I've decided to try and fix the locks on my door to my apartment.
But since I have little skill in this area, I come to you all for some
help.

I have two locks on my door.
1. Top lock is a deadbolt - but its very loose, not the bolt, but the
lock itself.
The screws holding it to the door are falling out, and when I tried to
tighten them, they just keep turning and turning...so the wood in the
door must be stripped or the hole for the screws in the door is too
big.

2. The bottom lock, is not a real lock. Its a door knob with a key
hole, and on the inside I just turn a switch on the knob from
horizontal to vertical. (to lock it)
Basically a lock like the ones for a bathroom in a restaurant.

So, how can I fix the two locks?
Lock 1 - I assume, I remove the lock, and then fix the holes and then
just screw the lock back on? How do I fix the holes? I have no
tools, other than some screwdrivers and a hammer =(

Lock 2 - its not broken, but the lock is very flimsy.
I don't think I can put a "real" lock in...because that would mean I
have to cut a hole in the door and put the lock there...right?
Is there an easy way for me to install a more secure lock, with just
some simple tools?

Thanks!

In article , wrote:
I've decided to try and fix the locks on my door to my apartment.
But since I have little skill in this area, I come to you all for some
help.

I have two locks on my door.
1. Top lock is a deadbolt - but its very loose, not the bolt, but the
lock itself.
The screws holding it to the door are falling out, and when I tried to
tighten them, they just keep turning and turning...so the wood in the
door must be stripped or the hole for the screws in the door is too
big.

2. The bottom lock, is not a real lock. Its a door knob with a key
hole, and on the inside I just turn a switch on the knob from
horizontal to vertical. (to lock it)
Basically a lock like the ones for a bathroom in a restaurant.

So, how can I fix the two locks?
Lock 1 - I assume, I remove the lock, and then fix the holes and then
just screw the lock back on? How do I fix the holes? I have no
tools, other than some screwdrivers and a hammer =(

Depends on where the screws go. Most seem to have backing plates.
Might just need to replace the whole thing.

Lock 2 - its not broken, but the lock is very flimsy.
I don't think I can put a "real" lock in...because that would mean I
have to cut a hole in the door and put the lock there...right?
Is there an easy way for me to install a more secure lock, with just
some simple tools?


I would buy a whole new replacement, one with a key klock.
Most of this stuff tends to be universal fit, but not always.
You can buy a cheap $10 main door lock at The Home Depot.

greg

On Dec 15, 12:04*pm, wrote:
Lock 1 - I assume, I remove the lock, and then fix the holes and then
just screw the lock back on? *How do I fix the holes? *I have no
tools, other than some screwdrivers *and a hammer =(

You can fill them with some kind of wood putty. But you might want to
consider something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Around-Securit.../dp/B000KL045K

There are a bunch of similar products undoubtedly available at your
local hardware store.

You also want to put in security strike plates (which is what the bolt
part of the deadblot goes into) which have very long screws.

Lock 2 - its not broken, but the lock is very flimsy.
I don't think I can put a "real" lock in...because that would mean I
have to cut a hole in the door and put the lock there...right?
Is there an easy way for me to install a more secure lock, with just
some simple tools?

Because you are in an apartment your options may be limited. if it's
OK with your landlord to replace the locks go talk to a real locksmith
and see what they suggest for good security locks and hardware.

wrote in message
...

1. Top lock is a deadbolt - but its very loose, not the bolt, but the
lock itself.
The screws holding it to the door are falling out, and when I tried to
tighten them, they just keep turning and turning...so the wood in the
door must be stripped or the hole for the screws in the door is too big.

Provided the wood is good, this is cured fastest by replacing
the screws. Take one to a hardware store and buy screws
visibly thicker and 1 cm. longer (but not so long as to pierce
the far side of the door.)

2. The bottom lock, is not a real lock. Its a door knob with a key
hole, and on the inside I just turn a switch on the knob from
horizontal to vertical. (to lock it) . . . - its not broken, but the lock
is very flimsy.
I don't think I can put a "real" lock in...because that would mean I
have to cut a hole in the door and put the lock there...right?

"Key in knob" locks are not regarded as secure (by police,
insurance agents etc.) It would be best to have a locksmith
instal a reliable lock. If you cannot afford this, study handyman
manuals in the library to see how this is done and what tools
are needed (e.g. chisel for striker plate, hole cutter for the door.)
You might be able to reuse the existing hole through the door,
i.e. cut no more. Locks are sold with paper templates that
show you exactly where to cut and align the parts, and 10
min. library study will equip you to assess your own door.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

wrote:
I've decided to try and fix the locks on my door to my apartment.
But since I have little skill in this area, I come to you all for some
help.

