DIY Network

Fixing the Door and Adding Locks to the Window Home inspector Rick Yerger tackles a Cali condo that needs security upgrades. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-207

DIY's Finders Fixers team assists homeowner Jenny Bursch in making her rental condo more secure for her friends and co-workers, Theresa McGuigan and Kristen Pilawski.

The first fix involves a misaligned door that's sticking due to weather and time and a lock replacement. And the second fix finds Rick Yerger recommending new locks for the windows and sliding glass door.

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	One of the security upgrades for the California condo is to replace this old lock...
	...with a new dead-bolt lock that will make a break-in more difficult.
	Figure A

Fixing the Sticking Door and Replacing the Lock

Weather over time can make a door swell and rub against the frame. A misaligned door or strike plate can also make the door stick. Here are some steps to stop the sticking.

Materials:

power planer
safety glasses
hair spray
screw driver
new bolted door lock

1. First remove the door from its hinges. Start by tapping out the hinge pins.

2. Once of its hinges, move the door to a workspace to begin sanding.

3. Using the power planner, sand down a 32nd of an inch off the top of the door and a 32nd of an inch from the side of the door (figure A).

   Safety Alert: Be sure to wear safety glasses or goggles.

4. Start with the blade outside the edge of the door. Once you start trimming, keep the blade in motion until you reach the other edge. Stopping in the middle can cause an uneven trim.

5. When you've finished trimming, seal the edges with hair spray then re-hang the door.

6. Once the door is back in place, you can replace the lock. Begin by first removing the old existing lock.

7. Install the new lock. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper positioning and mounting.

	Installing a door pin is a great way to add security to a sliding glass door.
	Figure B
	Figure C
	The California condo window now is more secure!

Adding Locks to the Windows and Sliding Glass Door

Materials:

drill
screwdriver
lubricant
sliding door lock

1. To install a lock on the sliding door, first begin by drilling a hole through the stile of the door, into the frame of the back stationary piece.

2. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to determine the size of the drill bit needed. When drilling the hole, make sure you're not drilling at an angle.

3. Install the pin and secure in place (figure B).

4. Test that the door locks properly.

5. To add locks to the windows, first remove the window from place.

6. Using a screwdriver, dismantle the frame of the window and carefully pull the frame away from the glass. Be careful not to tear the weather stripping (figure C).

7. With the frame out of the way, refit the weather stripping onto the glass. Be careful not to cut yourself on the glass edge.

8. Once the weather stripping is fitted correctly, replace the frame pieces back together.

9. Add a touch of lubricant to the latch of the window. Then replace the window and try it out.

10. To double your efforts, you can install a secondary locking mechanism that fits right in the window track.