5) Once You're Inside

If the lock is a common lockwood, you will need a philips-head screwdriver to remove the three screws from the back section. Two long screws secure the backing plate and the barrel/cylinder to the door. Remove these and the barrel will be released.

The barrel should be the only part of the lock that needs to be replaced, and these can be purchased at almost any hardware store. The replacement process is pretty straightforward. Most of the problems associated with this process concern the proper fitting of the tongue inside the lock. Sometimes the tongue is too long and will need trimming to suit the thickness of the door. You can tell if the tongue is too long by sliding the new barrel into position with the tongue fitted into the slot provided. To shorten the tongue and so properly fit the lock to the door you will need a hacksaw and something to hold it (pliers or vice) while you cut it to the proper length.

There will probably be quite a few things/areas needing repair or cleaning up. Make a list, go to the hardware store and start fixing the place up. Get friends to come around, both to help and just to be there. The first few days/weeks of occupying the building are critical and so it's important that no-one is left alone (or the building is left empty) much during that time. Use this time early on to establish your new home. Cleaning up any rubbish that has been left around and putting curtains in the windows are good ideas, and will probably send a good message to the neighbours that you are not going to trash the place.

If the owner[s] or the police turn up, it is important that you tell them that the premises were open and that you just walked in. A good rule here is : Never admit to forcibly entering the place (see the section on important legal stuff for more details).

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