No DIY experience - change front door locks?

FreshlyCutFlowers

Hello!

For the first time in 36 years on this planet I own the home I live in and it's about time I start learning how to do things myself.
I've purchased a new home where I will move in 2 weeks from now. The first potential DIY job that has come up is changing the front door lock.

Is it worth (risking) doing this on my own or am I better of getting a qualified locksmith in? I'm willing to buy the necessary tools etc and have read it's 'an easy job' but with no experience and little understanding of how locks work, what do you recommend?

Jeepers_Creepers

I recommend you post a photo of the lock, and then we can lead you through it. :-)

Only basic tools - screwdrivers, etc are usually needed.

Happy New House

greyteam1959

Have a look on YouTube.
Hundreds of superb step by step video guides on there.

muffinek

I am not great at DIY but was able to do it myself with some YouTube support. Just make sure you buy right size. 

FreshlyCutFlowers

Thanks both- I take it the advice is to have a go

Jeepers_Creepers said:

I recommend you post a photo of the lock, and then we can lead you through it. :-)

Only basic tools - screwdrivers, etc are usually needed.

Happy New House

Great idea, I should have done that the first time I went over but I am going back in a few days.

I did notice that the door seemed more complex than what I had anticipated as the handle can move 'up' and when done it seems to lock the door- does this have a name?
Also, it's a 2-lock door and the one nearer the bottom wasn't a typically thick square lock bit, it kinda came out long and bent.

Either way, super excited to give this a go and will post a picture here when I am can.

casper_gutman

You're unlikely to need any special tools. Changing the cylinder in a Euro cylinder lock, or a rim cylinder in a night latch is easy and needs nothing more than a basic screwdriver.

FreeBear

Be careful with Euro cylinder locks - They come in a multitude of sizes, so you should take the old one with you to make sure you get the right one. Leave someone in the house while you go out shopping just to make sure you don't get any uninvited "guests"

Sandtree

FreeBear said:
They come in a multitude of sizes, so you should take the old one with you to make sure you get the right one. 

Not all are symmetrical so make sure if you take it with you that you know which is the outside face and which is the in door as certain security features are on the outside only (eg anti-snap)

TELLIT01

Do you simply want to change to lock barrel to ensure nobody can get in using the existing key, or do you need to change the entire lock mechanism?  From the description I think you may be referring to a multipoint lock on a Upvc door.

Jeepers_Creepers

If you post a pic, FCF, we can advise further.

Almost certainly this will be a goer

FreshlyCutFlowers

Took some time (under estimated how stressful a move is!) but here we are.

The hooked lock is activated by moving the handle upwards, there's one on the top and one on the bottom.
The main lock (which I activate by turning the key) seems to only work IF the hooks are out.
When locked, the handle can't move downwards. 

Thanks again for all help and insight. I have much to learn!

I have a garden door with similar function as well as locked windows... The door seems obvious but would you replace your window locks too?