how to change a lock

Hard to tell from your description exactly what you have there, but this sounds like a mortise lock, which will be identified by fairly large faceplate (1"x6", give or take) set into the edge of the door. Try to take that faceplate off exposting the guts of the lock. Likely to be some way of unfastening it inside. Also check all around the inside handle for hex set screws. They are often located in hard to see area and fasten the handle on to a stud protruding from the door.

Gary Brady Austin, TX

I cannot figure out a way to take the face plate off because the tulrning bar is holding it. So on the turning bar, is it possible there is hidden some set screws?

I can't remember from your original message-do you have a doorknob, or is this the type with the long sculptured handle and a thumbtab? Doorknobs are sometimes fitted to a threaded, often square, shaft, and usually have some time of set screw, out of view, that holds them from unscrewing.

Gary Brady Austin, TX

Grip the outer ring of the deadbolt lock - on the inside of the door - with a set of padded-jawed pliers and unscrew it counterclockwise.

Occasionaly, a double-keyed one is installed incorrectly and you can unscrew it from the outside. Burglars love to see this happen.

The lock is a dead bolt Schlage. There is no screw. I looked at it carefully. I see I can use a plier and pry out the turning bar holding the stem. It appears the turning bar has two pieces of metal pinching the stem. Once I pry it off, the face plate can be removed. Does this sound reasonably?

Go to Homer's and look for one like it. Or ask the tekkie there. A free ride.

Steve

If it is a schlage it can be re-keyed.

Easiest way is just to take it to your local locksmith. Schlage parts are very pricey if you bugger something up.