Have you just moved to a new home? Or maybe you just experienced a break-in into your home, then changing your door lock should be on your priority to-do list. One of the first activity new homeowners undertake when they move to their new home is to replace the existing door locks. It’s always best to undertake this activity in other to give your home a fresh start. You do not know who may have access to your home due to its previous owner, hence, changing your door lock is a feat that should be accomplished as soon as possible.

Are you ready to replace your door lock? Good. There are several ways to achieve this, so if you’re interested in them, stay glued to this blog post. I once misplaced the only available keys to my home and that encounter gave rise to my search on the most efficient way to replace your door lock. After going through today’s guide replacing your door lock will be scratched off your to-do list.

Things you need to know before replacing your door lock

Before you go about replacing your door lock, there are some factors and things you need to understand so you can successfully achieve your quest.

1. Know the difference between replacing and rekeying your door lock

There are two methods involved in changing door locks which include replacing them or rekeying them. Both methods will ensure that the old keys to the door will no longer work, however, it is a good idea to know when best to use either of them.

• Replacing a door lock involves removing the existing door lock which may also include the door handle if the existing door lock is a handle-lock combo before installing a new door lock.
• To Rekey your door lock you will have to realigning the old pins and springs in the existing door lock in other to match a new key to the old lock.

2. Buy at least a residential grade 2 lock

To replace your door lock, get an efficient replacement lock. It is better to get at least a residential grade 2 lock which has anti-bump and pick measures already installed in them, they are more robust and better than grade 3 locks.

3. Contact your local locksmith if you wish to relay your lock to match your existing house key

Most homeowners wish to use a single lock to open every lock in the house, if you also wish to do the same, then contact your local locksmith so they can help you rekey them. To successfully achieve this feat, you need to purchase the same lock brand as your existing door lock, or maybe a lock with the same keyway.

4. Measure the width of your door 

Before replacing your existing door locks, measure and record the width of your door. The majority of locks in the market are majorly for a standard door with widths of 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches. If you have a door thicker than this measurement then you will need to purchase a thick door kit to replace the door lock.

5. Measure the distance of the lock from the edge of the door

You would require elongated latch and bolt tools if the lock is 5″ away from the edge of the door.

6. It is better to replace damaged locks

Replacing damaged locks is better than rekeying them because like all mechanisms which involve moving parts, your door lock will eventually wear out, and jamming the wrong keys in them will eventually damage the internal mechanism of the lock, resulting in your key being stuck or giving you difficulty to turn. Rekeying a damaged door lock won’t solve this problem, you need to replace the entire lock.

Tools needed to replace your door lock

It is not an impossible task to replace your door lock, on the contrary, it is quite simple, if you have the right tools. To replace your door lock, you will need the following materials and tools:

• Claw hammer
• Powerless drill
• Set of screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Tape measure
• Twist drill bits
• Safety glasses
• New doorknobs
• Deadbolt for each exterior door

Simple steps on how to replace your door lock

After you have successfully purchased the required locksmith tools (don’t know where to get the tools? You can get them from multipointlocks.co.uk), you are now ready and prepared to replace your door lock. Follow the outlined steps below to replace your door lock: 

Step 1: Purchase a New Door Lock

The first step is to purchase a good and efficient door lock. Locks are usually rated according to their effectiveness which is also directly proportional to their cost. Hence, find the best lock you are most comfortable with that is within your estimated budget. There are different types of door lock available on the market, you can select the type you want, but for today’s guide, we will focus on deadbolt locks.

Step 2: Remove the existing door lock

To remove the existing door lock, first, remove the 2 visible bolts in the assemble plate, and then you can remove the turn plate assembly itself. Next pull free the deadbolt lock assembly, after that you should be able to see through the door hole.

Step 3: Remove the existing Deadbolt plate

Locate and remove the 2 screw heads holding the deadbolt plate and you can simply pull out the deadbolt from the door.

Step 4: Install your New Deadbolt

To successfully install the new deadbolt you need to be cautious about the orientation of the different parts. Once you’ve got the orientation, insert your new deadbolt into the door and use the short woodscrews to fasten it. Remember to insert the deadbolt into the door facing up.

Step 5: Install your new Deadbolt Lock

Position the lock mechanism so that the keyhole is vertically aligned, then insert the bar protruding from the new deadbolt lock through the deadbolt. Now insert the bar on the opposite side of the door into the channel in the back of the turn assembly. Make sure the assembly plate orientation is such that its top side is at the top. 

Expose the bolt holes by twisting the knob on the turn assembly and using the included bolts to fasten the key assembly and turn assembly firmly together.

Once the lock is firmly fastened, test it out using both the interior turn assembly and key lock.

Congratulations you’ve successfully replaced your door lock. Be safe.