How To Easily Replace the Lock On Your Front Door: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to protecting the security of your home, most people may think to install a security system or change the locks. Amidst the hustle and bustle of moving into a new home, many don’t realize that one of the best safety precautions they can take is to replace the lock on the front door. While it may be easy to believe that the previous tenants or owners had left the door lock untouched, an old, worn-out, or ineffective lock may be the weak spot in your entire home security system. Follow these easy steps to replace your door lock and make sure your home is secure.

The first thing to do is to purchase a brand new door lock set. Be sure to purchase one of the same brand as the existing lock. Bringing the old lock with you to the hardware store can help you make sure that the new lock fits in the same holes used by the old one. Your new lock set should include two doorknobs, a latch piece that be affixed onto the door, and a strike plate that will be put in the door frame. Additionally, you should have four short screws and two long screws.

Once you have the new lock set, your first step is to remove the old lock. Do this by using a screwdriver to unscrew the two doorknobs taking off the door. The screws may be hidden beneath the door handle, so it may take a bit of turning to get to them. When the screws are removed, the doorknobs should come off easily. Next, use your screwdriver to remove the latch piece from the side edge of the door and take it out.

Now take your brand new latch piece and put it in the existing hole in the side of the door. Be sure that it is the right way around, with the tapered side facing the outside of the door, and adjust it in place so that the sides of the latch piece meet the doorknobs on either side of the door. Fit the new doorknobs onto the door and secure them with the long screws. Two short screws should hold the latch piece onto the door tightly.

The last step is to attach the strike plate to the door frame. Take the old plate off to make room for the new one, and then use the two remaining short screws to secure the strike plate in place. When the screws are in, test the door by closing it to make sure the latch meets the catch of the plate properly, and make sure that the doorknob is secure and that you can open and close the door without problem. Now is also the perfect time to get rid of the old keys that go with your old locks so you don’t risk confusing them with the new keys.

Replacing the lock on your door is the best way to make sure that no one from the past has access to your new home. It is an affordable and easy DIY project that with just a few steps will guarantee that you feel secure in your new home. By following these steps and replacing the lock, you know your security measure is up to date, and that you and your family will be safe in your new home.