DIY lock cylinder changes?

Yes, you will need a screwdriver.

Instead of replacing, it may be cheaper to take the cylinders to a locksmith and have them re-keyed. They just remove a pin and put a different size in its place.

You also want to be sure the locks you have a good security. May pay to replace them if they are not up to par.

cylinders

without

I once picked up a re-keying kit for my house locks. It contains the needed pins etc. It is a pretty easy task to change the locks if you have a key with a differents pattern. You could get such a key from the junk bin at any locksmith. The re-keying kit needs to match your locks. If you have a bunch of different lock types it may be more trouble than its worth.

Bob

There are some things it's better off to hire the pro. AC tune ups for central AC is one of them. Rekeying locks is another one. Sure, it's possible to pull the locks out, and take them to the hardware. Stand and wait while the fellow there rekeys them. But a locksmith who is spending the time will notice and correct all kinds of small things that make him worth the money.

My perspective: 18 years in the locksmith field.

Generally you need to buy the rekeying kit from the manufacturer, IIRC about $20.00 for a Schlage lockset--Ive had good luck with Kwickset in the past, but never done Schlage.