Changing Your Locks

by Toni Wilcox

Who has a key to your home? Even if the keys you were given say “do not copy,” chances are someone out there could gain entry if the locks weren’t changed when you moved in. If you can’t confirm that the locks in your residence are brand new, a little investment of time and money will buy you peace of mind. Changing a lock is fairly simple, if you stay organized and don’t let some new vocabulary throw you.

STEPS TO CHANGING A LOCK

1. Check the “backset” or length of the locking mechanism. Measure from the latch edge of the door to the center of the lock. Many new locksets are adjustable for the most common lengths, 2 3/8 inches and 2 3/4 inches, but checking will help avoid another trip to the hardware store. If you plan to take the old lock with you when shopping for the new one, skip steps two and three.

2. With the door open, use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the ring around the lock. These will be on the side of the door facing inside.

3. Once the screws are removed, grasp both sides of the doorknob or deadbolt and pull them apart. Keep the door propped open. If it shuts, you’ll have to reinstall the knob or use a screwdriver to unlatch it.

4. If you were able to buy the same lock, you should be able to skip this step and step five. Otherwise, you’ll need to remove the latch of your doorknob or the throw bolt if you’re replacing a deadbolt. The latch and throw bolt are the pieces that slide back and forth between the door and the door frame. They are easily removed by unscrewing the two screws that hold the metal plate on the edge of the door.

5. Place the new latch or throw bolt in the hole on the edge of the door and use the screws provided to attach the plate. If your lock is a different brand or style, you may have to use a chisel to enlarge the depression where the plate sits on the edge of the door.

6. Work the two halves of the doorknob or deadbolt lock into position and use screws to secure them to the door. Remember, the plate with the screws goes on the inside of the door; otherwise, anyone with a screwdriver will be able to remove the lock.

7. Finally, test the lock a few times both inside and outside to make sure it’s working properly.