How to Change a Deadbolt Lock

Replacing an existing deadbolt lock has the advantage that all of the necessary holes in the door have already been made, so drilling is usually unnecessary. If your only purpose in changing the lock is to use a different key, however, it is not necessary to replace the whole lock. Most deadbolts can be rekeyed at a local hardware store for a small fee.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver

Remove the Old Lock

1. Set the old lock to the unlocked position before attempting to remove it.

2. Locate the main screws on your lock, which should be on the interior side of the door. There should be two screws. On some locks, the screws are hidden underneath a pair of small metal caps, which must be pried off using a pocketknife or flat-blade screwdriver. If this is the case, take care not to scratch the metal surface.

3. With one hand on the opposite side of the lock, unscrew the two screws. If the screws are very tight, verify that your screwdriver is of the appropriate type and size, or you may risk damaging the screw.

4. Once the screws are out, pull the two halves of the lock apart, and set them aside.

5. Remove the faceplate from the side of the door, which is held in by another pair of screws.

6. Pull out the inner locking mechanism from behind the faceplate, and set aside.

Install the New Lock

7. Locate the two halves of the new lock and identify which side has exterior screw holes. This piece will fit in the interior side of the door. Also locate the two mounting screws that will fit in these holes. Do not get them confused with the screws for the faceplate.

8. Locate the inner locking mechanism and faceplate. Insert the mechanism through the hole in the edge of the door where the faceplate fits.

9. Hold the faceplate in place, insert the screws into the holes, and tighten them.

10. Shift the bolt to the unlocked position (bolt should be flush with the faceplate.

11. Hold the two halves of the lock in front of you and examine how they fit together. On one side, there will be a half-moon-shaped metal prong, and on the other side will be a matching hole. Do this a couple of times until you understand the way it fits.

12. Insert one half of the lock into the round hole on the door, and mate it with the other half. The metal half-moon prong will fit through the lock mechanism. You might have to shift the bolt slightly to get it through.

13. Verify that the side of the lock with the screw holes is on the interior side of the door.

14. Insert and tighten the screws through the interior side of the lock.

Tips & Warnings

• There are two basic types of deadbolt locks: single cylinder and double cylinder. A single cylinder lock is keyed only on one side (there is a handle on the other side). A double cylinder is keyed on both sides, and so a key is necessary to lock or unlock it, even from the inside.