While most of us don’t deal with these on a daily basis, Replace a Skeleton Key Lock is not really impossible, especially if your vintage door has seen better days. Most homeowners are forced to consider the prospect of replacing this quaint lock when they lose the third or fourth copy of the skeleton key to the lock or when the original lock has worn out. It’s a task that could diminish your reservoir of patience — the patience that you need in order to be able to complete it.
Well, worry not! We’ll walk you through the steps necessary to replace a skeleton key lock in your vintage door, allowing you to get back the functionality of your door without compromising on its security. Let’s get to work!
Why Replace a Skeleton Key Lock on an Old Door?
If you live in an older house, there’s a good chance that one or more of your doors might still be equipped with a skeleton key lock. While nostalgic and quaint, those locks probably aren’t the smartest fit for your house’s security. Let’s look at why replacing them makes sense.
Security Concerns with Skeleton Key Locks
Skeleton key locks used to be the benchmark of door security, but times have moved on and so have the methods of breaking into people’s homes. These locks are easy enough to pick up, and you do not even have to be experienced in the dark arts. If it is as hard to break open a lock as opening a jar of peanut butter, it is time to upgrade to something more modern to slow down the thief.
Difficulty Finding Replacement Keys
One of the biggest frustrations with skeleton key locks is losing the key. Not only do you not have one, but you can be locked out of a secure door unless you can find the key. Compared with modern keys, which you can readily duplicate, skeleton keys are harder to come by, and you’ll likely need a certified locksmith who may take some time to find them, and often be rather expensive.
Wear and Tear Over Time
When a key is turned in a lock, springs, and rollers, push against each other to create tension. Over time, these moving pieces can compress, making locking and unlocking more problematic. For instance, if you try to open your door after a long day, and the key gets stuck inside, or the lock doesn’t budge, it would be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. After that, if you replace the the old lock with a a new one, the door could have operated very well with no problem.
Better Aesthetics with Modern Locks
While skeleton key locks evoke nostalgic goodwill, they don’t always mesh with contemporary home design. If you’re modernizing your interior décor, a new lock can add a touch of modern sophistication to your doors, creating a visual effect analogous to replacing your old rotary telephone with a smartphone. Now you can have something that not only works better but also looks better. Besides, there are many attractive new-generation lock designs, so you can have something that not only functions better but also looks better as well.
Improved Functionality with New Technology
The truth is that contemporary locks have features that the skeleton key lock can never provide. Imagine moving from a typewriter to a laptop – once you’ve leaped, you’re not returning to the typewriter. Keyless entry, smart locks that you open using your phone. Upgrading means stepping into the future.
What Tools Do You Need for Replace a Skeleton Key Lock?
Want to go from this: There’s nothing quite like the satisfying feeling of taking a task that seems too difficult for the uninitiated and making it your own. Whether you’ve got an antique door or just want to refresh the aesthetics in your home, here is a step-by-step of what equipment you will need to get the job done.
Screwdriver Set
Step one? You’d better have a decent selection of screwdrivers in your toolbox. Skeleton key locks often have a pair of screws that hold the lock body to the door – one at the top, and one in the bottom of the lock body. These may be flathead or Phillips depending on the age and look of the lock, so having both a flathead and Phillips screwdriver is helpful. It’s also important to make sure they are sturdy screwdrivers with comfortable grips, as many of these screws are old and can be gobby.
Needle-nose Pliers
Another essential item is a pair of needle-nose pliers, which you use to grab small parts or bend metal components. If a spindle is held in place by a pin or a clip (common in various kinds of combination locks) or you need to reach into a tiny hole in the lock, the locksmith will likely use needle-nose pliers to take it out or bend it. The pliers are also handy for pulling out nails or other small parts that came with the old lock.
Hammer and Chisel
The old skeleton key lock might be set slightly into the door’s wood, so you may need to use a small hammer and a chisel to pry the lockout without splitting the door. The chisel should be very sharp and small; a slightly stouter one will likely split the wood since the iron of the lock is set into it. Gently tap with the hammer; it can be frustrating to make slow progress, but you won’t regret your restraint when the door retains its integrity.
