Replacing a garden lock is worthwhile—especially when it comes to your safety! Sometimes that includes changing the locks on your doors. It’s a fairly simple task, and only takes a few minutes—but it will provide you with great peace of mind. This article will show you how to change keyed doorknobs and deadbolts. Information for a mortise-type; lock cylinders can be found in the related article listed below.
Measure the size of your doorknob. Often, front and back door locksets will be larger than interior locksets. Knowing in advance which size you need will save you headaches later. Draw a tape measure from the latch edge of the door to the center of the doorknob or deadbolt lockset. Most contemporary locksets are either 2-3/8 inch (6cm) or 2-3/4 inch (6.5cm) diameter. The bolt or latch in many new locksets are adjustable for both, but make sure before leaving your hardware store to keep from having to backtrack. Older locksets may vary in size, but are generally smaller, requiring more extensive carpentry (and greater woodworking skills). If that's what you have, try checking vintage renovation stores for a "new" lockset.
Disassemble the lock sections by unscrewing the two interior screws. Remove the screws that secure the interior lock section to the exterior half. These are found on the inside half of the knob. Once both screws are removed, simply pull each half of the knob straight away from the door. Don't let the door close or you will either have to re-insert the half of the knob with the "blade" on it or use a screw driver or butter knife to unlatch it.
Install your new lockset, making sure that the keyed section is on the outside. Slide the outside parts of the lockset into the hole, through the latch assembly. Holding them roughly parallel to the floor, insert the inside set, sliding it onto blade of the outside part of the lockset. Insert the mounting screws, and tighten them down. Make sure that the strike plate lines up with the new lock. If it doesn't, it's advisable to replace the strike plate.