Changing Locks On Old Doors

To change the lock on a regular door knob first use a screwdriver to remove the door knob and the old latch.

Changing locks on old doors.

Since most homes have multiple doors with multiple locks re keying can get expensive. First we removed the hideous old door knob and deadbolt. 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. Once you have the kit remove the lock cylinder from the door knob so you can change the pins inside.

They ll usually be standardized but on old doors they may not be. A measure the door to make sure that the lockset you buy is the correct size. Door thickness can vary as can the exact location of the hole for the deadbolt relative to the edge of the door. When to change a lock.

Before you learn how to change door locks measure the space where you ll install the replacement. When you change a lock you or a locksmith removes the old locking door hardware and replaces it with new hardware. Take care to measure carefully as matching the size can be especially problematic in older homes. When you want the lock to open with a different existing key say so you no longer want to use separate keys to enter the front back and side doors the lock must be disassembled and the pins.

You ll have all new locks and all new keys but changing your locks can be expensive and isn t always necessary. Alternatively you can buy a re keying kit for the lock you already have. 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. Then we inserted the interior mechanism for both the new deadbolt and the door handle and screwed them in place.

Schlage provides a set of extremely easy instructions to follow. Insert the pins and reassemble the lock. If you re worried about installing the door locks yourself don t be. Measure the diameter of the holes currently cut out of your door so you can select a new door lock that fits those dimensions.

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. 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. However calling a locksmith will generally set you back about 50 100 and you could probably do the job just as well yourself.