Tape Measure
Now you’re confident that the new lock will fit, it’s time to remove the old lock and install a new one. But you have to check its dimensions, too, so you dig out your tape measure and check the backseat or the distance from the door’s edge to the keyhole’s center. You should also measure the lock body’s size to ensure the new lock will fit snugly into the hole you’ve drilled.
Pencil and Template
It is imperative to mark where the new lock will be installed. A pencil and a paper template (often provided with new locks) will help you outline where to drill or chisel. Measure twice, mark once! Otherwise, you will end up drawing out the process.
Drill with Assorted Bits
Now, let’s say that your new lock requires a hole that’s a different size than the old lock. If that’s the case, your drill will have to have a distinct collection of bits with it. You’re going to want to start out with a smaller bit and drill your hole in stages. You’ll try something small and then increase as you go. This will prevent the wood from splitting, and it gives you much more control over sticking the bit in there. Now, a cordless drill is nice, but it’s not necessary; it just goes quicker. But you can do it with any dependable drill.
Wood Filler and Sandpaper
With the original lock finally gone, you may find some gaps or holes in the door that need to be filled. Using wood filler, you can smooth out the area and create a flat finish ready for the new lock. Fit an electric sander with some fine-grit sandpaper and sand the filler to flush with the door. This way, once the new lock is fitted, it can sit flat and look like a professional job.
Lubricant
It’s probably no surprise that old locks can get a bit sticky, but you can fix this by using a lubricant to get a bit of traction – whether that’s graphite powder or silicone spray. Put a tiny bit on the keyhole and any other moving parts. Then, test out the new lock to ensure it moves smoothly, but be careful with your dosage: a little goes a long way.
Replacement Skeleton Key Lock
Finally, the replacement lock should be the icing on the cake. If you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to find something similar in style and size to the one you took out from the antique or that came from the builder. There’s a variety of skeleton key locks that can differ in style and size. If you’re putting in the lock in an antique door, be mindful to get the same size. Look at what you took out and be certain that what you put in comes with the key, the lock body, and any plates you have around the lock.
How to Identify the Right Replacement Skeleton Key Lock?
Getting the correct replacement for your skeleton key lock is very important. You must measure your old lock and ensure the new one is the same size to fit the frame.
Know Your Lock Type
Regarding replacement skeleton key locks, it is important to remember that there are many differences between different kinds of skeleton key locks. Some of them are very old and quite exotic in appearance, while others may be modern but skeleton key locks nonetheless and use a skeleton key. If you are unsure about the type of skeleton key lock you have, try to find out what type of lock it is (safer brand and model name), as this is often printed inside the lock or on doors with locks of the property you are in.
Measure the Lock and Key
After recognizing the species of lock, the next measurement ensures that the proportions of the new lock fit the old. You measure the lock’s faceplate and the space between its mounting holes, shelf-shoe style. Next, the skeleton key is measured – its length and the shape of the keyhole toward which it tends. The fix has got to fit just right.
Check for Compatibility
Not all skeleton key locks are interchangeable, so you want to make sure any replacements are compatible. Is the replacement lock planned to fit into your existing locking system? Does the style of lock you’re replacing match the style of the replacements you’re considering? How about the type of keyway the key fits into? In the case of antiques, it can be especially tricky to find a good replacement lock, for you might need to find one that matches the exact design of your original.
Consider the Lock’s Security Features
Security is the next necessity to think about. Some of the oldest skeleton key locks could be more secure. If you replace an older lock, you could get a new modern lock with better security. You can find locks with better materials, or better security features to make your home more secure.
Consult a Professional
So if those unseen security considerations are throwing you in the loop, don’t be embarrassed to outsource your decision – your friendly neighborhood locksmith or security consultant is just a call away. They can help discuss your needs and ensure you get something appropriate. Before you know it, a real person will show up and have all the new hardware installed. You won’t even have to haul the drill up to the attic.
What Are the Steps to Remove the Old Lock?
