Replacing a lock
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The bottom lock on our home's front door needs to be replaced -- it locks, but won't accept a key. My husband seems to think we'll have trouble replacing the lock, since the screws that hold the side plates for the door hardware (is that what it is called?), never really tighten; the screws just spin in their holes. We have a steel front door with a foam core. Any suggestions as to what we should do? I had a locksmith look at it, but they gave us a really high quote to replace the lock, so we'd like to go DIY if we can.
19 answers
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Longer screws with some glue under the plate
Debbie Harris
on Nov 12, 2013
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Great idea, Debbie! I was thinking of using longer screws, but wasn't sure if that would work. Maybe I can also use some Gorilla Glue. I used that to better adhere a towel bar that wasn't tightly enough attached to the wall (because of the screws in drywall), and it's been adhering nicely for a few months now!
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Nov 12, 2013
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poke toothpicks in the holes and break off.....put enough of them to make them tight and then use your screws and they will screw tight again.
Vicky Johnson
on Nov 12, 2013
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Another great idea! Thanks, Vicky!
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Nov 12, 2013
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Lauren you can use golf tees in the holes and break them off even with the door. That way you have a little more wood for the screws to bite into.
Joy Derouen
on Nov 13, 2013
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Thanks for the tip, Joy!
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Nov 13, 2013
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You might try bigger, not necessarily longer, screws. And you can fill in the existing holes with putty just for repairing wood. Can even use autobody putty. Let it harden and and re drill your screws. Toothpicks etc can shift over time and rot. And I personally would avoid glue under the plate as at some point you may have to replace it again and it will damage your door if you remove it. Good luck.
Sandra Cook
on Nov 13, 2013
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Thanks, Sandra -- I was thinking of trying wood putty! Maybe I will try thicker and longer screws!
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Nov 13, 2013
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Lauren, BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE, try this. Get a tube of graphite (from the key-making station at Lowe's, Home Depot, or hardware store) and squirt the heck out of the tube into the door lock. Squirt onto the key as well. Then try inserting the key into the lock and turn back and forth. If it doesn't work, squirt some more. If that still doesn't work, then replace the lock. From my experience, graphite will solve many of the problems with reluctant or sticking locks. Graphite is a dry lubricant that every homeowner needs. And it's cheaper than replacing a lock.
Jeanne888
on Nov 13, 2013
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Sorry, I should have explained: I meant, before you replace the lock. Certainly, try the solutions above to fill the holes for the screws. I like the golf tee idea. I often use wooden toothpicks with white glue for smaller screw holes.
Jeanne888
on Nov 13, 2013
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I like Vicky's, Joy, and Jeanne888 ideas. My husband also swears by WD40 as a lubricant when metal to metal moving parts are involved. Good luck.
Liliana Wells
on Nov 13, 2013
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Thanks so much! I will give that a try, Jeanne.
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Nov 13, 2013
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I also use WD40, mostly to prevent rust from forming after I've removed it from a tool or metal part. But not in locks. Before it dries, WD40 is wet and attracts dust, so it is not good for locks. Graphite is dry and so does not attract dust.
Jeanne888
on Nov 13, 2013
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I usually squeezed glue in after I poked them in there....I never thought about a golf tee for bigger holes!
Vicky Johnson
on Nov 13, 2013
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If you end up replacing the entire locks on the door, it's easy to replace. If you wish to use the same key as you have now, simply replace the cylinder pins that you can purchase as a kit with the locks at any hardware store where you get the locks. It's easy enough and sometimes you will find they will even change out the pins for you for a small fee. Simply fill the screw holes just as you have been told above with either toothpicks, or a golf tee.
Jill
on Nov 13, 2013
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I just had to replace my back door lock, and whaddya know? If you have a Kwikset lock, there is now a one that you can use your original key on! You can do it yourself. No pins or even opening up the lock. Easy peasy. And you can do it again and again, whenever you want to change the key.
Jeanne888
on Nov 14, 2013
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I saw that lock but was afraid to try it. I am glad to hear that it's easy to use -- we have Kwikset locks on our doors. Thanks!
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Nov 14, 2013
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Cool -- I am going to have to do some thinking! I like the idea of a keyless lock, but my spouse is very old school, so he probably wants a regular lock. Thanks, Jill!
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Nov 14, 2013
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Wow. Sorry to hear that, Tara!
Lauren of Mom Home Guide
on Oct 21, 2014
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