I have two locks on my door.
1. Top lock is a deadbolt - but its very loose, not the bolt, but the
lock itself.
The screws holding it to the door are falling out, and when I tried to
tighten them, they just keep turning and turning...so the wood in the
door must be stripped or the hole for the screws in the door is too
big.

2. The bottom lock, is not a real lock. Its a door knob with a key
hole, and on the inside I just turn a switch on the knob from
horizontal to vertical. (to lock it)
Basically a lock like the ones for a bathroom in a restaurant.

So, how can I fix the two locks?
Lock 1 - I assume, I remove the lock, and then fix the holes and then
just screw the lock back on? How do I fix the holes? I have no
tools, other than some screwdrivers and a hammer =(

Lock 2 - its not broken, but the lock is very flimsy.
I don't think I can put a "real" lock in...because that would mean I
have to cut a hole in the door and put the lock there...right?
Is there an easy way for me to install a more secure lock, with just
some simple tools?

Thanks!

Lean on the landlord. Most get very fussy if tenants mess with the
locks, especially if the keys are different. A decent landlord will take
care of it without bitching- a secure front door is one of the things
they promise in the lease- that paragraph about keeping the place in
good repair.

--
aem sends...

On Dec 15, 1:56*pm, (GregS) wrote:
Lock 2 - its not broken, but the lock is very flimsy.
I don't think I can put a "real" lock in...because that would mean I
have to cut a hole in the door and put the lock there...right?
Is there an easy way for me to install a more secure lock, with just
some simple tools?

I would buy a whole new replacement, one with a key klock.

It does have a key.
When you are outside, it uses a key on the on the knob.
But when you are inside the apartment, you just turn the switch.
Like those bathrooms in a restaurant.

But like I said, since the only lock is on knob, I dont think I can
put in a "real" lock without cutting a hole in the door (which is
probably beyond my abilities)

On Dec 15, 2:08*pm, "Don Phillipson" wrote:
wrote in message
The screws holding it to the door are falling out, and when I tried to
tighten them, they just keep turning and turning...so the wood in the
door must be stripped or the hole for the screws in the door is too big..

Provided the wood is good, this is cured fastest by replacing
the screws. * Take one to a hardware store and buy screws
visibly thicker and 1 cm. longer (but not so long as to pierce
the far side of the door.)

But if I got screws that are bigger, they wouldnt fit.
What I mean is, the bigger screw would not fit in the hole in the
deadbolt (which is metal)
Because it goes through the hole in the deadbolt and then into the
wood.

manuals in the library to see how this is done and what tools
are needed (e.g. chisel for striker plate, hole cutter for the door.)

Thats already more tools than I have =)

Thanks

On Dec 15, 9:19*pm, aemeijers wrote:
Lean on the landlord. Most get very fussy if tenants mess with the
locks, especially if the keys are different. A decent landlord will take
care of it without bitching- a secure front door is one of the things
they promise in the lease- that paragraph about keeping the place in
good repair.

Time for some truth...
My new gf wants a guy who is "handy"...I want to be able to do
something like this myself, which is not THAT hard (in her opinion, Im
sure)

On Dec 15, 1:58*pm, WDS wrote:
On Dec 15, 12:04*pm, wrote:

Lock 1 - I assume, I remove the lock, and then fix the holes and then
just screw the lock back on? *How do I fix the holes? *I have no
tools, other than some screwdrivers *and a hammer =(

You can fill them with some kind of wood putty. *But you might want to
consider something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Around-Securit...olished/dp/B00...

Im not sure what that would do....
It looks like something you put around the key hole to make it
stronger.
But on the inside of the apartment, where the deadbolt is...the whole
mechanism is falling off because the screws that hold it to the door
are falling out, because (I assume) the wood is stripped.

Thanks

wrote:
On Dec 15, 9:19 pm, aemeijers wrote:
Lean on the landlord. Most get very fussy if tenants mess with the
locks, especially if the keys are different. A decent landlord will take
care of it without bitching- a secure front door is one of the things
they promise in the lease- that paragraph about keeping the place in
good repair.

Time for some truth...
My new gf wants a guy who is "handy"...I want to be able to do
something like this myself, which is not THAT hard (in her opinion, Im
sure)
It is not a matter of being 'handy', or proving anything to anyone. It
is a matter of not violating the lease and getting thrown out of the
apartment. Are you renting from an individual, or a company? If an
individual, you can probably just call and ask if it is okay, and tell
them you will provide them a key. If it is a company, they are usually a
lot more strict, and only want THEIR locks on the door.

