How to Convert a Legacy Deadbolt Into a Smart Lock

Do you ever want the locks in your doorways had been good locks, however don’t wish to change the keys or the colours? Now you’ll be able to. You should purchase a chunk of {hardware} designed to suit inside or outdoors your current deadbolt {hardware}.

The brand new, good inside or exterior piece will function your outdated deadbolt {hardware}. We’ll spotlight the know-how and present you the right way to set up it.

The Benefits and Disadvantages of Changing to a Sensible Lock

You could or could not have already got good locks. If you happen to’re not sure, you’ll be able to decide if you have already got good units in your house.

If you do not have good locks, maintaining your current lock {hardware} in place has some benefits. You possibly can maintain your current keys with out having to re-key, or carry additional keys in your keychain.

And the look of your current lock {hardware} will not change. You will not be capable to inform it’s a good lock by it, which is a bonus for individuals who favor the legacy look of door {hardware}. That is additionally a bonus for those who like the colour.

Matching new door {hardware} colour to the door {hardware} all through your own home may be tough. However there is not any want to fret for those who simply use a wise, inside locking mechanism.

Simply to notice, it may be tough to retrofit new {hardware} into your current lock, particularly when you’ve got older locks in a house. In case your conversion {hardware} would not match, you’ll be able to at all times exchange your total outdated lock with a brand new good lock.

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Getting Began

Set up directions could fluctuate, however on this article we’ll use the Level Bolt Smart Lock for instance. There are different merchandise that may accomplish the identical factor, such because the Kwikset Convert Smart Lock Conversion Kit.

As a primary step, guarantee your current key and deadbolt work as anticipated. Doorways can settle, and deadbolts can cease functioning after they not go into the doorframe gap.

In case your current deadbolt works, additionally guarantee the brand new deadbolt piece (if there may be one) will match into the door body gap for if you interact the lock. It might be too massive in some instances.

Additionally be sure that your conversion {hardware} will match along with your legacy {hardware}. Newer deadbolts in newer doorways could also be more than likely to work with conversion {hardware}. Take plenty of photos alongside the best way for reference in case you might want to put the outdated lock again collectively.

Set up Directions

You will seemingly want a Phillips screwdriver to carry out these steps.


Level bolt and old lock

  1. Unscrew and take away the 2 lengthy screws which maintain the present deadbolt in place. They’re discovered on the facet that locks.
  2. Take away either side of the outer lock housing from the door, leaving solely the interior mechanism which attaches to the precise deadbolt.
  3. Take away the 2 screws which maintain the deadbolt in place in opposition to the door facet.
  4. Pull the deadbolt and the small inside element out of the door.
  5. Exchange the eliminated deadbolt with the extent bolt deadbolt, sliding it again into the door the identical method you pulled out the outdated deadbolt.


Unscrew old deadbolt


strikeplate screws

  1. It is best to see the contact factors on the finish of the deadbolt contained in the door.
  2. Slide the gearbox motor by the door gap, guaranteeing it snaps into place with the matching puzzle-piece deadbolt finish.
  3. Tighten the motor into place with the small screw already on the motor. Watch out to not tighten it too far and strip it.
  4. Put the 2 new small screws again into the brand new deadbolt strike plate to safe the deadbolt, and tighten them with the screwdriver.
  5. Select the precise “tailpiece” from a number of included choices. This can be a small cylindrical tube. It is going to type the transition piece between the unique lock {hardware} and the Degree Bolt gearbox. The unique lock rod which operates the deadbolt ought to match by this piece.


New deadbolt in door


Level bolt in doorL

  1. Slide the unique lock parts again into either side of the door the identical method you eliminated them. Guarantee all the pieces matches again collectively flush in opposition to each door sides.
  2. Put the 2 lengthy screws again by the deadbolt physique and safe them with the screwdriver.
  3. Be sure the thumb flip degree and/or the unique key nonetheless function the lock.
  4. Optionally available: exchange the outdated door body strike plate with the brand new one. That is the oblong plate that the deadbolt slides by and into the door body when locking. Safe the brand new screws.

Changing the Battery

Your new good lock {hardware} will want batteries. The Degree Bolt homes the battery within the deadbolt.

So as to add a brand new battery:

  1. Lengthen the deadbolt whereas the door is open.
  2. Unscrew the deadbolt finish in a counterclockwise movement.
  3. Slide within the new battery with the flat (adverse) finish towards the cap.
  4. Screw the deadbolt finish again on in a clockwise movement.
  5. It is best to hear a small chime indicating all the pieces is related and functioning.

Setting Up the App

Obtain, set up, and open the app to your good lock {hardware} in your smartphone.

The Degree Residence app features a model for iOS or Android.

  1. In case your app requests Bluetooth entry, enable it.
  2. In case your app requests that you simply create an account, enter your data.
  3. Faucet Add Lock when your app is able to uncover your new {hardware}.
  4. When the app discovers your lock, identify the lock and faucet Proceed.
  5. Designate the lock location. For instance, basement. Faucet Proceed.
  6. Your lock ought to join, and you may hear a affirmation chime from the lock.
  7. Faucet Proceed.
  8. If prompted to replace your firmware, replace it.
  9. When prompted, enter your own home Wi-Fi connection data.

Within the app residence display, you’ll be able to faucet and maintain the lock location icon. Your lock will unlock or lock.

Out With the Previous and in With the New

It is good to not waste your outdated lock. Particularly if it really works properly. Why not simply improve it with good options? The Degree Bolt Sensible Lock is comparatively straightforward to put in and simple to function. You possibly can recycle your lock’s performance, look, and safety.

You may be in with the brand new—and nonetheless in with the outdated and useful.


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