Changing a lock is a fairly simple task to do and it only takes a few minutes. A little effort can go a long way to providing you with great peace of mind. This quick guide shows you how to change keyed doorknobs and deadbolts. Information for a mortise type; lock cylinders can be found in the related article listed below.
Step 1
Check to determine which brand of lock you have. This is usually printed on the latch. Replacing your lock with another of the same brand and basic style will help ensure that no modifications will have to be made to the door itself.
Step 2
Check the backset of your doorknob and/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 (6 cm) inch or 2 3/4 ( 6.5 cm) 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.
Step 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.
Step 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 brand as the old one you may be able to skip this step. Just hold the new one up to the old and compare them. It is better to not change them, if possible, because removing and 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 and 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 and cause problems.
Step 5
Installation is the reverse of removal. If you forget something there should be illustrated instructions folded up in the package.
Tips
- You can switch your deadbolt from having a thumb latch inside to have keyed latches on both sides. Although the thumb latch may seem more convenient, you may want double keys if you have a large window 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 and unlocks itself when the inside knob is turned), and a keyed entry knob.
Warnings
- If you have a deadbolt 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 and 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 and flame. Keep a separate key for each door this applies to, even if they are keyed alike.
