No DIY experience - change front door locks?

FreshlyCutFlowers

Just realised pictures didn't attach, oops! 

lesalanos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A915L_mlk&ved=2ahUKEwiQic-6x8nxAhXeQkEAHaK7CxcQ-4ACMAB6BAgFEAY&usg=AOvVaw3_TEYjtS6-zlG_GfAyGvpq

Hoping the link works, if not a Google of replace eurocylinder lock will show you 

Sandtree

FreshlyCutFlowers said:

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?

All you need is a screw driver and a ruler or tape measure.

The screw in your second photo that aligns to near the bottom of the lock barrel will come out allowing the lock barrel to slide out and will looks something like one of these:

You then need to measure from the screw hole to the front and the back (remembering which is the outside and which is the inside). Then buy a replacement of the same sizes, slide in and replace the screw. Job done. You can buy one with a thumb screw on the inside if you don't want to use a key to exit.

FreeBear

Note: On the external side, the lock should be flush with, or protrude by no more than ~3mm. This prevents some reprobate slipping a tool over the bit of lock sticking out and snapping it.

When you go and buy a replacement, get one that is ~5mm shorter.

FreshlyCutFlowers

Thanks all!

Is there any reason not to get thumbscrew on the inside..? Why wouldn't everyone want that convenience?

Also is this considered a secure door or should I consider a whole new door / lock system? 

naedanger

FreshlyCutFlowers said:

Thanks all!

Is there any reason not to get thumbscrew on the inside..? Why wouldn't everyone want that convenience?

Also is this considered a secure door or should I consider a whole new door / lock system? 

Is the letterbox or a glass pane near where the thumbscrew would be? Is so then a burglar could use a tool to access the thumbscrew via the letterbox or smash the pane.

(A thumbscrew lock may not meet your insurance company's requirements.)

FreshlyCutFlowers

Great to know and the answer is yes. As much as I'd like it I suppose I keep the keys then! 

Jeepers_Creepers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A915L_mlk

jamesd

You get the thumbscrew because it's more dangerous not to. Without it people can't use the door to escape a fire without the key. Which implies at a minimum keeping a key close to the door where it might be vulnerable to illegitimate entry. Thumbscrews are a mandatory requirement for a range of letting situations because of this risk.

It's still more secure than the still routine Yale lock approach.

Unless the letting situation applies you can pick which risk you think is most important.

GDB2222

Do you have any Torx head screwdrivers?