The holes are already drilled, so replacing a deadbolt yourself is easy. Just buy a new deadbolt and put it in according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Replacing an existing deadbolt lock is a pretty simple task, and does not usually require any special tools. In most cases, all you need to replace a deadbolt is a Philips head screw driver.
Hiring a pro to install a deadbolt lock generally costs around $50 to $100, but that's just for the labor—the full installation cost will vary based on what type of lock you choose. You can also save money by choosing to roll up your sleeves and install a deadbolt lock yourself.
If you buy a deadbolt lockset, you'll either get keys or you won't. In most cases, the package includes two keys—one for the primary key and one as a backup. Other lockset manufacturers do not provide keys in their deadbolt locksets. ' Instead, they offer a universal key for the locks.
Rekeying a lock is a common task for a locksmith, and this simple project only takes about 30 minutes to complete. The only tools you'll need to rekey your lock yourself are a rekey kit and the current key to the lock. This saves considerable money, especially when you need to access multiple locks with the same key.
If your deadbolt requires a separate key from your entry doorknob, you can rekey it if they are the same brand. To rekey the deadbolt, remove it from the door and repin as you do a doorknob. Make sure the bolt is out and remove the screws holding the deadbolt to the door.
Rekeying is usually cheaper, and it still provides you with a renewed sense of security. If you move into a new home or if your key is lost or stolen, rekeying your lock will almost always suffice. If your lock mechanism is beginning to deteriorate, however, consider changing the lock.
Basic Cylinder Locks
Deadbolts use a solid piece of metal to secure the door, while standard cylinder locks use a spring to help make it easier to lock the door. Unfortunately, the spring does not provide much security and it can easily be forced. Deadbolts, however, are still vulnerable to lock picking.
Or, for example, we've seen houses that use the same deadbolt for 50 years without a problem and others that need to be replaced after just a few years. If you have a high-quality pin tumbler lock, it should last tens of thousands of key turns, if it's not abused of course, without needing to be repaired or replaced.
2 3/8 ' and 2 3/4" are standard. Some locks adjust for either backset. Nothing is universal and a quick check with a tape is always good.
It doesn't latch or lock right
Obviously, if your door hardware is broken – your toddler pulled the lever off the door, you can't get the key in or out of the deadbolt – it's time to replace it.
Most deadbolt assemblies are a standard size, but you'll need to read the instructions or measure the assembly to choose the correct hole saw bit.
That's a question most property owners will have to confront eventually, as even the sturdiest lock is eventually going to wear out. It might start sticking. The bolt may not line up with the strike plate. The pins inside the lock may be bent or warped.
Signs of a tampered lock can be difficult to detect and often go unnoticed until it's too late. Signs vary from visible dents and scuff marks around the keyhole, scratches around the door handle, or even missing hardware from inside the door frame.
Due to the nature of the mechanism, a deadbolt will always be more secure than a doorknob. If you're reading this from home I encourage you to do a simple test: If you have a door with both a deadbolt and a doorknob, open it and then lock both locks while the door is open.
In combination with your deadbolt, your door will put up a fight against even the most forceful kicks. They're also tamper-proof and will protect your door against lock picking and lock bumping. Even if someone steals or copies your key, they won't be able to get in.
CR's take: The Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is the strongest deadbolt across all of our lock categories. It's top-notch for drilling, withstands kick-ins very well, and is designed in a way that makes it quite difficult to pick.
A lock with an ANSI rating of 2 can withstand five strikes of 75 pounds of force before giving way, so an intruder would have to make a tremendous amount of attention-grabbing noise to get in. Replacing a deadbolt isn't hard. But the fact is, the deadbolt is only as strong as the plate the bolt is thrown into.
While you get the keys to your new home at the closing, you can't know how many copies of the keys the previous owners had made and how many might still be floating around. That's why it's important to have the locks changed out.
We rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks at a fraction of the price of having to replace your locksets. We can also create a 'master key' for superintendents or landlords that need access to multiple units without carrying a hundred keys. We also key Masterlock padlocks to an existing Masterlock key.
Many may even consider it an extra hassle on top of the moving process. As it turns out, changing locks is an easy DIY project that can take less than a day to complete.
Do you have too many keys to get into your house? For $10.00 each, our qualified staff will rekey your Schlage, Kwikset, or Ace brand doorknob or deadbolt. If you have a newer Kwikset lock it may use SmartKey technology, which makes re-keying quick and easy. We'll gladly show you how to rekey those locks for free!
Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!)
Replacing a lock is self-explanatory: the locksmith changes your old lock with a new one. Rekeying, on the other hand, is a bit different – the locksmith replaces the working key of the lock but keeps the same lock. The lock is, however, taken apart and some parts inside are replaced (the “key pins” or “tumblers”).