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The Daily Insight

How long does it take to change door locks

Author

Mia Walsh

Published Apr 22, 2026

Changing a stock mechanical door latch lock or deadbolt lock doesn’t typically take a long time. The job can probably be completed in an average of 15 – 30 minutes by a pro, re-keying and maintenance issues notwithstanding. First, the old hardware must be removed from the door — and possibly from the doorway.

How long does it take to change a front door lock?

Installing a new exterior door lock should take less than 15 minutes, even for those that rarely do DIY home improvement projects.

How long does it take to change a lock cylinder?

The replacement of the igniter cylinder will take about 20 minutes. The exact make and model of the car will affect the time frame.

Are door locks easy to change?

Replacing door locks is a relatively simple DIY project. If you know your way around a basic screwdriver, you should be able to tackle it in under an hour. Full installation instructions come with the new locks and customer support hotlines are often available to answer any questions.

How long should a lock last?

Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.

Should I change my locks after buying a house?

When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

Due to the extremely low price of the key pins in the locks, rekeying is almost always much cheaper than getting your locks changed. When rekeying your locks, you are only being charged for the labor, whereas when you get your locks changed, you’re paying both for labor and parts.

Is it hard to change locks on a house?

Changing a lock is a relatively quick project and definitely one of the very first things that you should be doing after moving into your home.

Do new locks come with keys?

Most deadbolt locksets come with keys when purchased new. If not, you can rekey these locks to fit the current keys you already have. But keep in mind that rekeying cannot be performed on all types of door locks. For older locks, check their condition to see if they can be rekeyed or if they should be replaced.

How long does a front door lock last?

It’s common to believe a door lock will always work. Even hardware store-quality locks can operate for decades, depending on the amount of usage. Most residential locksmiths agree the average lock’s lifespan is about seven years.

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How long does it take to install locks?

Most locks can be installed in a half an hour but this all depends on the type of lock and if there are modifications to be done.

Is it hard to change a deadbolt?

However, if you are replacing a deadbolt, you will only need a lock, screwdriver and lubricant for an easy process. It’s vital to ensure the deadlock is in alignment with the cylinders, screws and strike plates.

What does it cost to change locks?

Hourly rate$50 – $100Emergency trip charge$100 – $150Rekey lock average$20 – $50Changing locks$75 per hourHome key unlocking$100 – $200

When should you change locks?

  1. Moving Into a New Home. It’s a good idea to change the locks when you move into a new home – even if the house is new construction. …
  2. Someone Moves Out. …
  3. After a Break-In. …
  4. After Losing Your Keys. …
  5. It’s Been Awhile.

Can a door key wear out?

Over time, your keys start to wear off slowly. This is because you are noticeably jamming it into lock holes and turning them over and over. Because keys are made of metal, the metal begins to wear away over the years.

Is rekeying a lock easy?

If you have a traditional pin and tumbler lock, rekeying isn’t as difficult as it sounds. First, you’ll need to purchase a rekey kit for the brand of lock you have. The kit should contain various tools to aid in the lock’s removal and a set of different sized pins.

Does Home Depot rekey locks for free?

Home Depot will rekey locks such as Schlage, Kwikset, doorknobs, deadbolts, single and double cylinders for $5 to $15 per lock. If your local store does not offer the service, you may purchase a rekey kit or visit Lowe’s or Ace Hardware. Home Depot does not rekey car locks as they often require specialized technology.

Can Lowes rekey locks?

Lowe’s is able to rekey locks at a wide variety of their stores as of 2022. However, Lowe’s cannot rekey all brands of locks, and can only rekey locks that have been purchased at their stores. Additionally, to help customers rekey locks themselves, Lowe’s sells a variety of kits and keys that can be used.

Can you change the locks on a house you don't own?

You simply need to state in your lease that if the tenant wants to change the locks, they must give you a key.

Can you change locks your house if your spouse leaves?

Legally, can you change the locks to keep your spouse out of the house? Yes, you legally can change the locks. Of course, you’re still married, so your spouse has just as much of a right to be in the house (or apartment, or condo) as you do. This means your spouse can get a locksmith to pick the lock and get back in.

Can door locks be rekeyed?

When you need your house door locks rekeyed, you can always buy entirely new locks and install them. … Rekeying a lock is a common task for a locksmith. Homeowners may not know that they can rekey their locks by themselves. Rekeying your locks saves considerable money, especially when you need to rekey multiple locks.

What is the difference between rekeying and changing locks?

Replacing a lock is self-explanatory: the locksmith changes your old lock with a new one. Rekeying, on the other hand, is a bit different – the locksmith replaces the working key of the lock but keeps the same lock. The lock is, however, taken apart and some parts inside are replaced (the “key pins” or “tumblers”).

What rekey means?

Definition of rekey transitive verb. 1 : to key (something) again There’s no sense in rekeying data that you already have in your computer.— Richard O. Mann. 2 : to provide (something) with a new key rekeyed the house/room/door You can take your lock and key to a locksmith and have them rekey it, making it unique. —

How do you change a 3 point security door lock?

Start by removing the door handle, then pull towards one of the two sides of this door to remove the square. Remove the plates from the handles with a screwdriver and detach the cylinder to reach your 3-point lock. Use your wrench to unscrew the screw on the edge of the door by making a turn, then remove the cylinder.

Do locks get old?

A quality lock can last for decades, but there are situations where you may want to install new locks. In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of replacing your locks if they are no longer aesthetically pleasing or if they’re worn out and not keeping your home safe.

Do deadbolt locks wear out?

Deadbolts are designed to withstand all kinds of forces, but they aren’t immune to the ravages of time and wear. Repair or replacement will eventually be needed, and a skilled locksmith can help a property owner determine which is the better choice.

What is the best lubricant for door locks?

  • WD-40 3-IN-ONE Lock Dry Lube. …
  • Protexall HOUD1 Houdini Lock Lube. …
  • B’laster 8-GS Industrial Graphite Lubricant. …
  • DuPont DE0016601 Teflon Lubricant. …
  • AGS Automotive Solutions LE5 Lubrication Fluid. …
  • Master Lock 2300D PTFE Lubricant. …
  • WD-40 300012 Specialist Silicone Lubricant.

How long does it take to install door handle?

All you need is three hours and these easy step-by-step instructions.