and still with the old and functional.