Door knobs with keylocks: Replace with new ones. DIY?

[makka619]

This is about replacing the main (front) door knobs that require keys to unlock. I want to install some new ones... while I am in the process of renovating.

Can you do it yourself? If you do, do you just buy a handle from the hardware store or ebay? Do they come with keys? Do you just pull out the old handle (the lot) and fit a whole new one in?

Why (if it is) is it better to get a Locksmith to do the job?

Thanks. :D

[tameriska]

I fitted a new (secondhand) front door and (new) lock a couple of months ago, it wasnt that hard. The doorknobs came with reasonable instructions, all I had to do when putting the new doorknobs in was to redrill the hole that the latch mechanisim sat in.
If you just want new handles, (if the latch bit is still working fine) as far as I know, you can get them at the hardware shop. The pin that goes through and connects both handles should be a square profile, I think they are dtandard.
Have Fun, and good luck.

[journeyman Mick]

Makka,
reasonably straightforward, but if you're worried probably best to remove the existing and trot down to teh hardware store. Resist the temptation to buy el-cheapo unknown brand stuff and stick with Lane, Gainsborough or something similar.

Mick

[Trav]

It is a pretty simple job, although locks can be fiddly.

As Mick suggested, take it off the door, wander down to the local hardware joint and buy something that matches. The trick will be getting something that covers at least the same area, unless you are planning on sanding back the door and refinishing.

Whitco, lane, gainsborough are all good brands. The hardware stores often have discount door furniture that was last year's styles etc. I bought a whole stack of interior door handles (levers, not knobs) for less than $15 a hit.

Trav

[silentC]

Only time I ever used a locksmith was to get a bunch of locks keyed alike.

As the others have said, dead simple job and hole sizes and set backs are standard, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting a replacement to fit. All you need is a screwdriver.

[makka619]

Thanks for the advice. I will go ahead and do it myself.

[mirz]

makka619, how did you go? did you find it easy?

i am planning to do same for most of doors in new place.

[Aangelique1611]

I am DIY beginner to the max and I managed to do my door locks no probs ... didnt intend on changing the locks but the door handles (stem bit) wouldnt fit through (it is round with a thread on each end instead of square ...?) so ended up having to change the inside lock bit so i could use my pretty handles (some crazy old american mechanism the locksmith said - hence wouldnt fit) ... only comment from me was that it took some serious elbow grease and handy stanley knife work to get them off as they were surrounded by about a trillion coats of paint (90 years worth) ... ended up looking tops though ... only other comment would be that it can be fiddley getting the alignement right ... btu like i said ... DIY beginner here and I managed to do it without too much time or trouble. Yup - definitely take one out and take it down to the locksmith ... i think my internal lock bits cost about $15-$20 each... you can probabaly get cheaper but i just wanted whatever the locksmith said was good for the job ... Now i just have to paint the doors and they will be finished! ... long weekend project i think ...

[handyandy2]

Only time I ever used a locksmith was to get a bunch of locks keyed alike.

As the others have said, dead simple job and hole sizes and set backs are standard, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting a replacement to fit. All you need is a screwdriver.
You can safe money by taking the locks to the locksmith rather than getting him to come to you.

Cheers

[null & void]

You can safe money by taking the locks to the locksmith rather than getting him to come to you.

And get some padlocks made up at the same time from the same key. I paid around $20ea for heavy duty padlocks keyed alike. I've my whole house(*) keyed alike including the gates - nothing worse than a trillion keys for different things around the house.

(*) letterbox not included.

Edit) And I'd use a carpenter to fit a lock not a locksmith.

Edit2) I recently had to change some locks over for a friend and the hole where the handle sits needed to be made larger using a holesaw. Stick the end of a broomstick in the door strike hole so you have something to start the arbour bit on, and then don't drill all the way through the door or you'll rip the reverse face off the door. Stop halfway and drill from the otherside - there should be a hole in the right spot on the reverse that will line up. I'm sure someone knows what I'm talking about. Looked tops but needed a new broom.