How to Change Front Door Locks
Changing the locks on your doors involves changing the entire door knob assembly. There are many other reasons to change your door locks than simply for repair purposes. If you rent the home and are ushering in new tenants, the locks must be changed. If you have purchased a new home, it is best to change the locks. And if a roommate or significant other has recently left the home, new locks are a wise decision. The cost can be less than $20 depending on the type and style of door knob assembly you desire. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Examine the existing lock and knob assembly on your front door. It is best to replace it with the same type to avoid redrilling holes and repositioning parts.
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Before purchasing a new door knob kit, remove the two screws from the existing door knob. Pull both the outside and inside half apart. The striker will remain.
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Measure the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole where the door knob just came from. The distance will be either 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches. Use this information when purchasing a new assembly.
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Check the striker of your new door knob against the old one. If they are identical, leave the old one in. If they differ, unscrew the two screws located on the door's edge and remove the old striker.
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Check to see if the backset from the new door knob striker is in the same position as the old one. If not, adjust the backset to make it shorter or longer by sliding it until it clicks into place.
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Insert the new striker, facing the correct direction. Secure it with the two short screws from your kit.
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Slide the door knob with the shaft on it through the hole in the striker, lining up the screw holes on the knob with the screw holes on the striker.
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Slide the other knob onto the other side of the door knob shaft, keeping the screw holes lined up.
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Double-check that the screw heads are located on the inside of the door, not the outside.
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Insert the two long screws that came with your kit and tighten.
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Leave the old striker plate if it is in good working condition. However, if replacement is necessary simply use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws. Pull the striker plate out and replace it with the new one from your kit. Insert the two remaining screws and tighten.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the instructions that come with your new door knob kit before beginning the job.
Always observe the positioning and placement of your old door knob/lock parts before removing them. This will assure that your new components will face the right direction.
