Lock change

When the lock on your door is properly secured, it can ensure protection against intruders. If the equipment is worn, scratched, broken, or jammed, it is urgent to take action and replace it with another model.

Do not think about postponing this project indefinitely. Moreover, locksmith work only requires a reasonable budget. To guarantee optimal home security, you need to find a suitable and quality lock.

Before going into details, it is important to mention the various reasons to use a new lock for your door.

When is it necessary to change a lock?

After a burglary, it is urgent to strengthen the protection of the house. Whatever the cost, it is imperative to replace the lock.

In most cases, criminals have forced the locks to gain access inside. Therefore, they must be changed without delay in anticipation of their return.

Moreover, if they managed to break them, it indicates that their reliability seems questionable. The best thing to do is to remove them and use a more efficient model.

The latter must be able to guarantee you a high level of security. For example, armored doors and multipoint locks are among the most used options by countless households.

Besides that, it is crucial to change a lock cylinder in case of loss or theft of your keys. Especially if you do not have a duplicate, replacing the lock is necessary.

Many individuals make a serious mistake by writing their address on them. This greatly facilitates the tasks of burglars. To ensure their peace of mind and security, there is nothing safer than installing a new lock.

Type of Cylinder	Protection Level	Installation Time	Average Price
Standard (Serrated)	Basic	5 min	€15 – €30
High Security (A2P)	High (Drill-resistant)	10 min	€60 – €120
Disengageable	Comfort (Key left inside)	5 min	€40 – €80
Electronic	Connected	15 min	€150 +

In some situations, it is still possible to change only the cylinder, but not the entire mechanism. However, this solution is not valid for a cylinder welded to the lock.

If only one key is lost, you can remove the corresponding lock. However, if you have lost the entire keyring, you will need to remove all the related devices.

How to know if a lock needs to be replaced or just repaired?

Just like plumbing repairs, a lock problem must be fixed as soon as possible. It guarantees the security of your property as well as your entire family.

An old lock must be urgently removed as it is unable to protect you against potential break-ins. Due to its poor condition, it is impossible to refurbish it. It is imperative to equip your door with a new reliable system.

It is easy to recognize a defective lock. When it seems harder to lock or unlock it, it means it has already served its time.

Lock jamming and rust formation are also signs of failure. When these signs appear, it is better to change the lock immediately.

Whether you are a tenant or a new owner, try to find out about the mechanism’s longevity. Some models can last up to 10 years or even 20 years. When this duration is reached, consider replacing them immediately to optimize security.

In some cases, there is no need to buy a new device, as the old system may seem recoverable. This is the case with a stuck and dirty lock. Simply remove the layers of dirt and you’re done.

Breaking the cylinder is also one of the most common break-in techniques. To save money, consider removing it and then using a new model. You are not necessarily required to remove the entire mechanism for this.

How to choose the right lock to replace the old one?

If you don’t need to change an interior door, but only a lock, try to choose the best one. To achieve this, it is important to determine the model that fits the door.

For a surface-mounted lock, it is distinguished by its visible structure. Thanks to this feature, its installation is a real child’s play. 

As for the mortise lock, it is one of the most used models. Due to its specific mounting, it is concealed. The mechanism is hidden within the thickness of your door.

When selecting, some equipment offers higher security than others. If you prefer robust locking, opt for a multipoint lock and a biometric lock.

For those looking for a cylinder resistant to break-in attempts, they can favor a anti-break and anti-drilling lock.

There are also anti-copy locks on the market that prevent possible fraudulent key copies. When you lose them, these keys cannot be duplicated.

And if you frequently forget them, smart locks will suit you perfectly. This model can be configured remotely. Even better, it notifies you of entries and exits in the house.

How to remove the old lock before installing the new one?

If your door is equipped with a surface-mounted lock, its removal may seem like an easy task. However, this operation remains more delicate for a mortise lock.

In any case, it is advisable to use good tools to help you work efficiently and faster. With some DIY knowledge, you do not have to call a locksmith.

To remove the old lock, start by unscrewing it with a screwdriver. Once done, move on to the door handle.

Once it loosens, the next step concerns the casing. Use your screwdriver to undo it. Do the same on the escutcheon plate and the strike plate.

As for the mortise lock, you can remove it by first taking out the cylinder. To do this, remove all the screws from the faceplate. Once this is done, insert the key into the lock to turn it. All that remains is to pull firmly on it.

What tools are necessary to change a lock?

In order to complete your project, it is important to equip yourself with suitable devices and instruments. Fortunately, they are easy to find in supermarkets or specialized stores.

That’s not all, no one forces you to use high-performance equipment. The disassembly and installation of a lock are considered small DIY tasks.

To screw and unscrew, use a screwdriver. A wrench also helps you loosen the cylinder, the casing, and many other parts of the lock. Besides that, use wood filler, a carpenter’s pencil, and of course a drill.

How to properly install the new lock?

As a general rule, this operation is roughly the same for any type of lock. You can very well do it yourself. In case of doubt, please call a qualified craftsman.

To begin, remove the pin. Once this step is done, dismantle the handle and remove all the fixing screws. You can now gently pull the lock. The goal is to dislodge it and especially to remove it completely from the door.

As soon as the old device is removed, you can install the new lock. To do this, put the screws back in place, then the handle, and finish with the pin.

When choosing a lock, it is important to make sure to find an identical model. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, try to check the door’s opening direction and its thickness. Also, examine the length of the cylinder.

How to test the new lock to ensure it works properly?

To guarantee its proper functioning, it is highly recommended to choose a high-quality model. Of course, this often costs more compared to other products on the market. In any case, it is worth the money due to its reliability, resistance, and solidity.

The best example is easily recognized by the A2P label. For a three-star lock, it has the ability to withstand an intrusion attempt for up to 15 minutes.

As for its materials, choose an item whose cylinder is made of nickel-plated brass. This material has a high tolerance to corrosion.

To test the operation of the new lock, make sure to use it properly with the key. When you encounter no difficulty locking or unlocking, know that the equipment is fulfilling its role correctly.

Otherwise, it means you have chosen either a bad lock or an unsuitable model. Normally, you should not have to force the lock when opening or closing the door. If this situation occurs, it does not function as it should.

What are the advantages of calling a professional to change a lock?

Of course, some people can replace their lock themselves. However, this task is only recommended for those who have experience in the field.

While surface-mounted locks can be installed easily, this is not the case with mortise locks. If you plan to install the latter model, it is more reasonable to entrust it to a professional.

With their extensive knowledge and experience, they can replace the lock more quickly. This helps you save time, especially in an emergency situation.

Moreover, they are capable of offering you quality work. Their installation undoubtedly complies with safety standards. Regarding the cost of their service, you can ask them for a detailed quote.

When choosing a service provider, you must remain cautious. Many scams claim to be a good locksmith. To avoid ending up with a bad profile, it is better to hire a locksmith who is recommended by your friends or relatives.

FAQ