No, it isn't that hard, but it sounds like you have never done stuff
like this before. Go buy a book about basic home repair- it will cover
this and lots of other things, and have pictures that are worth 1000
words. If the screws go into wood, a little wood glue and a toothpick in
the hole, and slightly longer fresh screws, will likely fix the problem.
Hard to say without seeing it, but most doorknob/lock repairs are pretty
trivial. If you insist on doing it yourself, you want it to look exactly
the same from the outside, so landlord won't notice.

And yes, the key-in-knob locks are pretty worthless. I just ignore mine
and use the deadbolt. Not a problem around here. If I lived in an area
where it was a problem, I'd either move, or change to a quality lock and
modify the door as appropriate. If I still rented, I'd talk to the
landlord, and maybe split the cost or something.

--
aem sends...

On Dec 16, 8:22*am, aemeijers wrote:
It is not a matter of being 'handy', or proving anything to anyone. It
is a matter of not violating the lease and getting thrown out of the

ok. Makes a lot of sense.

apartment. Are you renting from an individual, or a company? If an

Co-op


lot more strict, and only want THEIR locks on the door.

true.
Never thought of that.


And yes, the key-in-knob locks are pretty worthless. I just ignore mine
and use the deadbolt. Not a problem around here. If I lived in an area

and yet thats the only one I use.
Since the deadbolt is loose, it doesnt lock well, since it bangs into
the side of the slots (since its not tight against the door) so I dont
use it

Thanks!

I've decided to try and fix the locks on my door to my apartment.
But since I have little skill in this area, I come to you all for some
help.

I have two locks on my door.
1. Top lock is a deadbolt - but its very loose, not the bolt, but the
lock itself.
The screws holding it to the door are falling out, and when I tried to
tighten them, they just keep turning and turning...so the wood in the
door must be stripped or the hole for the screws in the door is too
big.

2. The bottom lock, is not a real lock. Its a door knob with a key
hole, and on the inside I just turn a switch on the knob from
horizontal to vertical. (to lock it)
Basically a lock like the ones for a bathroom in a restaurant.

So, how can I fix the two locks?
Lock 1 - I assume, I remove the lock, and then fix the holes and then
just screw the lock back on? How do I fix the holes? I have no
tools, other than some screwdrivers and a hammer =(

Since you don't have many tools, do this:
* Remove the deadbolt.
* Use your screwdriver to ream out the existing screw holes.
* Blow in the holes to remove dust and debris.
* Stick a wooden toothpick in the hole and mark how deep it goes.
* Break the toothpick off just shorter than the depth of the hole.
* Dip the toothpick fragment in wood glue, then put it all the way
into the hole.
* Put more glue-covered fragments in until the hole is jammed full.
Alternate between putting the point in first and putting the wide end
in first. The last few will require that you use whole toothpicks so
you have something to hold on to. Break these off as close to the
surface as you can.
* Repeat with the other holes.
* Let the glue dry for an hour or two.
* Put the deadbolt back on.
* Don't put any stress on the deadbolt for a day or so to make sure
the glue dries well.

If you had tools:
* Remove the deadbolt.
* Use a 1/4" drill bit to drill out the stripped holes.
* Cut a 1/4" dowel to the depth of the hole.
* Cover the dowel with glue, then hammer it into the hole.
* Use a chisel or sandpaper to trim is flush with the door surface.
* Let the glue dry for an hour or two.
* Drill appropriate pilot holes for the screws.
* Put the deadbolt back on.

Lock 2 - its not broken, but the lock is very flimsy.
I don't think I can put a "real" lock in...because that would mean I
have to cut a hole in the door and put the lock there...right?
Is there an easy way for me to install a more secure lock, with just
some simple tools?

This is called a "lockset"--a knob with a lock in it. One without a
lock is called a "knobset". They come in different grades. If your
knobset uses a key, then what you have actually is a "real" lock. The
one you have is probably a contractor grade unit, and it's probably
worn. You can buy better quality devices, but not at the big box
places, and the prices are considerably higher. I put a commercial
lockset on a business not long ago (I think the locksmith called it a
"class 2"), and it cost about double what I would have paid for a
typical device at Lowes.

Some things to try:
* Remove and replace the lockset. It's amazing how many things are
fixed just by taking them apart and putting them back together.
* Do the toothpick and glue thing with any loose screw holes in wood.
* Take the lockset to a locksmith. He'll either repair it or sell you
a new one.
* Buy and install a new lockset. Almost all locksets will fit in the
existing hole. Most of the big box places will rekey the new lockset to
use your old key, so the landlord won't care. Of course, you have to
buy a brand that uses the say key as your old lockset.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX USA