Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to change the front door lock barrel on your own. This can save you money on the expense of a locksmith. You can buy kits that come with all the tools needed.
You'll need to buy an additional cylinder-lock barrel or a screwdriver that is reliable, a hammer or pliers, to provide extra grip and oil.
Length
There are a variety of lock barrel types available to ensure that your front door is as secure as possible. However, when choosing a new lock barrel type the length of the cylinder could be critical to your home's security. Cylinders which protrude too much are more likely to snap, while those that are too small can stop you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are a variety of ways to determine the correct length of the cylinder, so that you can buy a replacement that will give your door maximum protection.
To determine the right size of the cylinder, take out the old cylinder from the door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that keep the lock cylinder in place. Once the cylinder is removed, you can measure from the screw hole in the middle of the cylinder to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of door. Include the thickness of the plate too. You can also determine the cylinder size by measuring the length of the threaded spindle on the new cylinder.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can install it in your door. Start by using a drill to create an opening for the face of the door. This is the place where the handle or knob will go and it should be slightly larger than the diameter of your new cylinder. Afterward, attach the interior handle or knob to the new handle and make sure it is able to pass through the spindle of the latch and is able to turn smoothly when it is turned.
If you're replacing a deadbolt you must also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of metal that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's driven in by a lock. It's important to replace the strike plate with a more secure version that is less difficult to break. Choose a strike plate with a reinforced metal design to stop kick attacks, and use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure that they get deep into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock that you utilize to open or close the handle. It has pins that slide into position when you insert the key. It is important to be aware of a few things when selecting the right lock cylinder. It is crucial, for instance to measure the length of your cylinder locks that you have in place so that you can order the right size. You will also need to take into consideration any door furniture such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks come in a variety of styles. Some are double cylinder locks that offer security from both sides of the door. They are often employed on doors that require more security than standard locks, and in some commercial buildings. Make sure that the lock you are viewing is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the outside of the door. To prevent this, a thin strip of sacrificial material must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars try to cut holes in the lock to gain entry into homes. To avoid this, a cylinder's pins should be made of hardened metal.
If you're in the market for a new cylinder, then you must also think about whether it's anti-drill. door lock repairs hull will prevent a burglar from ripping the plug out by drilling it with a power tool.
Once you've chosen 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 and a hammer for additional grip, and pliers. It's important to have some fluid to ensure that the mechanism works smoothly. Before you begin, be aware that changing the barrel of a lock on the uPVC door can be difficult. If you're not confident about the job, it is best to seek out a specialist or locksmith to assist you.
Keyway
Keyway is the shape that the interface between the cylinder pins and the key adopts. The key has a series of ridges and grooves which run down the length of its "blade" and, when inserted, these align with the cutouts in the cylinder's pins. The cylinder can only move if it is sure that the key is the right one.
Each lock brand has a distinct keyway that allows it to be unlocked or locked with a specific type of key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within the same brand. This gives a certain level of security between locks because keys from the same brand can't be used to open one other's.
In the majority of residential settings, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pushed or lifted to let loose the bolt. This is often more ergonomic than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. However certain commercial settings utilize knobs to provide additional security.
When the key is properly put in, a set of spring-loaded of pins move into place to allow the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves in the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key, but blocking access. If the cylinder is operated incorrectly, or if the key is a wrong fit the pins will shift to the control shear line rather than the operating shear line, and the lock will be unable to open.
In this instance it is likely that the cylinder has been re-keyed. This involves moving the pins up to the proper height to allow the key to rotate freely within the cylinder. This is common in situations of shared housing where the key for one person could need to be moved between several locks. It's not uncommon for individuals to change their locks as they move houses, or when they wish to give access to new roommates or employees without having to change all the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to increase security at home, and is usually done with just the key cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on doors made of uPVC is a simple job that can be completed at home. The first step is to locate the screw that is under the lock at the edge of the door, it usually stands out from the other screws due to its different color. Then, remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can insert the new barrel into the previous slot. Then, place the knob on the new barrel and push rod back into position. Before reassembling, it is important to check that all parts are positioned correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
With a screwdriver, you can easily remove the handle and knob to access the lock body. Once this is done, the cylinder can be turned counterclockwise to remove it. At this point, you can either leave the cylinder in place, and have your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying will not change the pins inside the cylinder. It will only shift them into the proper location using the key that matches.
Another option is to simply remove the cylinder and replace it with a new one. If you choose this option it is crucial to choose the same size as the old cylinder and make sure that the pins are set correctly in order for your lock to function properly. It is also recommended to apply lubricant on the new cylinder following installation to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.
If you are using a mortise lockset the process is slightly more difficult. This kind of lock is installed inside a pocket (mortise) cut into the edges of the door, therefore it will require careful measurements and possibly a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to align. When the latch and bolt sections are lined up, you can remove the strike plate that is held in place on the sides and the bottom of your door frame using screws.