Changing locks is an important task that should not be overlooked when moving into a new home. While it may seem simple, lock replacement has crucial security, convenience, and peace of mind benefits. This comprehensive guide will explore all aspects of the question, “Who changes locks on doors?”.
Why Change Locks on Doors
Locksmiths are the professionals primarily responsible for changing locks on doors. They possess the expertise and tools to replace or rekey various locks, ensuring enhanced security and functionality. Additionally, some individuals with DIY skills may opt to change locks using lock-changing kits available in hardware stores. However, for optimal security and proper installation, relying on a qualified locksmith is recommended.
There are many important reasons to change locks when moving into a new property or after certain life events. Here are the top reasons homeowners opt to replace old locks:
- Lost Keys: If keys have been lost, misplaced, copied without permission, or otherwise compromised, changing locks ensures no one has unwanted access.
- Previous Access: Whether it’s old owners, tenants, contractors, or even curious neighbours, many people could still have keys. Changing locks resets access.
- Home Security: Old or damaged locks are easy to force open. New high-quality locks enhance security.
- Personal Security: After disputes, changes in relationships or roommates, it brings peace of mind knowing exes or past roommates can’t enter using an old key.
Additionally, locks degrade over time. Key cylinders weaken, mechanisms jam and hardware loses functionality. Replacing worn-out locks restores smooth access.
If you’ve moved into a new place, ensuring only you and your chosen entrants have access should be a top priority. Don’t skimp on this crucial security task.
How to Change Locks on Doors
While calling a professional locksmith is simplest, with a few tools and little mechanical skill, DIY-ers can handle changing simple key-in-knob or deadbolt locks.
Gather Supplies
To replace a lock, you’ll need:
- New compatible lockset
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver(s)
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Chisel (optional)
Ensure you purchase new locks designed specifically to fit standard residential doors. Review dimensions, hole spacing, latch sizes, and other factors when selecting.
Pro Tip: Take the old lock to the hardware store to match its specs exactly.
Remove Old Lockset
Start by removing screws, pins, and latches to take the interior and exterior hardware off. You may need to gently pry pieces loose or lightly sand or chisel areas painted over.
Be methodical during this process keeping track of order and placing small springs, washers, bushings and pins.
Install New Lock
Follow manufacturer instructions to securely install the new lockset, tightening screws to recommended specs. Using care here prevents loosening over time.
Test thoroughly, engaging and disengaging both interior knobs or levers, as well as using the key to ensure smooth, consistent function.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Time-consuming |
| Customizable | Risk damaging door or frame |
| Fun learning experience | No guarantee of proper fit or function |
Cost: DIY vs Professional Replacement
While a savvy do-it-yourselfer can save money replacing basic locks, hiring a local locksmith has advantages:
- Exact product fit guaranteed
- Install included in quoted price
- Experience ensuring proper home security
- Faster service
| Factor | DIY | Pro Locksmith |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $35-$100 for new locks | $100+ for basic installation |
| Time | 1+ hours | 30-60 minutes |
| Skill Level | Intermediate ability | Expert knowledge |
When to call a pro: installing commercial grade locks, safes, access control systems, or emergency lockout service.
Which Locks to Change First
For new homeowners prioritizing locks to replace, focus on exterior access first:
Front Door
As the main entryway, the front door should have a sturdy, pick-resistant deadbolt and a keypad if desired.
Other Exterior Doors
Any doors leading outside require secure new locks, including garage entry doors and sliders or gates.
Garage Door Keypad/Remote
Ensure previous owners erase old codes. Change the access PIN. Consider adding security enhancements like a camera or laser sensor.
Interior Door Lock Changes
Room doors inside the home, like bedrooms and offices, use simple privacy locks instead of high-security deadbolts. Less risk for intruders means lock replacement on these can be done later if desired.
Changing locks after disputes or when relationships change brings added peace of mind.
Why Work With a Locksmith
Beyond convenience and saving potential headaches struggling with DIY, locksmiths bring professional perspective and high-quality gear homeowners may overlook.
Expert Advice
To recommend tailored solutions, a locksmith assesses lifestyle factors, entry points, local security concerns, and usage patterns. Their expansive product knowledge ensures you get locks to meet unique needs.
- Can a handyman change locks? Handymen have basic skills to replace simple locks. However, a certified locksmith is the safest choice for specialty locks, security systems, or high-traffic commercial properties.
