changing locks

[St Germain]

Hi. I've been letting my house out for a number of years and I've recently moved back and intend to live there permanently. As I've had a number of different people living there I think it's best that I change the lock on my front door. Is this this something I can do myself (go to B&Q and get a new lock) or do I need to employ the services of a locksmith?

[Ethel]

It depends how competent at DIY you are. :)

With many locks it is possible to save a lot of money and trouble by simply changing the barrel - the bit the key fits in.

What sort of locks have you got?

[feebal]

I think this is definitely something you can do yourself. I did mine and I'm an amateur DIYer. I went along to my local hardware store and bought a new lock for �10. Didn't take long to do either.

[St Germain]

Excellent, thanks very much both of you. I'll give it a go myself.

[dilligaf]

From the inside remove by unscrewing the main body of the lock / latch. You will then see two screws holding on the cylinder. Undo these screws and from the outside lift the cylinder out.
This is the component you need to replace,
A new one is not too pricey and will come with a couple of keys.
Replacing is reverse of the above. Sometimes the flat bar extending from the back of the cylinder is too long and has to be shortened. It is marked in sections which can be easily removed. Comprehensive instructions are supplied with the replacement barrel. Should take a novice 30 minutes or less.

[markja]

if you have a mortice lock, the type that aren't yale. you could take it off & while someone house sits, pop down the local hardware store and hopefully get a direct replacement that will just slot in.
as stated before yale locks are a doddle.

[BillyBB]

Most local locksmiths will be happy to offer advice over the phone. Get a quote for lock only or supply and fit. Rim locks (Yale) or PVCu cylinders can be changed very quickly with a screwdriver. Mortice locks may need some carpentry, but a good quality lock can just be rekeyed to differ.
Look for MLA or ICL members.