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SummerMom
Now a mom of 2!
Member since 6/07 4970 total posts
Name:
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Installing new locks
I just re-read the thread from a few months ago about what everyone here did right after they closed on their houses. Almost everyone mentioned changing the locks. It's a great idea and I want to do it too, but I just watched a YouTube video and it looks way above DH's and my skill level.  Also, it's supposed to take 2-3 hours? That's not what I want to be doing my first 3 hours in the house!
Any tips or suggestions?
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Posted 2/19/10 12:33 AM  |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Installing new locks
Ive been in my house for almost 2 months and havent changed the locks. But will be doing it soon.
It shouldnt take 3 hours.
You can go to HD and buy a new lockset. Get one that looks the same so it will cover the same area on the door in case the door has been painted over the years....then its just a few screws. Its def. not a half day job.
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| Posted 2/19/10 7:43 AM |
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skinny
3 boys and a princess!
Member since 11/08 8178 total posts
Name:
Momma
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Re: Installing new locks
I agree that it won't take 2 - 3 hours. Whatever time it takes though, it is well-worth it. You never know who has a copy of the key to the current lock (neighbor, daughter's boyfriend, crazy Aunt Sally....u never know).
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| Posted 2/19/10 8:26 AM |
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jgl
Love my little boys!!!
Member since 8/07 7060 total posts
Name:
g
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Re: Installing new locks
we didnt do it for a couple months 
DH bought everything and installed himself DH said it took about 10-15 min per door
Message edited 2/19/2010 8:37:51 AM.
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| Posted 2/19/10 8:36 AM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Installing new locks
we waited until we had to change the locks after some work got done. Its not hard at all and i am not that skilled. It was the one thing i have learned - very basic. Once you do one you can do them all.
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| Posted 2/19/10 8:53 AM |
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SummerMom
Now a mom of 2!
Member since 6/07 4970 total posts
Name:
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Re: Installing new locks
Okay, good. Thanks. On the sites I went to they had you using saws, chisels, all this crazy stuff I don't own. I'm starting to think that maybe I was looking at how to put a lock into a brand new door, not take a lock out and replace it with one the same size.
Sorry - we're closing today and my brain's not really working to its full potential. 
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| Posted 2/19/10 9:08 AM |
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PotofLuck06
Our Baby Boy Is Here!!!
Member since 11/06 13241 total posts
Name:
Betsy
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Re: Installing new locks
It shouldn't take 2-3 hours. We did 2 door locks in about an hour and spent the rest of the time putting up blinds on the windows, so we could have privacy as brought boxes over to the house before moving in.
I would highly encourage you to change the locks first thing! You don't know how many REA had keys to the house or knowledge on how to enter the house during showings as well as how many people walked inside that house before you. You just never know.
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| Posted 2/19/10 9:23 AM |
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NASP09
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Member since 6/05 6030 total posts
Name:
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Re:
Message edited 3/4/2010 9:45:19 AM.
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| Posted 2/19/10 9:39 AM |
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HeatherRose
Life is Good :)
Member since 11/07 6605 total posts
Name:
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Re: Installing new locks
it shouldn't take that long, but if your concerned call a locksmith!
I'm not taking any chances, we will be going to home depot as soon as we close and get new locks. you never know who had keys to the house!
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| Posted 2/19/10 10:02 AM |
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Re: Installing new locks
We called the locksmith from the parking lot of closing, picked up lunch and waited in our empty house for the locksmith to come and change the locks...
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| Posted 2/19/10 10:32 AM |
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telmah
LIF Infant
Member since 1/10 239 total posts
Name:
Prince
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Re: Installing new locks
We didn't change the locks on the house right away. It was probably a week or two before we did it. I bought a kit at Home Depot and it took maybe an hour to an hour and a half. If you're fairly handy, it shouldn't be too difficult. But hey, if it would make you feel more secure and you don't mind paying a locksmith, then call a pro.
ETA: I can see how if you're starting from scratch and need to drill brand new holes in the door and doorway, it might take longer, but simply changing out an existing lock is not a 2-3 hour job.
Message edited 2/19/2010 10:42:35 AM.
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| Posted 2/19/10 10:36 AM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Installing new locks
Whoever you watched on youtube is a moron LOL... I changed the locks myself... Actually we have 2, but really, only one changed is necessary... I think it took us longer to pick out a damn lock than it did to install... Def wasnt 2-3 hours... You'll be able to do it... No worries!
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| Posted 2/19/10 10:38 AM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Installing new locks
oh god no saws, etc. Just unscrew the old and put the new in. The only time you might have an issue is the catch plate (i think that is what its called) if it doesn't go over the old hole you might need to chip away at the door jam to open it up or you might have to create a new one but other then that its really not that bad.
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| Posted 2/19/10 10:53 AM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Installing new locks
Posted by Nifheim
we waited until we had to change the locks after some work got done.
Same here. I am having major work done on my house and I am going to have to give my G.C. the keys anyways.
No sense changing the locks right now.
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| Posted 2/19/10 11:33 AM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Installing new locks
Posted by DavaDay
Okay, good. Thanks. On the sites I went to they had you using saws, chisels, all this crazy stuff I don't own. I'm starting to think that maybe I was looking at how to put a lock into a brand new door, not take a lock out and replace it with one the same size.
Sorry - we're closing today and my brain's not really working to its full potential.
That's for installing new locks on blank doors without existing locks. It's only 4 screws (6 if you replace the plate on the door jamb, which you probably should, with much longer screws, to make it safer)
It should take 10-15 minutes per lock, getting quicker as you get used to doing them.
Try to get locks that use the same key. We have 5 exterior doors, all with deadbolts, and some with deadbolts and handle locks. They all use the same key. Otherwise, I'd have like 8 or more keys just to get into the house!  
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| Posted 2/19/10 11:41 AM |
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