Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to change the front door lock barrel yourself. This can save you money on the expense of locksmith. You can purchase kits that include all the tools needed.
You'll need a new cylinder-lock barrel and a screwdriver set that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers, to provide extra grip and lubricant.
Length
There are numerous locks barrels to pick from to ensure that your front door is secured. When choosing the type of lock you want to purchase the length is essential to the security of your home. Cylinders that extend too far can snap, and those that are too short can prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are several methods to determine the length of a cylinder, so that you can purchase an alternative cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
The first step in determining the correct cylinder length is to take the existing one from the door. Remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. After the cylinder is removed and you are able to determine the distance from the center of the screw hole on the cylinder to the edge of the handle backplate on the inside of the door. Make sure you include the thickness of the plate as well. You can also determine the size of the cylinder by measuring the length of the threaded spindle on the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder into your door after determining its length. Begin by using a drill to create an entrance hole for the door. This is the hole where the handle will be placed. It should be slightly bigger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Afterward, connect the handle inside or knob to the handle you want to replace and ensure that it goes through the spindle of the latch and operates smoothly when turned.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you should also think about upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of steel that mounts to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when driven in by a lock. It's important to replace the strike plate with one that is more difficult to break. Find a strikeplate with an reinforced metal construction to resist kick attacks. Make sure to use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches in length to ensure they penetrate deeply into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock you can use to open or close the handle. It is equipped with pins that move into place when you insert the key. You'll need to be aware of a few points when choosing the appropriate lock cylinder. For instance, it's essential to measure the length of your current lock to ensure you purchase the correct size. You'll also need to take into consideration any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are commonly used in the home, and are available in a variety of designs. Some of these double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of the doors. They're often fitted to doors that require more security than standard ones, and they're also used in some commercial premises. Make sure that the lock you are viewing is British Standards approved, and has the following requirements:
Anti-Snap - A burglar could attempt to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the outside of the door. To stop this from happening, a thin sacrificial strip should be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars try to cut holes in the lock to gain entry into a home. To prevent this from happening, a cylinder must have pins made of steel that has been hardened.
When you are looking for a new cylinder, you must also ensure that it is anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from tearing the plug off by drilling into it using an electric tool.
After you've selected a new cylinder lock, you'll have to gather the required components to put it in. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job, as well as a hammer and pliers for added grip. It's important to have lubricant on hand to ensure the mechanism works smoothly. Before you begin, remember that changing the barrels of a lock on a uPVC door can be a challenge. If you are not confident about the task you should call in a specialist or locksmith for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway is the shape that the interface between the pins on the cylinder and the key adopts. 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 coincide with the cutouts in the pins of the cylinder. The cylinder can only move if it is sure that it is the correct one.
Each brand of lock has a unique keyway that allows it be locked or unlocked using specific keys. Within a single brand, there are different keyway styles and sizes available. This allows for a level of security between different locks since keys from the same brand cannot be used to unlock the other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated by a lever that can be pulled or lifted to open the bolt. This is often more ergonomic than a knob which requires you to turn it. However certain commercial settings use knobs for added security.
If the correct key is inserted, the spring-loaded pins shift into position allowing the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves in the blade of the key, identifying the correct key and denying access. If the cylinder is operated improperly, or if the key is not a proper fit the pins will shift to the control line, instead of the operating shear line, and the lock will be unable to open.
In this case, it is likely that the cylinder 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 typically the case in dormitory situations where the key for a single person may require a move between several locks. Many people require their locks to be rekeyed whenever they move or want to grant access to an employee or roommate without the need to change all of the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective approach to improve the security of your home. It can be done by simply changing the key cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to change the barrel of a lock in a uPVC door. The first step is to find the screw that is under the lock on the outside of the door, it usually stands out from the rest of the screws due to its different color. Then remove it using a Phillips screwdriver. Then, insert the new barrel into the final slot. Afterward, put the knob on the new barrel and push rod back in place. It is essential to confirm the orientation of each part (the barrel, push rod and spring / lever housing) before you begin reassembling.
Once the knob and handle are removed you can easily access the lock body by loosening the setscrew that holds it in place using a screwdriver. The cylinder can then be unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. You can now either remove the cylinder and get it "re-keyed" or keep it in its place. Re-keying will not alter the pins in the cylinder. It will simply move them into the position of the key that matches it.
Another alternative is to simply take off the cylinder and replace it with an entirely new one. If you choose this option it is important to use the same size as your old cylinder, and ensure that the pins are positioned properly to allow the lock to work properly. just click the following page is also an excellent idea to use oil on the new cylinder following installation to ensure that everything operates smoothly.
If you are using a mortise lockset the process is slightly more difficult. This type of lock is set inside the pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of the door. Therefore, it requires careful measurement and maybe a few attempts to get the bolt and latch sections to align. Once the latch and bolt sections are lined up, you can remove the strike plate, which is secured on the sides and the bottom of your door frame with screws.