How to Open a Hardened Lock Without the Combination

How to Replace the Locks in Your Home

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Moving into a new place, losing your keys, enhancing your security or just wanting to feel safer are very good reasons for replacing the locks in your home. Of course, you could call a locksmith, but the task is simple enough to do the job yourself without paying for a pro. Rekeying your locks is another option, but that would require a locksmith if you want to make sure the job is done right.

Prior to replacing the locks in your home, it's a good idea to do some research to find the right kind of locksets for your needs. Take a photo of the existing lockset on the door, and then show the photo to the clerks at the hardware store. Someone should be able to recommend a lockset based on your needs. After that, all you need is a Phillips screwdriver to get the job done. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to replace the locks in your home.

Remove the Lockset You Want to Replace

This is the trickiest part of this task, especially if you don't have any prior experience replacing locks. To remove the old lockset, look for either a screw on the cover plate or a slot on the side of the handle on the interior door lock. Removing the screw on the cover will loosen the knob and the cover plate. If the doorknob has a small slot on the side instead, use a wire tool to press down on the metal inside the slot. The knob and the cover plate should pop out when you press on the metal inside the slot properly.

Disassemble the Rest of the Old Lockset

Using a Phillips screwdriver, disassemble the rest of the old lockset. Pay attention to the order of removal for each part of the lock. You may have to remove another plate beneath the cover plate, the latch plate (or tongue plate) and the latch (or tongue) itself.

Install the New Latch

Start with the latch plate that came with your new lockset. The holes on the new plate should align with the holes for the old plate. Use the new screws that came with your lockset. Next, install the latch, making sure it's properly oriented with the flat side facing the inside of the door and the tapered side facing outside. If possible, use a power drill to lock the latch firmly into place.

Assemble the Rest of the Lockset

Reassemble the new lockset in reverse order of how you removed each part. The key hole should face outside, while the lock is on the inside. Make sure to tighten the screws enough to secure the door handles into place.

Remove and Replace the Old Strike Plate

Even though the old strike plate will probably work with your new lock, it's better to use the strike plate that came with your new lockset. Remove the old strike plate and install the new one.

Test the Door Locks

When you finish, test your door and the locks. Open and close the door several times to make sure the latch is settling nicely into the strike plate each time. Make sure the lock and keys work properly.

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