Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to change the front door lock barrel yourself. This can save you money on the cost of a locksmith. You can buy kits that contain everything you require for the task.
You'll require a brand new cylinder lock barrel, a dependable screwdriver set, a hammer or pliers for extra grip, and a lubricant.
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There are a variety of lock barrel choices to choose from to ensure that your front door is secured. However, when choosing a new lock barrel type the length of the cylinder can be vital to your home's security. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, whereas those that are too small could stop you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are several ways to determine the length of a cylinder to ensure that you purchase the replacement cylinder that will provide maximum protection for your door.
To determine the right cylinder size, remove the old one from the door. Remove the screws holding the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed, you can measure from the screw hole in the middle of the cylinder up to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of the door. Make sure you include the thickness of the plate as well. You can also take a measurement of the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine its size.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can then install it inside your door. Start by drilling a hole in the door. This is where the handle will go. It should be slightly bigger than the diameter of the new cylinder. After that, you can attach the interior handle or knob to the new handle and ensure that it goes through the spindle of the latch and operates smoothly when turned.
When replacing a deadbolt, it is recommended that you must also replace the strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of metal that is attached to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's pushed in by a key. The strike plate needs to be replaced with a more secure version. Choose a strikeplate that has a reinforced metal structure to withstand kick attacks. Use screws that are 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they penetrate deeply into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a component of the front door lock you utilize to open or close the handle. It has pins that move into position when you insert the key. It is important to be aware of a few points when it comes to selecting the correct lock cylinder. For example, it's important to measure the length of your existing lock cylinder so that you can select the appropriate size. You'll also need to consider any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are available in a variety of designs. Some of these double cylinder locks offer security on both sides of the doors. They are typically employed on doors that require more security than conventional locks, as well as in commercial buildings with a few. Check that the lock you are viewing is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may try to snap the lock by applying force on the outside of the doors. To stop this from happening the lock must have an sacrificial line cut into the body of the cylinder.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into homes. To guard against this, a cylinder should have pins that are made of hardened steel.
If you're in the market for a new cylinder, then you must also think about whether it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from drilling into the plug with an electric drill and then breaking it up.
If you've decided to purchase a new cylinder lock you'll need to gather the necessary components to put it in. Included in this are an appropriate screwdriver for the task, a hammer for extra grip and pliers. It's also a good idea to have fluid to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Before you begin, be aware that changing the barrels of a lock on a uPVC door can be difficult. If you're not confident about the task you should seek out a specialist or locksmith for help.
Keyway
The keyway on locks is the shape of the cylinder's interface and the key. The key is made up of a series of ridges and grooves which run down the length of its "blade" and, when it is inserted, they align with the cutouts on the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder determines the correct key and allows it to rotate.
Each lock brand has a unique keyway that permits it to be locked or unlocked with the use of a particular type of key. There are a variety of keyway sizes and shapes within a single brand. This allows for a level of security to different locks, since keys of the same brand are not able to unlock each other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated using a lever, which can be pulled down or lifted to let the bolt go. This is more ergonomic than a knob that requires you to turn. Certain commercial settings still employ knobs to provide security.
When the correct key has been inserted, spring-loaded pins are shifted into a position that allows the plug to rotate. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key and allow the lock to recognize the correct key. If the cylinder is operated incorrectly, or if the key is not a proper fit, the pins will shift to the control shear line, instead of the operating shear line, and the lock will be unable to open.
In this instance it is likely the key has been re-keyed. This involves moving the pins up to the right height to allow the key to rotate freely within the cylinder. This is a common procedure when a key has to be transferred from one lock to another in the dormitory. It's not uncommon for people to change their locks when they move houses or if they want to give access to an employee or roommate without having to change all locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to increase security for a home and is often accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
It is easy to change the barrels of locks in the door made of uPVC. The first step is to find the screw under the lock at the edge of the door. It typically stands out from the rest of the screws due to its different color. Then, remove it using the Phillips screwdriver. Then, insert the new barrel into the final slot. Then, place the knob with the new barrel and push rod back into place. It is essential to confirm the direction of each piece (the barrel, push rod and lever housing / spring) before you begin assembling.
After the knob and handle are removed, you are able to gain access to the lock's body by loosening the setscrew that holds it in place using an screwdriver. Once this is done, the cylinder can be turned counterclockwise to remove it. At this point, you are able to either keep the cylinder in place, and have your locks "re-keyed" or take it out of it. Re-keying won't alter the pins inside the cylinder, but will simply move them to the key that matches it.
Another alternative is to simply take off the cylinder and replace it with another. If you opt for this option it is crucial to make use of the same cylinder as the one you had previously and that the pins be placed in the correct position. This will ensure that the lock is working properly. After installing the new cylinder, it's a good idea for you to apply lubrication to it to ensure that everything moves smoothly.
If you are using a mortise lockset the procedure will be a bit more difficult. This type of lock is set inside pockets (mortise) cut into the side of the door. Therefore, it will require careful measurements and maybe a few attempts to get the bolt and latch sections to align. Once they do, you will need remove the strike plate (which is secured by screws that are located on the top and bottom of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which is difficult if you don't have the right tools.