DIY Guide: How to Install A Lock On A Bedroom Door

how to install a lock on a bedroom door

It’s not very often that we worry about our bedroom door lock. These things can last a long time depending on their quality. I mean you use them for securing your house. They should be sturdy, right?

Well, despite being well-made door locks don’t last forever. You have to replace them at some point.

So, if you are wondering how to install a lock on a bedroom, you’re in the right place. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about installing a lock on a bedroom door. Moreover, we’ll give you some bonus tips that’ll help you along the process.

So, why wait? Let’s start.

6 Steps of How to Install a Lock On A Bedroom Door

Installing a door lock isn’t that hard. In fact, it can be a great DIY project for doing on the weekend. This project will take 30 minutes to 1 hour. So, let’s see the steps. 

Step 1: Remove the Old Lock

First, use a screwdriver to loosen the 2 or 3 screws holding the doorknob in place. Notice that we’ve said loosen, don’t pull the screws. Doing that will make the doorknob fall out of its place. 

However, some doorknobs don’t have visible screws. In such cases, you’ll have to use a paper clip or bent wire. You’ll have to place a paperclip in the little hole on the side of your doorknob. By doing this, you’ll be able to open the knob latch, allowing you to remove the lock.

Step 2: Buy a New Door Lock That Fits 

Now that you’ve removed the old doorknobs, it’s time to take measurements of the lock’s hole. You’ll also need to find out the distance from the lock’s center to the side of the door. Beware of the wide diversity of different types of locks in the market, and don’t step into the wrong shoe while buying the one for your door.

You see, you need a lock that’ll match and fit and with the hole’s dimensions. So, the first thing you’ll need to do is go to a locksmith, a hardware store, or search online typing in the measurements. 

Although, buying the same brand of lock can give you an advantage. In this way, you’ll be able to install the lock on the existing holes of your door.

Step 3: Remove the Latch

You’ll need to remove the latch to install a new lock. So, loosen up the screws that tie the latch to your door. The good news is it’s the last piece you’ll need to remove. 

After you’ve removed the screws, you can remove the latch by placing a paperclip on the side of the latch. A little push should bring out the latch.

Step 4: Place the Cardboard Template on the Door Hole

Your new lock should come with a cardboard template that’ll show how you can fit the lock onto the door holes. So, place that cardboard template on the door hole and see if everything is alright or not. 

However, if your lock doesn’t properly pair up the door holes, it means that you have the wrong lock.

In such situations, you’ll have to replace the lock you’ve bought. So, go to the website you bought it from and ask for a replacement.

Step 5: Install the New Latch

After you’ve matched the template, it’s time to install the new latch. 

First, put the new latch into the hole on the side of your door. Then, screw in the new screws to secure the latch.

Although, it’s better if you don’t reuse any old screws. The old screws can get old and weak so throwing them away is a wise choice. 

However, if your new lock doesn’t include any screws, buy some screws that fit with your lock. 

Step 6: Assemble the Lock

Install the outer (the one that has the keyhole) and inner knob perfectly. Sliding them together should do the trick. 

Although, don’t put any extra pressure. They’ll merge on their own if you gently slide them in. 

Finally, put on the screws to secure the lock in its place.

Also check out Pocket Door Lock Installation Guideline.

Some Extra Tips

  • Be extra cautious when taking measurements for the lock. First of all, a wrong lock won’t fit on your door. Moreover, you’ll have to go back to the store to buy another one.
  • Don’t damage the door while removing the lock. You can use WD40 if necessary. Spray some WD40 on the screws and after waiting for some time it should loosen up easily. 
  • After you’ve removed the old lock, clean inside the hole and remove any wood remains. This will ensure that the new lock will fit properly.
  • Make sure to tighten all the screws perfectly. A loose screw won’t let the lock function properly. 

Final Words

So, that’s all we had to say about how to install a lock on a bedroom door. We hope this guide answered all the questions you had regarding this topic. 

Although, if your door is worn out and the lock is quite old, it’s better to call a trained professional. You don’t want to damage your worn out door even more. 

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