Older locksets may vary in size, but are generally smaller, requiring more extensive carpentry (and greater woodworking skills). On some models, the exterior faceplate doesn't screw into place, so it can fall to the floor when you pull out the interior plate. Drive screws into the holes on the inside door knob plate to finish putting the lock back together. Alternately, drill on both sides of the deadbolt, halfway between the top and bottom. This article has been viewed 654,776 times. If you have a window in or next to the door, a lock with key cylinders on both sides is preferable (as long as local codes allow and you keep a key within reach). http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,332403_220794,00.html, http://www.familyhandyman.com/home-security/how-to-rekey-a-door-lock/step-by-step, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-upgrade-front-door-hardware, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOYVGKfpywM&feature=youtu.be&t=213, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-rekey-a-lock/#.WY4K0VGGPb0, https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-Change-Your-Locks, https://www.familyhandyman.com/home-security/how-to-rekey-a-door-lock/view-all/, http://www.schlage.com/content/dam/sch-us/documents/pdf/installation-manuals/P513-325.pdf, http://www.homedepot.com/c/installing_a_door_lock_HT_PG_DW, http://diyinahour.com/diy/replace-a-doorlock-and-deadbolt-set/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. To learn how to access the cylinder plug and get the old pins out if you’re re-keying your lock, keep reading! Alternatively, you can buy a re-keying kit for the lock you already have. By simply changing the deadbolts on all of the entryways to your home, you can ensure no one can easily unlock the door and walk in. Over the course of these instructions I will teach you how to replace a basic dead bolt lock. It is very important to install the new deadbolt facing "up." To learn how to measure your doorknob so you can buy the right replacement lock, keep reading! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. To learn how to access the cylinder plug and get the old pins out if you’re re-keying your lock, keep reading! Alternatively, you can keep a spare lock to swap out. Step 2 - Remove the Old Lock. Use graphite lubricant in your locks—you may not need to replace locks so frequently. After you’ve put new pins in, you can reassemble the door knob. Have no fear if your knob lock is fine, but your deadbolt needs to be replaced. It can also be a quick, easy way to switch up your door’s look. This way turning the thumb latch or the key towards the edge of the door will lock it and turning it in the opposite direction will unlock it. Did you find this useful, fun, or entertaining? Or, you can slide something under the plate to change the angle of the catch. I reinvest whatever proceeds I receive into making new projects. References. If you have a deadbolt that is keyed on the inside as well as the outside, then you. Keep constant pressure on the plug and follower, and make sure they’re always in contact as you slide the plug out, so that the lock pins and springs don’t pop out and fly everywhere. If you’ve lost your key, you’ll need to remove the entire lock and bring it to a hardware store or locksmith to have a new key made. might not and even if they did, they could get disoriented during an emergency and not be able to walk a few steps to get a key and successfully operate the lockset. Once you have the kit, remove the lock cylinder from the door knob so you can change the pins inside. So long as you have a single copy of the current key you can re-key a lockset in a few seconds. How do I remedy this? After I installed them, I realized the keys for one package fit ALL of the locks, not just for the one package. I'm also the author of…, Design and 3D Print Your Own Phone Case (in Fusion 360). Use the included bolts to fasten the key assembly and the turn assembly firmly together. That may be, but don't let paranoia cripple you too much. Remove the tumblers. Then use the Allen wrench to unscrew the mountings. If you think about it, changing the comb on your locks isn't something you need to do very often. Next, put a new latch in and replace the door knob. Draw a tape measure from the latch edge of the door to the center of the doorknob or deadbolt lockset. You can simply take the lock to a a hardware store or locksmith and have the lock changed to new keys for not too much money. Then, you can re-key the lock or simply replace the deadbolt. 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). Once the new lock is firmly fastened in place, with the door still open, test it out using both the interior turn assembly and the key lock.Once you are sure it is working, test both with the door closed. I am also a locksmith (28 years) and completely agree with your advice. If that's what you have, try checking vintage renovation stores for a "new" lockset. If your see rust or other signs of wear and tear inside the lock, you should just replace the entire lock. If your door has a deadbolt, you’ll need to remove the deadbolt and all the plates. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 654,776 times. Once you have the kit, remove the lock cylinder from the door knob so you can change the pins inside. If you would like any suggestions for alternative suppliers, please let me know.). I have done this a couple of times. You can usually buy "keyed alike" deadbolts and locksets (Door knobs and their mechanisms) that use the same key.