How To Replace Home Locks

If you need to replace the locks on your home for any reason, the first thing to do is make an inventory of how many locks you need to change and take a note of the type and brand of each lock. Common reasons for needing to change a lock include break-ins, a lock that has ceased to function properly or lost keys. You may also want to change the locks if you move into a new property, so that you are safe in the knowledge that no one else will have copies of the keys.

There are several types of locks, so it is a good idea to take a note of the types before calling a locksmith or making plans to change them yourself. If you plan to change the locks yourself, it is a good idea to make sure that you choose the same brand of lock as well as the same type as your replacement. This is because it is then less likely that the door itself will need adjustments. Common household locks include mortice locks – locks that require a pocket to be cut into the door in which they will be fitted – and Yale locks, pin tumbler locks that use pins of a variety of lengths to identify the correct key.

When replacing mortice locks, make sure the door is ajar when you start working. You will need to first remove the old locking mechanism. Do this by backing out the screws that hold the lock together. You'll be able to find these in the inside of the knob. Once you've removed them, you should be able to simply pull the knobs away from each other. Be careful not to let the door close at this point, or you will need to reattach the knob or use a knife to jam it open again.

Next, you'll need to remove the latch or deadbolt - you'll find two screws in the edge of the door that are holding it in. If your new lock is the same brand and type as the old one, you may be able to skip this step. This is desirable as not only does it save you time, but removing and replacing screws eventually weakens their hold in the door. If you do need to fit a new body, you can use longer screws to minimise this effect.

When replacing Yale locks, you need to remove the two screws on the back of the door. You should then be able remove the lock box. The lock's back plate will then be revealed, and you will find two more screws located above the lock's shank. Remove these and you should be able to take the barrel or cylinder out of the door and replace it with a new one. Follow the same steps in reverse to secure your lock.

One of the main reasons people replace locks is because they've lost a set of keys and are worried that they've fallen into the wrong hands. If you've lost your keys, check the terms of your home insurance policy to see if there's anything the providers can do to help you.