Each type of lock may have its own set of tools that are required to change the lock cylinder.
There are two common types of door locks, tumbler door locks and pin style door locks. It is important to understand how each type works before moving forward with changing them out. Generally speaking, both types of locks can be changed using one or several special tools called "door lock cylinders" which enable you to easily remove the broken key from the central locking assembly and replace it with a new key. You may be able to change the lock cylinder yourself, however, a good job would probably require a professional locksmith/mechanic to do this for you. Tumbler door locks, these are much easier to change than pin style door locks. Tumbler locks can usually use just one tool called a "door handle puller." This tool has multiple sized pins that attach themselves in the grooves on each door's inner and outer handles. Once they are properly placed, you can simply twist them until they stop moving, and the handle will be removed from the door, and you can access the lock cylinder. This sort of lock is designed so that you can remove and replace just about any part on it without having to do anything else.
Locate your original key and put it somewhere safe outside of the home. You want to make sure that there is no chance someone can get their hands on it while you are replacing the lock because this will defeat the purpose of changing them in the first place.
Remove your old lock cylinder by inserting a screwdriver into the small hole on the face of the door knob while depressing the locking mechanism with another screwdriver wrapped in cloth. Take care not to scratch anything when doing this.
Wrap some Teflon tape (available for purchase at any hardware store) around your new pin and insert it into your door handle. Insert it fully and then back it out one turn to ensure that the Teflon is properly lubricated before putting everything back together.
Attach your key to your pin or wire tool and re-insert it through the outside and inside of your door. It should turn smoothly, and you will feel it when it stops in the locked position.
Leaving your pin attached to your key, put your lock cylinder into place on the inside of the door. You will then need to re-attach using the screws to your old cylinder, so the door handle is secure. At this point, you should test the key and lock by pushing it into place and pulling on the door knob firmly and gently several times to ensure that it moves smoothly and locks and unlocks properly. You will likely need to adjust these screws holding the new latch plate until you get a smooth motion.
Finally, you can remove your pin from the key and re-attach it to your original key. You should then test the entire process again to ensure that everything works correctly and there are no errors with either the lock or door knob.Rekeying is the process of changing the internal architecture of an existing lock, so it responds to a different key. To safeguard your home security, you can choose to rekey your entire house or just change the locks on certain doors if you think someone has copies of your house keys. Some locksmiths can also recommend installing replacement locks and deadbolts, but these procedures typically cost more than simply rekeying your existing system.
Tape measure.
Drill and drill bit (if removing existing lock).
Screwdriver (for removing old locks).
Key (or keys if rekeying more than one lock).
New locks for each door or window.
It will likely be cheaper to hire a professional with all the necessary tools. Most lock brands provide re keying kits that would come in handy. It will be cheaper to rekey the same brand of locks since you do not have to buy a kit for each.
Measure the depth, height, and width of your interior doors. You will need this information to purchase locks that are the right size for each door's specifications.
Remove your existing deadbolt if one is attached to your door by unscrewing any larger screws on your current system. Try using a screwdriver wrapped in cloth, so it doesn't scratch anything while turning these screws.
Hold up your old lock next to its corresponding space from the edge of the door in your door frame. Mark where the new lock will go with a pencil.
Drill out these marks in the door frame with a drill and a drill bit corresponding to your new locks. If you aren't sure what size to purchase, then just take your old lock into the hardware store so an employee can help you find the right size for your door.
Put your new lock into place in the same position as the old deadbolt and put in any necessary screws with a screwdriver to secure it. Repeat this step if there is also a deadbolt on the door. Fasten the interior plate to the existing holes all the way to the exterior plate using the original or the provided screws. Use the two screws to mount the exterior door knob and the exterior side of the deadbolt. Align the two rods with the interior side and thread the new bolt into position. Some deadbolts have a hidden interior door knob screw. Check the installation manual on how to fasten it.
Test each lock by pushing or pulling on its handle from both sides of the door using force to ensure it works correctly before putting all of your keys onto their corresponding locks.
If you wish to add a lock to an existing door without drilling, then you can purchase an adhesive lock for this purpose. You can also put locks on windows this way. It is important to note that these adhesive locks are not as secure as drilled-in styles in regard to your home security.
A deadbolt and a door knob lock both serve the purpose of locking your home—the biggest difference between the two lies in the type of key used to open them. You usually can't use a regular house key to unlock either device, which means you will need an extra key if you ever lose one. Door knobs locks require a knob or lever-style keys, while deadbolts use more complex wafer and pin tumbler styles. Door knob locks use a spring loaded bolt to keep the door closed. They have an angled edge. The bolt retracts when the door knob is turned backward. These are the most common type of locks. A deadbolt lock, on the other hand, does not have a door knob. The locking bolt is heavier and is not rounded at the edge. The bolt that lodges into the groove is longer. The opening mechanism is that of the tumbler cylinder plug, and the opening position is attained by using a key or an opening knob.
A pin tumbler is a basic style that operates with bearing pins placed at the shear line of your lock's plug. This means that when you insert a key into the plug, it pushes down on these pins to clear the top edge of the keyhole so your plug can turn within its housing. A wafer tumbler uses flat metal pieces rather than pins to clear space in the plug.
A tumbler, whether it's a pin or wafer style, consists of two parts. One part attaches to the inner workings of your lock (the plug), while the other piece lives inside your door (the housing). When you insert a key into your lock, its ridges push up on the tumbler pieces until they click into place and create an unobstructed path for turning your lock.
The estimated price of installing a new lock on a door will vary depending on how many you need to be done. A door knob with a lock typically costs around $20 and upwards, depending on choice. Hiring a professional locksmith to install can include a callout fee of around $100-$120 and the cost to install a new door lock around $50.
Deadbolt locks operate using key-operated cylinder locks that are attached to the interior of your door. The cylinder is inserted into its housing at the edge of your door, after which it is affixed to the frame. When you open the door, the cylinder turns within the housing to allow the bolt to move back and forth. Two standard types are used - one with a turn-piece on both sides of the lock while another only has a keyed side.