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Are you tired of your door lock getting stuck? Don’t call a locksmith—try replacing the faulty mechanism yourself. Read this article and see for yourself that replacing a door lock isn’t difficult at all!
A working door lock ensures security and protects your privacy. Unfortunately, this mechanism sometimes breaks down. So it’s worth knowing how to replace a door lock yourself. That way, you’ll be able to make this repair without calling a professional.
Installing and Replacing Locks—When Should You Do It?
There are many reasons to replace locks. These may include:
- buying a new apartment—for safety’s sake, it’s a good idea to replace the lock with a new one;
- wear and tear or jamming of the mechanism—this is a sign that the lock should be replaced as soon as possible;
- a break-in – burglars often force the lock open, rendering it inoperable;
- lost keys—in this situation, it’s also better to change the lock.
It also happens that people upgrade to a newer lock model to better ensure the safety of their household members and protect against break-ins.
Mortise or surface-mounted lock—which type of door lock should you install?
If you want to replace the lock on your front door, you’ll need to determine what type of mechanism you’ll need. The following types of locks are available on the market:
- internal (recessed into the door leaf)—this type of lock is invisible because it is located inside the door. This type is divided into mortise, box, and multi-point locks, which offer high burglary resistance, are airtight, and are sturdy;
- external (surface-mounted) locks—these are mounted on the door leaf. They are always visible and are most commonly used on interior doors or as an additional lock. Replacing and installing them is very easy and quick.
How to replace an old door lock? Installing a lock yourself
Want to replace a door lock yourself? Here’s a quick guide on how to do it. First, you need to remove the door handle. Using a screwdriver, unscrew all the screws holding the lock faceplate in place and remove it from both sides. Remove the old lock cylinder—unscrew the screw, insert the key into the cylinder, and turn it until the pin is in the correct position, meaning until the cylinder slides out easily. Then remove the old lock, and you’re done! You can now proceed to install the entire lock. Start by positioning the lock body and securing it tightly with screws. Then install the new lock cylinder and strike plates.
Replacing a door lock. Which lock cylinder should you choose?
Sometimes it may not be necessary to replace the entire door lock. Simply replacing the cylinder itself may be enough. Which one should you choose? It all depends on the type of door you have. On store shelves, you’ll find, among other things:
- symmetrical lock cylinders—the mechanism is located in the center; these are recommended for thin doors and older-style doors;
- asymmetrical lock cylinders—the mechanism is located closer to the front; these are recommended for thicker doors.
Remember that when you remove the old lock cylinder, you’ll be able to check exactly what specifications it should have, mainly its length and shape.
How do you replace a door lock cylinder yourself?
Replacing a lock cylinder isn’t a complicated task. First, unscrew the screws securing the lock. Push the lock out, and then install the new cylinder. Insert a key into the cylinder and turn it so that it slides into the hole. Check to see if it works properly. If everything is properly aligned, tighten the mounting screw. The final step is to install the faceplate. Remember not to use excessive force during installation, as you could damage the mechanism.
How much does it cost to have a door lock replaced by a professional?
You can hire a locksmith to install or replace locks. A professional will efficiently replace the broken mechanism. The advantage of locksmith services is that they’re often available throughout the week, but their price may come as an unpleasant surprise. The cost of replacement starts at around 100 zł when choosing a basic security mechanism. For more modern models, the price starts at 200 PLN and up. Such emergency locksmith services will certainly be useful to many people, such as the elderly, who are unable to repair a broken lock on their own.
Should you replace the door lock or buy a new door from Barański Drzwi?
If you decide that replacing the door lock isn’t cost-effective, consider replacing the door with a new one. You’ll find interesting models in the Barański Drzwi lineup. The company manufactures sturdy doors that guarantee security. In the catalog, you’ll find, among other things:
- exterior doors from the Simple DB 215 Line—with a smooth surface and modern design;
- exterior doors from the Retro DB 108 Line—made of pine wood in a classic style;
- exterior doors from the Prestige Glass DB 511 Line—featuring an aesthetic design that combines subtle glass with wood.
Barański Drzwi also offers special models with an automatic lock.
There’s no doubt that you can install a lock in a door yourself. By taking the right steps and following the instructions, you can handle this task on your own.
