Changing Locks On Old Doors

If you re worried about installing the door locks yourself don t be.

Changing locks on old doors.

First we removed the hideous old door knob and deadbolt. Before you learn how to change door locks measure the space where you ll install the replacement. Replacing a deadbolt which should be done if your lock is ever compromised is a quick and simple process no matter what type of door or lock you have. Alternatively you can buy a re keying kit for the lock you already have.

A measure the door to make sure that the lockset you buy is the correct size. Dump out the old pins insert the new key and use tweezers or small needle nose pliers to match the new colored pins to the color. Insert the pins and reassemble the lock. Next put a new latch in and replace the door knob.

However calling a locksmith will generally set you back about 50 100 and you could probably do the job just as well yourself. Replacing door locks you ll pay from 40 to 300 to buy a new door lock depending on design materials and whether it s a simple key in knob lock or a high end lock and handle combo with. Schlage provides a set of extremely easy instructions to follow. Measure the diameter of the holes currently cut out of your door so you can select a new door lock that fits those dimensions.

They ll usually be standardized but on old doors they may not be. Because deadbolts are meant to provide a high level of security against forced entry you should monitor it often so that you notice signs of damage or wear immediately. If you have an old door lock that you need to replace whether it s because the lock is broken or you re simply concerned about a stray door key you could call a professional locksmith to come change the lock for you. When you change a lock you or a locksmith removes the old locking door hardware and replaces it with new hardware.

When to change a lock. Since most homes have multiple doors with multiple locks re keying can get expensive. Then we inserted the interior mechanism for both the new deadbolt and the door handle and screwed them in place. Door thickness can vary as can the exact location of the hole for the deadbolt relative to the edge of the door.

Take care to measure carefully as matching the size can be especially problematic in older homes. You ll have all new locks and all new keys but changing your locks can be expensive and isn t always necessary. Once you have the kit remove the lock cylinder from the door knob so you can change the pins inside.