To enhance home security, the choice of lock is not made randomly or on a whim. At some point, its replacement may become inevitable.
Before calling a locksmith, know that it is entirely possible to handle it yourself. If you want to learn the basic techniques, you are in the right place.
We reveal the essentials to remember on the subject. But before going into details, it is important to explain the purpose of changing the lock.
📋 The essentials at a glance: Personally, I consider changing your own lock to be one of the best investments in terms of security and savings. Did you know that a replacement by a professional costs on average 150 euros for labor, while the operation takes less than 10 minutes with a simple screwdriver? It’s an accessible process that guarantees immediate peace of mind as soon as you move into a new home.
Why change a lock?
🍀 Advantages
- Labor cost savings
- Full control of keys
- Immediate installation
🔻 Limitations
- Risk of measurement error
- No ten-year warranty
After a burglary, theft, or attempted break-in, it is imperative to dismantle the old lock and replace it with another device.
Its quality is probably poor, as it cannot guarantee the protection of the door. Thanks to this measure, you can prevent a new intrusion into the house.
You are not necessarily required to wait for an attack to change and drill a lock. If the device is already more than 10 years old, it is safer to use a more resistant model. Many multipoint models can fit all budgets.
Lost keys are also among the reasons that lead people to change their lock. Since it is impossible to enter the home without them, in this case you must remove the hardware and replace it with another.
Similarly, every household should have this reflex before moving into a new home. This solution no longer allows the former occupant to have access.
The same applies during a staff dismissal. Whether it is a caretaker, a cleaning lady, or a gardener, it is important to remain cautious by changing the lock.
📍 My experience: When I first moved in, I bought a replacement cylinder without measuring the thickness of my door. I ended up with a barrel that protruded 2 cm on the outside, which is a boon for burglars using pliers. The lesson is clear: always measure from the axis of the central screw to each end to get your exact dimensions (e.g., 30×40 mm).
How to choose the lock best suited to my needs?
🌍 Did you know?
The European cylinder as we know it has been standardized to allow interoperability between brands. This means you can install a highly secure cylinder from a premium brand in a basic door lock, as long as the format is respected.
To answer this question, it is important to know the different types of locks. They can be classified into 2 categories: surface-mounted lock and mortise lock.
The first is perfectly centered on the upper middle rail. The second, on the other hand, is integrated inside the door edge.
If you are looking for a model that is easy to install, opt for the first type. However, the mortise lock is more difficult to mount. But it is very aesthetic compared to its competitor, as it remains invisible.
| Selection Criteria | Available Options | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Type of lock | Mortise, surface-mounted, shielded, multipoint | Mortise for interior doors; surface-mounted for old doors; multipoint for entrance doors |
| Security level | 1 to 7 locking points, A2P certification | Multipoint with A2P certification for main doors; 1 to 3 points for secondary access |
| Type of cylinder | Standard, drill-resistant, pick-resistant, disengageable | Drill-resistant and pick-resistant for sensitive areas; disengageable for doors with double access |
| Locking mode | Key, card, code, biometrics | Key for classic use; card or code for offices; biometrics for high security level |
| Door material | Wood, metal, PVC, aluminum | Choose a lock compatible with the resistance and thickness of the material |
| Frequency of use | Occasional, daily, intensive | Robust and durable lock for intensive use; simple model for occasional use |
| Budget | Entry-level to high-end | Invest in a certified lock for main access; economical model for secondary rooms |
If you choose a surface-mounted lock, it is advisable to focus on the diameter of the cylinder, the shape and dimensions of the faceplate, the height and depth of the case, and the measurement between the lock and the spindle.
For those who prefer the mortise lock, they must take into account the size of the bolts, the measurement between these bolts, the height and width of the ends of the faceplate, the depth of the case as well as its height.
For an exterior lock, pay attention to its resistance to burglary. To do this, inquire about the A2P standard. This certifies the quality of the device.
As for the interior lock, its quality is defined by its mechanism. Focus especially on the cylinder technology and the key picking resistance.
What tools are necessary to change a lock?
Changing a lock is one of the common small DIY jobs. To carry it out successfully, it is necessary to have essential equipment. Unlike heat pump installation, there is no need to use a wide range of tools.
Gather a tape measure to take measurements, a pencil and paper to make marks as references, a flathead screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver to remove the old equipment.
These tools will also help you tighten the screws for installing a new lock. They can be used with ease.
To save time, it is recommended to use electric devices such as a drill driver. This helps you drill and screw in a short time, which speeds up the installation and fixing of the lock.
Like professionals, individuals can use a special tool called an extractor. It allows you to remove a broken key or object inside the mechanism. Thanks to it, you are not forced to damage the entire system.
How to remove an existing lock from the door?
