How to Replace a House Door Lock

If you have an older door lock, or your current one isn't working well, you may want to replace it--or perhaps you've lost your keys and are worried about someone getting into your house with them. Whatever the reason, replacing a house door lock is a relatively simple job you can do with simple tools in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. 

   Remove your old door lock. The door lock is located in your door knob, so you'll simply remove the knob to accomplish this. On the inside of the door, examine the door knob. You'll see two screws in the base plate for the knob. Remove these with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The doorknob will now pull out.

2. 

   On the side of the door, where the latch comes out, you'll see two more Phillips-head screws holding in the strike plate. Remove the screws and pull out the latch mechanism.

3. Inspect your new door lock. You'll see that there are three main parts that correspond to what you've just removed: a latch mechanism and two knobs. Hardware (screws) will also be included.

4. 

   Insert the latch mechanism into the door. Then slide the outside knob in, making sure the post in the center matches up with the inside latch mechanism's corresponding hole. Then place the inside knob in place and secure it to the outside knob by attaching it with screws, threaded through the screw holes and connecting to the corresponding screw posts on the outside knob. Turn the knob and ensure that the latch mechanism works.

5. Place the strike plate over the end of the latch mechanism, and attach it to the door with the screws. Your new door lock has been installed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're going to replace more than one lock, look for a set of multiple locks at the hardware store. This will enable you to use one key for all of the locks.