Whether you are updating your home security or repairing an issue with an existing lock, replacing door locks is not exactly difficult to work.
But, if you’ve never done it before, the process could still be a little bit intimidating. That’s why we’re here to help you out.
If you are looking to replace the locks in your home, it is important that you first understand what type of lock(s) you currently have. For example, if there are two separate locks on your front door, it is recommended that you only change one at a time so as to ensure the new lock will work properly.
The following is a list of the different types of locks found on front doors, along with their corresponding lock change procedures.
FAQs about How to Replace the Door Locks in Your Home on a Budget
How easy is it to change locks on a house?
Replacing locks is a relatively easy DIY project.
Before beginning, however, you will need to determine what type of lock(s) you currently have and whether or not the parts are compatible with your new lock.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?
Due to the low price of replacing locks, it is recommended that you replace your lock if it has been compromised.
While you will save money in the short term, over time rekeying can become expensive due to needing to be done regularly (every 3-5 years).
What type of door lock do you currently have?
If the front door has a keyhole, it’s a single-cylinder lock. If there are two holes but no keyhole, it’s a double cylinder lock and cannot be rekeyed or replaced without calling a professional locksmith.
What tools do I need to replace my front door locks?
As stated above, it is recommended that if there are two locks on your front door, only replace one at a time to ensure the new lock will work properly.
The following is a list of the different types of locks found on front doors, along with their corresponding lock change procedures.
How do you open a locked cylinder door?
To open a locked cylinder door that cannot be unlocked with keys, you can use several methods.
When using the most common method for this type of door locking device, the Cylinder Lock Remover tool is inserted into the lock and turned with force to open it. This method works on most standard doors equipped with this device.
You can also use a rubber band to open the door with this type of lock, however, it must be used carefully as damage may occur. The only other way to open this type of door is to force it open.
This will require different tools and equipment, depending on the make and model of your door.
A professional locksmith is required for this task as it could cause damage to your property or injury to yourself if done incorrectly.
How do you change a lock barrel?
A lock barrel is a metal cylinder that slides into your doorknob or handles.
The following instructions detail how to change out an old lock barrel for a new one.
First, remove the screws that hold the faceplate on your door and slide it away from the door. Then, remove any screws located inside your doorknob or handle and slide off the old lock barrel.
To install a new lock barrel, insert your metal cylinder and tighten the screws so that it stays put.
Finally, replace your faceplate and remove any remaining screws on the interior side of your doorknob or handle.
How do you change locks on entry doors?
The first step is to determine what type of deadbolt you have on your door.
If the deadbolt has a keyhole, it is a single cylinder and can be changed out using one of the methods above. If there are two holes but no keyhole, you have a double cylinder deadbolt lock.
Double cylinder locks cannot be rekeyed or replaced without calling a professional locksmith.
How much does it cost to change all locks?
As with most DIY projects, the cost of replacing locks is dependent upon what type of lock(s) you have on your door. A professional locksmith will be able to replace any types of locks you may have in your home and can provide a better estimate for this service.
A professional locksmith is required for this task as it could cause damage to your property or injury to yourself if done incorrectly. So, before beginning, you will need to determine what type of lock(s) you currently have and whether or not the parts are compatible with your new lock.
This step maybe a little more difficult than anticipated because there are many different types of locks available on the market today. There are double cylinder deadbolts that cannot be rekeyed without calling professional, single-cylinder deadbolts that can be replaced using one of two methods (depending on which method works best for your door), and doorknobs and handles with their own unique locking mechanisms. That means even if you replace one lock, you will likely need to replace all of them.
Regardless of the type of door locks you have on your home, each lock requires that you replace it with a corresponding replacement product in order to ensure everything works well cohesively.
If modifying your door is not an option (due to the location or condition of your door), it is recommended that you replace both locks at once unless there are two different types (such as one doorknob and one deadbolt); in this case, replace one lock at a time.
To replace all locks on your front door yourself might cost about $100-200 for parts; if you hire someone it will be much more expensive (about $300-500 depending on what type/brand/quality of locks you need).
Lock Change Procedure for Single Cylinder Deadbolt Locks
If you are looking to replace your single cylinder deadbolt lock, there are two things you’ll need before starting this project:
- new replacement parts, and an
- old-fashioned screwdriver.
Begin by unscrewing the screws that attach the faceplate to your door, then remove the old lock cylinder from inside your knob or handle.
Once you have removed the cylinder, slide in your new replacement lock cylinder and tighten the screws. It is important to make sure this is done correctly, as it could create problems with key operations in the future.
Lock Change Procedure for Double Cylinder Deadbolt Locks
Begin by unscrewing the screws that attach the faceplate to your door, then remove the old lock cylinder from inside your knob or handle.
To change your lock, you will need two new replacement parts: one for the interior of the door and one for the exterior. Slide in these new cylinders once they are attached to their corresponding knobs/handles and tighten the screws.
It is important to make sure this is done correctly, as it could create problems with key operations in the future.
Lock Change Procedure for Single Cylinder Deadbolt Locks with Key Override
Begin by unscrewing the screws that attach the faceplate to your door, then remove the old lock cylinder from inside your knob or handle.
Once you have removed the cylinder, slide in your new replacement lock cylinder and tighten the screws. It is important to make sure this is done correctly, as it could create problems with key operations in the future.
You will need a screwdriver to complete this task.
Are you looking to replace your door locks?
If so, we’re here to help. We offer a wide range of services for homeowners in Maryland and Virginia who are looking to improve their home security. Our technicians will come out and assess the situation before giving you an estimate on what it would take to get your home back into shape. You can trust us with all types of lock installations, repairs, replacements, and more!
It doesn’t matter what type of lock problem you’re having – whether it’s just not working properly anymore or if someone broke into your house – we’ll fix everything up in no time flat while saving YOU money along the way too! So give us a call today before someone breaks into your house again.
When you work with our team at Twenty-Four Hours Locksmith and Door Services we’ll make sure that everything is done right the first time around.