Premium Lock Options
Home centres offer basic locks. Professional locksmith services provide premium brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Schlage Primus, Assa Abloy Protec2 and other advanced systems.
Emergency Services
While DIY works for planned projects, a 24-hour locksmith brings urgent help if you become locked out or after break-in damage.
Convenience Factors to Consider
Besides the basic function of locking and unlocking doors, consider convenience and lifestyle factors when selecting new locks:
- Keyless entry options like keypads or smart locks for easy access when hands are full
- Key control systems to rekey without changing full locks
- Integrations with smart home ecosystems and digital assistants for features like remote monitoring and voice activation
- Backlit interior hardware found in commercial spaces is helpful in low-light
Lock Change Costs
| Lock Type | DIY Parts | Pro Install |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Door Deadbolt | $12-$50 | $75-$150 |
| Entry Door Knob/Lever | $25-$100 | $100-$250 |
| Interior Privacy Lock | $8-$20 | $50+ |
| Smart Lock | $160-$500 | $200-$500+ |
With smart locks and premium hardware, professional installation ensures correct configuration and full value from upgraded security features.
DIY works well for simple hardware swaps like basic knobs or deadbolts. Attempt more complex installations with caution.
Maintenance and lubrication can fix many lock issues before a full replacement is needed. A locksmith assesses options to maximize existing hardware lifespan.
Why It’s Worth Investing in New Locks
Upgrading home security provides immense peace of mind and substantial property protection far beyond the initial price investment. With features like enhanced pick resistance, anti-bump mechanisms, hardened steel, and drill protection, premium locks maintain the integrity of your property’s front-line security defence.
Lock Change Process With a Locksmith
- Initial consultation: discuss needs, goals, options
- Review doors and frames to finalize optimal locks
- Select premium locks and advanced security hardware like door reinforcers
- Professional installation and testing
- Walkthrough operational instructions
- Provide rekeying or future maintenance services
Key Takeaways: Who Changes Locks on Doors
- Change locks when moving into a new property to control access
- Lost, copied, or shared keys necessitate lock replacement
- Handle simple interior privacy locks as a DIY project
- Work with professional locksmiths for exterior doors and advanced security hardware
- Prioritize locks securing main entries first
- Consider convenience factors like keypads and smart technology to customize the experience
- Invest in premium high-security locks for robust property protection
Changing locks ranks among the best returns-on-investment enhancing home security. Don’t cut corners with this vital task.
More info and reference links
- Customized Digital Locking Systems: These electronic systems replace traditional mechanical locks, offering users the convenience of setting and resetting passwords of their choice (Diggewadi, Patil, Khan, & Gudnavar, 2017) Customized Door Lock System.
- Key Knobs for Multistage Control: These novel devices automatically connect to dedicated devices nearby, allowing for both discrete and continuous control (Ferscha, Holzmann, & Resmerita, 2006) The Key Knob.
- HandKey for Keyless Unlocking: This keyless unlocking scheme uses hand knocking on doors, generating unique vibration signatures for user identification (Cao, Liu, Jiang, Cai, Zheng, Lui, & Luo, 2024) HandKey: Knocking-Triggered Robust Vibration Signature.
- Wireless Access Control Systems: These systems use digital door locks integrated with wireless technology for enhanced security and convenience (Hwang & Baek, 2007) Wireless access monitoring and control system based on digital door lock.
- Morse Code-Based Security: This innovative approach uses Morse code for unlocking doors, enhancing security against key duplication (Kumar, Goel, Kandpal, Jain, Saxena, & Sharmila, 2020) Door Knob Security.
- Smart Door Lock Systems: These systems offer remote control and monitoring, adding layers of convenience and security (Vongchumyen, Watanachaturaporn, Jinjakam, Watcharapupong, Kasemsiri, Tongprasert, Walairacht, Penpokai, Jenweerawat, & Hami, 2017) Door lock system via web application.
I’m James Davis, a carpenter with eight years of experience in carpentry services, repairs, installations, renovations, and maintenance of interior doors. I have a diploma in carpentry and joiner trade from the Education Skills Australia Institute and take pride in delivering high-quality results to ensure customer satisfaction. I’m a blog writer for Octopus Doors Company and enjoy sharing my knowledge and tips on maintaining security measures and choosing the right door materials, paints, or handle styles. I specialize in custom-made interior doors and strive to make every home look fabulous. Contact me anytime for help with door-related issues.
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