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How to Change a Lock

Changing a lock is fairly simple to do as well as only takes a few minutes, but can provide great peace of mind. This is a quick guide to changing keyed doorknobs as well as deadbolts, I'll write another for MORTISE type lock cylinders.

1. Check to determine which br as well as of lock you have. This is usually printed on the latch. Replacing your lock with another of the same br as well as as well as basic style will help ensure that no modifications will have to be made to the door itself.
2. Check the BACKSET of your doorknob as well as /or deadbolt. This is measured from the latch edge of the door to the center of the doorknob/deadbolt. Most are either 2 3/8 inch or 2 3/4 inch. The bolt or latch in many new locksets are adjustable for both but make sure before leaving your hardware store to keep from having to backtrack.
3. Remove your old doorknob or deadbolt by backing out the screws that secure it to the other half. These are found on the inside half of the knob. Once both screws are removed, simply pull each half of the knob straight away from the door. Don't let the door close or you will either have to re-insert the half of the knob with the "blade" on it or use a screw driver or butter knife to unlatch it.
4. Remove the latch (doorknob) or throw bolt (deadbolt). This is done by removing the two screws in the edge of the door that secure it. If your new lock is the same br as well as as the old one you may be able to skip this step. Just hold the new up to the old as well as compare them. I think it is better to NOT change them if possible because removing as well as replacing the screws tends to weaken their hold in the door. If you can't get the new screws to bite, you may have to shove a small splinter of wood (or two) into the screw hole as well as snap them off flush with the edge of the door (toothpicks work well for this). Another alternative is to purchase longer screws but make sure that the screw heads are identical to the ones provided by the manufacturer or they may not seat properly as well as cause problems.
5. Installation is the reverse of removal. If you forget something there should be illustrated instructions folded up in the package.

• You can switch your deadbolt from having a thumb latch inside to having keyed latches on both sides. Although the thumb latch may seem more convenient, you may want double keys if you have a large window or sidelite on your door.
• You can also switch between a passage lock (no locking function at all), a privacy lock (a push button lock that only works from the inside as well as unlocks itself when the inside knob is turned), as well as a keyed entry knob.

• If you have a deabbolt that is keyed on the inside as well as the outside, then you MUST keep a key within easy reach in case of emergency. It should be easy to find in the event of a fire as well as you should make sure that everyone in your household knows where it is. You may want to tape it to a fire extinguisher or an emergency flashlight. Do not remove this key from your home under any circumstance. Also, THIS KEY SHOULD BE AN ORIGINAL, NOT A DUPLICATE!!!! How many times have you had to jiggle a poorly duplicated key to work the lock? Now imagine trying to do that in a room full of smoke as well as flame. Keep a seperate key for each door this applies to, even if they are keyed alike.

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Added: Thu Feb 02 2006

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