When people buy a new house, one of the very first things they usually do is replace the locks on the exterior doors. This is a great way to give your home a fresh start. It’s important to change the locks as soon as you can. You don’t know who had access to your door before.
It’s easy to change exterior door locks, even for those who don’t consider themselves handymen. This is your guide on how to change door locks, whether you’ve just moved in or if the mechanism has been broken for some time.
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What Tools Do You Need?
This DIY project does not require many different materials or tools. Budget is low as well, depending on the type of lock you choose and how many locks you need. You will need to:
- Set of Screwdrivers (Flathead and Phillips)
- Claw hammer
- Tape measure
- Powerless drill
- Twist drill bits
- Safety glasses
You only need to replace the exterior doors with new doorknobs and deadbolts. It’s a great idea to replace all exterior door locks with universal ones if you have just purchased a new house. This will allow one key to open each door.
Buy a new exterior door lock
There are many different types of exterior door locks available. Although some premium locks feature advanced locking mechanisms or coded entry, you do not need to spend an arm and a leg on a new lock. You want your door to be safe and secure for your family, so it’s important that you install exterior locks. Most exterior locks work well when they are installed correctly. Standard exterior door locks cost between $15 and $50 each. You may consider buying a lock set, which is usually priced between $60 and $200. The quality and style you choose will depend on your needs. Universal key locks are more expensive because they offer greater convenience. If that is not important to you, then it’s possible to save money by buying different locks with their own unique keys. Still, installing new locks yourself is cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith. A locksmith’s fee will include a minimum of $40-$100, plus $20-$30 for labor. You’ll pay an extra $120 to $200 if you hire a locksmith to install your exterior locks. You could spend up to $600 on high-security locks like Medeco. Most homeowners will stop at a hardware store to buy their own locks and install them.
Components in a door lock set
Standard door locks consist of four components:
- Two doorknobs: one for the interior and exterior of the door.
- The latch is attached to the door.
- Strike plate: Small piece attached to the door frame.
- Nails: Each set should include its own nails to be used for driving in the strike plate. Two or four nails are usually used depending on the set-up.
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Installing a new system? Here are some tips to save time.
If you purchase the same type and brand of lock that was used previously, it will reduce the time required to install the new locks. This is a great recommendation for people who are not very handy with tools but still want to try it. You won’t have to make new holes on the door if you replace the old lock.
Usually, the brand can be found on the latch. It is always a good idea to remove your old lock and take it to the hardware shop to find a similar or close match. Even those who rarely undertake home improvement projects can install a new lock on an exterior door in less than 15 minutes. The instructions are pretty straightforward.
Step One: Remove the old door lock
Remove the old lock. This can be done before or after purchasing a new unit, but it is best to do so as soon as possible before replacing the unit in order to keep the exterior door as unlocked as possible. The old lock can be removed by unscrewing it from the doorknob. When you remove the screws, both door knobs will become loose. After the door knobs have been loosened, use a screwdriver and remove the nails/screws to remove the latch on the side of the door.
Step Two: Installing the New Lock
- Grab the new latch and insert it in the hole on the side of the door. Check that the latch is facing in the correct direction. Verify that the tapered edge is facing the outside of the doors.
- Adjust the latch so that the part of the latch that will attach to the knobs is in the middle of the exposed, open hole in the door.
- Connect the latch to the doorknobs and fit them on the door. Use the screws/nails provided in the kit to attach the latch to the door.
- Tighten all screws until they are flush with the surface of the door.
- Use the remaining screws or nails to attach the new strikeplate to the door frame. Remove the old strike plate if you haven’t already.
- To ensure smooth operation, the strike plate must be flush with latch. When using the same type of lock as before, no adjustments should be needed.
Note: Before replacing the lock on the door, you will need to measure it and choose a lock that fits. If you’re not a handyman, it’s best to stick with the same type of lock.
Step Three: Test your New Lock
Test the door multiple times after the strike plate has been secured to the frame. Open the door from the inside. Try opening it from the inside, then from the outside. Opens it smoothly? It should be easy to open and close the latch. Doorknobs must also be secure and not feel loose. To avoid confusion, throw away the old lock key. If you haven’t already, it is a smart idea to make duplicates of your new key in case the original is lost. Some door lock sets come with an extra key.
Final Thoughts Changing Exterior Door Locks and Door Replacement
Changing the locks on your exterior doors is a crucial step in securing your home, especially after moving into a new residence. While it’s possible to undertake this task yourself, enlisting the services of a professional locksmith can ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. For residents in Maryland, Unico Locksmith offers comprehensive services, including lock changes, installations, and emergency assistance. Their team of certified technicians provides reliable and prompt service to enhance your home’s security. By choosing a reputable locksmith like Unico Locksmith, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected by high-quality locking systems installed by experts.
