Louise Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Hi Folks, I have a non chicken query and I figured one of you would be able to point me in the right direction. I need to change the lock on my front door it is a yale lock and I have had a look and wondered how difficult it would be or whether I have to get a locksmith to do it Are they a standard fit etc I have had a couple of disturbing things happen which culminated in me finding chewing gum on my bathroom carpet after being away for the night on Friday. I think chewing gum is the spawn of the devil so it aint mine I think I know who it is but I am not sure and it is not something I want to give the individual the satisfaction of knowing he is getting to me so I just want to do this quietly Suffice to say my sleeping has gone back downhill again Any tips gratefully received Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myles Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Louise I dont have any yale locks, but i reckon you should take some measurements.Then pop to a shop and i think its worth having a look at doing yourself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Louise you don't have to change the whole lock you can take out the barrel that the key fits into and change that part quiet easily it is usually only held in place with a couple of screws........It is more difficult for me to explain without seeing the lock but basically you can buy a new compatible barrel "yale" for instance and fit it in your existing lock, and then you will have a set of new keys, the new barrel will have a metal rod with bits that you can snap off to the required length once this is done you only need to screw in the new one, take it apart carefully and you can see how it goes back. Find out the make of your lock and ask in the local DIY store they should be able to help you............Good luck hope you get it sorted it all sounds pretty scary............I would pop over and give you a hand but it may take me a few hours to get there...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 6, 2006 Author Share Posted February 6, 2006 Thanks Nicola I will try having a look at what I have first. By the time you got here hopefully it will be sorted. It isn't really scary just a little disturbing and very annoying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Louise, B&Q sell replacement barrels for yale locks, along with all the safety chains etc. Perhaps you could just electrify your existing lock for a few days till it sorts the individual out, and you could use a window?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 It is disturbing isn't it, I've been there as well Agree with Nicola and Shona. It isn't difficult to do once you've got the right barrel, and they are pretty standard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 6, 2006 Author Share Posted February 6, 2006 Thanks guys Shona the trouble is this has happened over a period of months it was only the chewing gum that really made me think someone else had been in. The other stuff has been dirty footprints that I have explained away as you do but the fact I went to my parents and this individual lives near there and I was out all night makes it even more bothersome. I feel as though I am being watched I may get myself a chain fitted though for overnights that would help with sleeping I did consider a video camera and the police but I don't want to get involved with the police really. No actual damage has been done and no breaking and entry if a key is involved so I really just want to get the message across as simply as possible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 I can lend you a large dog for a couple of nights! He would soon sort out any intruders (as long as they don't come armed with doggie biscuits)! You can pick him up after work! (He does like to lick your hand as you drive, though!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 6, 2006 Author Share Posted February 6, 2006 They call me the 'trained rotweiller' at work would we get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Would he fit in your car Louise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 6, 2006 Author Share Posted February 6, 2006 You wuld be amazed what I can fit in my car Lesley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Hope you get it changed Louise .... know how unnerving these things can be ..... get Chips on attack cat courses too. Best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Oh Louise - how annoying awful for you. I hope you get it sorted. I'm afraid I'd have to go with the locksmith to make sure the job was done properly, but I am a bit of a girl when it comes to DIY after-all. We've just had a deadlock put on our front door, and I sleep much more soundly now, and feel much better when we are out of the house. Having been victinm of a burglary before, it sort of puts me on edge thinking someone could be tampering with the locks and getting in. Good luck, hope you get it all sorted out soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss Chick Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Oh I feel for you Louise, Since my hubby travels a great deal and I am often alone at night with 3 small children in the house we have opted for an alarm system. I can put the lower floor with the entrance door under alarm so now I sleep better. It does not interfere with our 3 cats running around downstairs . I also have a panic butten which is also an sos button for medical emergencies, And the best thing is that the front door has a sensor which rings when you come in and go out so that I can hear the kids opening the door. Like a shop bell if you like. We have these door locks that you can't lock with a key from within and I was afraid that my younger one would go off when I was having a shower and we are close to a main road. But I would agree changing the lock and putting a extra chain inside would make a great deal of a difference without costing too much. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 6, 2006 Author Share Posted February 6, 2006 Thanks guys there are some great ideas I will have a look at doing it myself but if I wimp out locksmith it is it just means time off work Never mind I do think I will have at least a chain as well which girly as I am with DIY I should be able to manage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Blue Sky Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Louise that is scary and spooky both at the same time. You are being stalked! Good luck with the lock, and improved security... take care of yourself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Louise, like several of the others have already said changing locks isn't that difficult, as long as you for the replacement barrel to fit the lock that you already have. All the same what a horrible experience, sounds very intimidating and calculated to make you feel vulnerable. Sounds as if the perpetrator is a nasty piece of work Good luck with the lock changing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 6, 2006 Share Posted February 6, 2006 Hi Louise. I've only just caught up with this one, but changing locks is easy peasy - it all looks logical when you get down to it. I would also recommend a bar rather than a chain - our Neighbourhood Watch office gives them out free - sponsored by a local organisation. Changing all the locks was the first thing that I did when I finally kicked my ex out. I was up until the middle of the night doing it, but I felt miles better If you are worried about general home security, then the crime prevention officer at your police station should come round to do a free security assessment and recommend all the right locks. Take care, and sleep with a baseball bat beside the bed If you feel that you are being harrassed, then speak to the police, you'd be amazed at how understanding they can be - they'll just give the person in question a discreet talking to. You could always get Simon to come up and stay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 7, 2006 Author Share Posted February 7, 2006 Hmmmmmmmmmm now theres a thought I don't want to involve the police unless I absolutely have to and to be honest I have absolutely no proof other than the fact that I know things have been disturbed so I will go with locks for now and see if things settle down. Might think about the crime prevention officer though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 This is where you need a techno-geek to rig up some sort of camera for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 7, 2006 Author Share Posted February 7, 2006 I had thought about a video but there have only been 3 incidents over about 4 months - that I am aware of and having lived with the individual for 15 years I know how untidy he is so I am sure I would have noticed more so I would be running a camera possibly for months for no reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 I don't want to involve the police unless I absolutely have to and to be honest I have absolutely no proof other than the fact that I know things have been disturbed so I will go with locks for now and see if things settle down. I can understand you don't want to involve the Police Louise, and that's very much your choice, especially if you don't think he's out to threaten your personal safety. But, in terms of proof, you mentioned finding chewing gum earlier in the thread. I'm absolutely sure that there is lots of forensic evidence to be gathered from chewing gum, lots of lovely saliva leaves great DNA evidence. Just something to think about if you ever wanted to take it further Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 7, 2006 Author Share Posted February 7, 2006 Yes except I thought it was a bit of toilet paper till I hoovered it up It was just next to the bath and I caught a glimpse and thought the cat had fished it out of the bin but when I went at it with the vac I realised what it was just as it went up the hose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Hi Louise, I hesitate to jump in when you're obviously reluctant to tell the whole story.. but I would want to make sure that this intruder hasn't installed a camera device of some sort.. they are very small and easy to conceal nowadays. If you have a techy mate it might not be a bad idea to ask them it have a quick look around. or maybe it's something quite different - and I'm barking completely up the wrong street - if so, sorry for scaring you! Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
