How to Change a Lock on Your New Home

How to Change a Lock on Your New Home

You can never be too safe. Does your new home still have its previous locks? Discover how to change a lock on a new home to improve security.

Keyword(s): how to change a lock

You've closed a deal on a house and moved in. The first thing that you need to do before you get settled is to change every single one of the locks. This may sound like pointless paranoia until you sit down and think about it.
You have no idea who the previous owner of the home gave a key to. On top of giving you a little peace of mind, if the locks are old they may end up breaking on you and leaving you locked out.
Are you unsure how to change a lock?  Don't worry, we can help you out. Keep reading for a complete guide.

1. Materials You'll Need

Before you can change your lock, there is a list of materials that you're going to need. Make sure you stop by the store and pick up new locks, measuring tape, and a screwdriver.

New Locks

You can't remove your old locks if you have nothing to put in their place. Most of the time you can pick up a kit that has everything that you need from the deadbolts to the lock pieces.
Do yourself a favour and get locks that are the same make and model as the one that's already on the door. This is the best way to be sure you get the right size.

Measuring Tape 

Even if you do try to go with the same make and model as the locks you have now, you may get the wrong size. That's where a measuring tape comes in.
You're going to want to use it to figure out the size of your deadbolt before you head to the store. A lot of time deadbolts are pretty adjustable but you don't want to take your chances.

Screwdriver 

You won't be able to install your new locks without using the proper tool. Look at the screws on your current lock to figure out if you need a flathead or Phillips head.
If you're unsure you can never go wrong with getting and 4in1 that contains multiple screwdriver heads.

2. Changing the Locks

Now that you've got all the tools that you need laying out before you, it's time to change your locks. You're going to start with removing the old deadbolt and all the hardware that comes with it.

Remove the Old Deadbolt and Hardware

Before you start working locate the screws on the side of the deadbolt that has the turner. You're going to remove all of these screws and the turner plate which should leave you with a gaping opening that you can see through.
Next, you're going to open your door and remove the screws that are located on the side of the deadbolt as well. After you've done this, the entire deadbolt and hardware should pop right off.

Insert the New Deadbolt 

Once you're left with a hole where your other deadbolt was, you can put in the new one. It's as easy to put up as it was to take down. Place your new deadbolt where the old one was.
If you're not sure how to position the deadbolt most of them will tell you on the device itself. If you're worried because you don't have a steady hand and you may mess up then take a deep breath. The kit you bought should come with mounting hardware that can help you.

Place the New Lock

You will notice several slots on your brand-new deadbolt. These slots represent where your lock and key parts will go. It's almost like a puzzle.
Place these pieces where they need to go and secure them with the screws. If you're not sure where they go, the packaging that your kit came in should tell you.

Test It 

Now that you've got it on, you want to make sure that it works. If it doesn't, you may end up locking yourself out on accident. With your door open, stick the key in the lock and check to see if it will turn.

3. Should You Call a Professional Instead?

There are times when you should call in a professional rather than change the locks yourself. Get someone on the phone if your house is old, you want a complex lock system, or you're just not confident you can pull off a DIY.

The House is Old

If your house is old it may be hard for you to go down to the store and find a replacement for the vintage locks. A professional will have experience with rekeying these types of locks and will be able to help you out.

You Want a More Complicated Lock System

Sometimes you want a more complicated lock system. This is fine but you shouldn't attempt to do this by yourself if you don't want to get locked out of your home. Call a locksmith with a little experience under their belt.

You're Not Confident in Your Skills  

There are some DIY projects that you may feel confident in and some you don't. In the case of locks, if you do it wrong then it will put yourself and your family's safety in jeopardy. You may feel better if you let a professional take care of it.

How to Change a Lock on Your Brand-New Home 

When you move into a new home, it's a good idea to change all of your locks. After all, you don't know who the last owner of the house gave a key too and you don't want any unexpected visitors.
Use this guide on how to change a lock to install your new locks without any hangups.
Have you decided that it would be a better idea to have a professional change your locks? Contact us to get a quote on our services.