Is changing a lock easy?

CasaCroft8

We're completing soon and definitely want to change the locks. There are 3 doors. Back door a front door and an inner porch door. All of them are upvc. I'm not the handiest person, due to decterity problems in my hands. Beyond my control its neurological so i find screws tricky but I'll always give it a go. But I desperately want to learn and for my partner and I to be able to do more for ourselves without hiring people. Is changing locks an easy job? Or would it be better to call a locksmith. My dad will be around too. I've looked on YouTube and it doesn't seem too bad. Or am I over thinking it? My brains I  overdrive. Also I'm looking into fixing the yard wall. The top right 3 or 4 square foot of bricks are loose. I've never done any brickwork myself am I kidding myself that I can repair it. It's just not standard orange bricks. The bricks seem ok and not broken. Worry worry worry

donemedosh

Upvc door locks are easy to replace it is usually just a central screw & it slides out. Just make sure you get the same length replacement lock. Brickwork is a bit more difficult as the mortar needs to be just right not too wet/dry but if you take your time and just make sure its all square as you go it should be fine. Have a go every DIYer has to start somewhere.

Alanp

Yes, changing a lock is really easy, there are yt videos that show you how, you can take the old lock out to measure it and you can then buy the right size, put the old lock in if you have to leave the house unattended for security, think of it as a practice run before the real thing, don’t be worried about making mistakes, it’s how we learn.

flashg67

Usually very straightforward.. One screw really. You will need to remove the locks initially to make sure you get the correct size. Google can show you how to easily measure them

theoretica

You probably won't be changing the entire lock - just the 'barrel' - the bit that fits the key.

Bricks - also possible, but need more things - trowel, cement which usually comes in large bags...  I find youtube videos really useful for watching a few different ones on a project before tackling it (usually more than one video, because not everyone who records a video knows what they are talking about).

CasaCroft8

Thanks so much for all the advice and reassure. I'm definitely feeling a lot more confident about the locks. Yes it's definitely the just the barrel. Role on moving day. I'm gonna keep doing my research. My dad's really good at this sort of stuff especially brickwork. But his hips  and knees are done in and I don't want him getting himself involved and hurting himself or kneeling.

twopenny

I've changed a yale lock and adjusted a upvc one and more when I really had no experience.
It is about common sense, take your time and be cautious. 
Bricks should be easy. Ask in your local builder merchants for the right materials. They are kind and it gives them some variety helping the uninitiated :-)
I rebuilt a stone garden wall with no experience. Loved doing it. Even put the house number in small white pebbles.
Whats the worst if you fail? You have to do it again or get someone in....so nothing lost, everything to gain.
Good luck

Alanp

CasaCroft8 said:

Thanks so much for all the advice and reassure. I'm definitely feeling a lot more confident about the locks. Yes it's definitely the just the barrel. Role on moving day. I'm gonna keep doing my research. My dad's really good at this sort of stuff especially brickwork. But his hips  and knees are done in and I don't want him getting himself involved and hurting himself or kneeling.

CasaCroft8 said:

Thanks so much for all the advice and reassure. I'm definitely feeling a lot more confident about the locks. Yes it's definitely the just the barrel. Role on moving day. I'm gonna keep doing my research. My dad's really good at this sort of stuff especially brickwork. But his hips  and knees are done in and I don't want him getting himself involved and hurting himself or kneeling.

Yes but, your dad could supervise you doing the work, sat in a chair if that’s comfortable for him

chrisw

You might find an electric screwdriver such as a Bosch IXO helps if you have trouble using a screwdriver with your hands.

casper_gutman

Changing the lock is pretty easy. You'll just need a screwdriver, and a tape measure to check the length (inside and out, measuring to the screw hole). Check out YouTube videos and instructions online, e.g. https://www.handlestore.com/blog/how-to-change-your-euro-cylinder-door-lock/

If you don't feel up to doing it yourself, a local 'handy person' would probably be cheaper than an actual locksmith - you don't need to be able to rebuild a lock to swap a cylinder over!

GDB2222

I’ve seen some really really dire brickwork, with mortar all over the face of the bricks. If it’s going to be on display, I would suggest getting someone in. If it’s more or less hidden, then you might give it a shot.