Whether the device is worn out or damaged, its replacement is an inevitable step. To avoid damaging the frame that will receive the new equipment, you must carefully follow some rules. They help you remove the old lock properly.
The first step is to remove the covers and the handle. The goal is to easily access the lock. For this, use a screwdriver. Do not hesitate to unscrew every visible screw. This allows you to remove all the external components of your door handle.
Do not stop unscrewing all visible screws that facilitate the removal of the lock. Insert the screwdriver into the hole of your key. Now pull towards you to unplant the lock. Once it is removed, you will have the frame that can in turn host a new lock.
⚠️ Common mistake
Trying to remove the cylinder without inserting the key and turning it slightly. The cam (the black movable piece) must be aligned with the cylinder body to come out. If you force without turning the key about 15°, you risk permanently blocking the mechanism.
Before uninstalling the lock, make sure to study the source of the problem. If you simply want to change the key, you do not need to remove the entire mechanism. You only have to replace the cylinder to limit costs.
How to measure the size of the new lock to ensure it fits the door?
In general, measuring a front door lock is similar to that of a furniture lock and a window espagnolette. A locksmith always needs to know the dimensions of the case, the length and width of the faceplate, the spindle, and the backset.
It should be noted that measurements must be taken on all rotation axes. As for the backset, you should measure not at the joint, but rather in the middle of the cylinder.
💡 Practical tip
If you have several doors to manage, opt for “keyed alike” cylinders. This allows you to open your gate, front door, and garage with a single key, thus simplifying your keychain daily.
As for door or window espagnolette locks with moldings or profiles, the espagnolette must be removed to simplify measuring the spindle.
Regarding the size of cylinders, the measurement is always taken along its length. The height normally does not change for all European-type cylinders, regardless of the brand and model.
How to install the new lock in the door?
(function(){if(window._alpLd)return;window._alpLd=1;var s=document.createElement(‘script’);s.src=’https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/alpinejs@3/dist/cdn.min.js’;s.defer=true;document.head.appendChild(s);})()The following steps concern mortise locks since they represent most of the products available on the market. Of course, there are surface-mounted locks, but they do not attract many people due to their less aesthetic appearance.
On the other hand, their installation is child’s play. The equipment does not require creating a space to accommodate the lock case.
That said, let’s now address the installation of a mortise lock. You must start by preparing the necessary tools. Once this step is finished, use your drill and bore the passages for fixing the handles and the cylinder and for the spindle.
After drilling the mortise, create straight edges with wood chisels. Again, with these tools, make the housing for the faceplate by creating the passage for the lock case. Then insert the latter and place the spindle into the parts you have drilled.
The final phase consists of installing the covers and the handles. To ensure their fixation, you must screw them firmly.
How to test the new lock to ensure it works properly?
- Test locking/unlocking: To do this, simply lock and then unlock it using the key. If you feel no tension and the lock turns as it should, it is functioning correctly. However, if it jams, this indicates a potential problem.
- Compare with boiler maintenance: During boiler maintenance, the last step is to check the equipment’s operation. It is the same with changing a lock; you must always test if the new device fulfills its role or not.
- Choose a quality model: When selecting a new lock, it is always recommended to choose a quality device. A poor model is easily recognized even during installation.
- Check the manufacturing materials: Take the time to study its manufacturing materials. Nickel-plated brass offers high corrosion resistance. It is the most used material to make the cylinder.
How to adjust the lock to fit the shape of the door?
You do not have to adapt a lock to fit the shape of the door. At the start, when choosing new equipment, you must look for a model that corresponds to it.
Before purchasing a lock, do not forget to take the door’s measurements and consider its configuration. If you are not skilled with this kind of device, you can consult a locksmith. Distributors can also help you.
Besides that, you can refer to the old lock to find the new one. There is no shame in showing it to the seller and asking for a similar model. This prevents you from making a mistake.
For a standard door, a horizontal lock usually fits. And for a molded door, you can favor a vertical example.
Frequently Asked Questions
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“,”jsonImageSrc”:””},{“id”:”faq-question-1682037904193″,”question”:”How to ensure that the lock is installed securely and will not loosen over time?”,”answer”:”There is nothing safer than choosing a high-quality lock. It is sturdy and withstands the test of time.”,”images”:[],”jsonQuestion”:”How to ensure that the lock is installed securely and will not loosen over time?”,”jsonAnswer”:”There is nothing safer than choosing a high-quality lock. It is sturdy and withstands the test of time.”,”jsonImageSrc”:””}]} –>
In general, the door will not be damaged during the lock replacement. But if you are worried otherwise, you can remove it and then reinstall it after fitting the new system.
There is nothing safer than choosing a high-quality lock. It is sturdy and withstands the test of time.