Changing a lock might be a bigger undertaking than turning on a light but, with a helping hand, you can make the process quite straightforward. Maybe you just want to improve your home security while replacing an old-fashioned lock. Maybe your lock has finally given up the ghost and is no longer functioning. Either way, here is a handy ‘how to’ guide for lock changing.
Gather Your Tools
Before you get to the point of removal, make sure you have everything you need to do the job. A screwdriver is probably your best friend here – a flathead driver are usually needed. A drill is handy for digging out the smallest of screws. Have a rag or towel handy to use once you’re finished working to clean up and clean the door.
Remove the Screws
Start first by checking for screws in the lock. The majority of locks are fastened down to the plate or cover with some screws. With a screwdriver, take out these screws slowly and it is best to place them in a small container or magnetic tray to avoid the loss of screws. When the screws are hidden under the cover plate, trim or any ornamental moulding, the screws can be removed by using a flathead screwdriver and prying open the trim/cover to take out the screws.
Take Out the Lock Mechanism
The screws should pull out, I should hope, leaving your lock free to slide or pull out of its place – perhaps having to give it a little wiggle after so long – a patient and delicate game of give and take not to damage your door or door surround. If unyielding, then a little tap with a hammer should help Ever so gently though.
Remove the Strike Plate
Don’t forget the strike plate – the metal plate that’s embedded in the wall and that the lock latches into. It’s usually kept in place by a few screws, so unscrew and retrieve this plate as well – especially if you want to use the plate with your new lock.
Check the Door
After removing the lock and strike plate, take a quick look at the door and the hole where the lock goes to see if there’s any touch-up work you’ll have to do before you install the new lock. You might find that you have to fill in or sand down part of the hole.
Clean Up
Before installing the lock, clear the area of any obstructions. Next, wipe the remains of the previous lock, like dust and grime, away so the new lock can be installed neatly. It will also help your door look fresh for longer.
Install the New Lock
With the old lock safely removed, you’: installing your new lock. Consult the instructions that came with the new lock. You’ll usually start by lining up the new lock with the pre-existing holes and securing it with screws. If you’re replacing your lock with a new kind, you might need to drill new holes or adjust your door.
FAQs About Replace a Skeleton Key Lock
What is a skeleton key lock?
A skeleton lock is a style of lock that has long passages and a small tumbler, and works using a relatively simple, flat key, called a skeleton key, that typically fits multiple locks of the same type (think of knucklebuster locks in antique furniture and old buildings).
Why should I replace a skeleton key lock?
Upgrading from skeleton key lock to better lock than skeleton key is better than skeleton key security as picking skeleton key locks is easy, whereas buildings better lock than skeleton key is more secure than skeleton key locks.Skeleton key list is easy to lose than better locks, if skeleton key is lost or broken better lock than skeleton key is safer and has better than skeleton key functionality.
Can I replace a skeleton key lock myself?
Yep, replacing that old skeleton key lock is a DIY job if you have the right tools and do it right, and a new lock that fits into an existing hole, or one that requires chiseling a hollow so it fits into the hole (although you might want to avoid this option as it could make it easier for someone to break in). If in doubt, get qualified help from a locksmith.
What tools will I need to replace a skeleton key lock?
Basic tools will be required here including screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips head) and a drill if holes are being relocated or newly punched. You’ll want a rag to wipe up debris. Also, the new lock and any hardware it uses.
How do I choose a replacement lock?
Generally speaking, when selecting a replacement, think in terms of the type of lock that goes into the door you have, the level and type of security that you need, and the goals that you have specifically in mind. If the lock you’re replacing is a skeleton key lock (with a key that fits only one lock), you might upgrade to a more secure and easier-to-manage keyed entry lock or even a smart lock.
Conclusion
Putting in a new skeleton key lock set is an easy DIY job that will increase your home’s security, and do so with a lot more convenience than a skeleton key lock provides. You’ll probably need some patience, and the typical set of tools most homeowners keep on hand. The lock should be modern, and chosen with your security in mind and the measurement of the door. Should you encounter any problems, or decide to have the job just call a locksmith. The upgrade will bring your home, and yourself, up to date.
