How to Change a Lock? Iron Métal, your guide to finding the right lock

How to Change a Lock? Iron Métal, your guide to finding the right lock for your door and avoiding pitfalls!

Is your door lock no longer working or does it not provide the security you need? Whether you choose to hire a professional locksmith or do it yourself as a skilled DIYer, changing a lock can be done in different ways.

How to Change a Lock?
For your safety and peace of mind, it’s sometimes essential to replace your lock before it breaks down. Replacing the lock is crucial after moving into a new home or after someone has left. It is also vital after losing keys or a break-in.

Your door lock may not work anymore or may no longer offer the security it should. You have the option of either hiring a locksmith or doing it yourself if you are a good handyman.

What Are the Reasons to Change a Lock?
The most common reasons you need to change your home’s lock include:

Change a Lock After a Break-In
After a burglary, it’s important to quickly replace your locking system with more secure equipment: the burglar may have come once, but they could return and test the strength of your installation again! Also, your insurance company may ask you to change the security system of your door, especially if you choose A2P certified locks.

These are models certified for better resistance against different types of crimes. Don’t forget that in many cases, a break-in happens simply because lost or loaned keys were used earlier! In this case, it can be worthwhile to have unique keys made by a professional locksmith like Iron Métal to guarantee the security of your home.

For lock replacement after a break-in, it is strongly recommended to call a certified locksmith. Feel free to compare several quotes and choose the best value before starting the work. If you’re familiar with the basic rules of lock installation, you may also try doing it yourself. In any case, the cost of replacing a lock will be lower if you take the initiative and choose a durable, more resistant model compared to a basic cylinder lock.

Replacing a Lock to Enhance Security
Lock replacement is a good idea after theft, burglary, or a break-in attempt. This helps avoid repeat intrusions in your home. However, you shouldn’t wait for a criminal to enter your home before deciding to change your lock. In fact, when your lock is already 10 or 15 years old, it’s time to replace it with a more resistant model, like a multi-point lock. If the budget allows, instead of replacing the lock, you can opt for a reinforced door, which includes a multi-point lock.

Changing a Lock After Moving In
Before moving into a new apartment or house, you need to make sure you’re the only one who can access it. Unless you’re the first tenant, there’s no way to know whether the previous tenant still has a spare key and whether they’re trustworthy. For peace of mind, you should replace the locks. This will protect you from potential intruders in your new home. However, don’t forget to inform your landlord of your intention to replace the lock. You will also be responsible for covering the locksmith’s fees.

How to Replace a Lock Yourself: What Are the Steps?
It’s good to know that replacing a lock is accessible to any experienced DIYer.

To replace a lock, you first need the key and a screwdriver. You can then proceed with replacing the cylinder:

Unscrew the handle screws,
Insert the key into the cylinder,
Turn the key back and forth while gently pulling the cylinder toward you,
Remove the cylinder from its housing,
Install the new cylinder.

How to Replace a Lock’s Latch?
Also Read:
How to Replace a Lock’s Latch?

How to Replace a Front Door Lock?
By carefully following these steps and ensuring that your new lock works perfectly before installing it, you can be confident that you can change the lock on your front door without any issues.

Replacing a Surface-Mounted Lock
This type of lock is the easiest to remove and install because it’s simply a box that screws directly onto the front of the door.

To remove it, simply unscrew the door handle, lock box, cover plate, and latch.
Next, position the new lock box on the inside of your door and mark the screw placement with a pencil.
Drill holes at these locations and secure the lock box with screws.
Finally, insert the latch and secure the cover plate by screwing it into place.
The installation is complete once the latch and door handles are screwed back in place.

Replacing a Mortise Lock
To replace an embedded lock, you’ll need to change the old cylinder. To do this:

Unscrew the cover plate,
Insert the key into the lock and turn it gently while pulling the cylinder out toward you,
Align the cam with the key, then fully remove the cylinder.
To install your new lock cylinder, first align the cam with the new key and insert the cylinder,
Don’t forget to check that your lock works properly before securing the cover plate.

How to Choose a Lock?
Choosing a lock depends on several factors since locks are not universally suited to all doors. First, you need to match the dimensions of your current lock and its components. You also need to consider the thickness, material, and direction of your door’s opening, as well as its location, to make the right lock choice. Finally, choose the level of security you need or comply with insurance standards. In this case, the A2P standard (Prevention Assurance Protection) provides information about the lock’s resistance over time (5, 10, or 15 minutes) against intrusions.

Call a Locksmith to Change Your Lock
Hiring a locksmith brings many benefits:

Professional installation ensuring quality protection,
A smart choice of A2P locks (standards recognized by insurance companies).

In case of lost or stolen keys, the locksmith can change the lock without damaging the door.

How to Find a Honest Locksmith in Paris?
Also Read:
How to Find an Honest Locksmith in Paris?

Price of a Professional Lock Replacement
The locksmith charges for their services based on several factors:

The complexity of the work
The type of lock
The severity of damage (in the case of a break-in or theft)
The bill can add up quickly, especially if the locksmith is called for emergency services on a Sunday or holiday.