How to Replace a Door Lock Assembly on a Home Front Door

A door lock assembly adds an extra measure of security over the door knob by having a separate deadbolt penetrate the door jamb. You may want to replace your lock assembly if you have just moved or after losing your keys. Replace all of your lock assemblies at once with new locks that are keyed alike to avoid having to use several different keys. Replacing a lock assembly is a simple repair and can be completed in less than one hour.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wood chisel

Instructions

1. Open the door and remove the two screws in the door lock latch plate on the edge of the door by backing them out with a Phillips screwdriver in a counter clockwise direction.

2. Remove the two screws (located on the interior lock face plate) holding both halves of the lock assembly to the door by backing them out with a Phillips screwdriver in a counter clockwise direction. Pull each side of the lock assembly from the door, using a flat blade screwdriver to pry them off if needed.

3. Pry the latch bolt out of the door by inserting the edge of a flat blade screwdriver under the latch plate on the edge of the door. Slide the latch assembly out and set aside.

4. Insert the new latch assembly into the hole left by the old latch bolt. Trim the recessed opening with a sharp chisel if the new lock latch plate is larger than the old latch plate. Secure the latch to the door with the two screws provided by turning them in a clockwise direction with a Phillips screwdriver.

5. Hold both sides of the new lock assembly to the holes in the face of the door. Line up the shaft from the lock cylinder into the slotted hole in the latch assembly. Make sure the lock face plate with the screw holes is facing the inside. Attach the lock assembly to the door by turning in the holding screws with a Phillips screwdriver in a clockwise direction.

6. Remove the old striker plate from the door jamb by backing out the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver in a counter clockwise direction. Install the striker plate that came with the lock kit with the screws provided using a Phillips screwdriver in a clockwise direction.

7. Close the door and test the operation of the lock from the inside and outside using the turn lever and the key. Make adjustments to the striker plate if needed by removing the holding screws. Reposition the striker plate and replace the screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to install your new lock right side up by locating the arrow marks on the inside of the lock mechanism.

References

• Replacing a Lever-Style Lockset
• Replacing a Dead Bolt