A little work can make a huge difference in your home’s security
You might want to know how to change a door lock for many reasons. Locks are a home’s first line of defense, so you'll want to replace broken or unreliable locks to secure your front door. You should also replace door locks when you move into a new home or experience a break-in. This guide will walk you through the steps to upgrade door locks quickly and simply.
Before changing locks, you’ll need to use your ruler to measure the backset of your door. The backset is the distance from the door's edge to the lock's center. You’ll also need to measure the diameter of the hole in your door. Both of these measurements will help you select a new unit to match the door.
Take these measurements after removing the old lock, then reattach it until your new lock is purchased and ready to install. You’ll find a variety of different types of door locks at your local hardware store or online.
Use your Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew your existing lock. Carefully pull the lock from both sides, remove it from the door, and set the components aside.
Next, unscrew the faceplate from the edge of the door. With the faceplate removed, you should be able to slide the bolt cylinder out by pushing the mechanism from the hole out through the edge of the door.
Slide the new bolt cylinder into the door from the edge. Put the faceplate in place, ensuring that it sits flush with the edge of the door. Screw it in tightly.
Slide the long metal spindle from the exterior side of the lock through the hole in the bolt cylinder mechanism. The interior side of the lock should meet the exterior side in the middle and attach securely without much effort. With the lock in place, screw it on tightly.
Open and close the door several times to ensure that the bolt aligns with the new faceplate and that the new lock turns smoothly.
Changing a door lock is a relatively simple DIY project for the average homeowner. Only a couple of tools are needed, and it can be done in about 30 minutes.
The cost to change a lock depends on the hardware you purchase. Replacement locks start at about $40, but that cost can increase up to $200 for high-end brands. Electronic options can get even pricier at up to $800 for some models. If you decide to hire a pro, the cost to hire a locksmith will add another $75 per hour for labor on average.
That said, there are several benefits to hiring a locksmith near you for the job. You’ll ensure the lock is installed properly, and the installation will often be backed by a workmanship guarantee and manufacturer's warranty. Locksmiths also provide other advice and services, such as a home security survey in which the locksmith evaluates the safety of all your home's entrances.
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