Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a relatively simple DIY task that can save you the cost of calling out locksmiths. You can buy kits that include all the tools you need.
You will need to purchase a new cylinder-lock barrel, a screwdriver set that is solid, a hammer or pliers, for extra grip, and the lubricant.
Length
There are a variety of lock barrel types available to ensure your front door is as safe as it can be. When choosing the type of lock barrel you want to purchase the length of the cylinder could be vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, and those that are too small could stop you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are a few ways to determine the length of a cylinder so that you can buy a replacement cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
The first step in determining the proper cylinder length is to remove the current one from the door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder in place. After the cylinder has been removed, you can measure from the center screw hole of the cylinder up to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of the door. Include the thickness of the plate, too. You can also determine the size of the cylinder by measuring the length of the threaded spindle that is attached to the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder into your door after determining its length. Begin by using a drill to create an opening for the face of the door. This is where the knob or handle will be placed and should be slightly larger than the diameter of your new cylinder. Attach the knob on the inside or handle to the handle you are replacing. Make sure that it is able to fit into the spindle of the latch and rotates smoothly.
When replacing a deadbolt you should also upgrade your strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of metal that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's forced in by a key. The strike plate needs to be replaced with a more secure version. Find a strikeplate with a 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're able to penetrate deeply into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a part of the front door lock you can use 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 points when choosing the appropriate lock cylinder. For instance, it's essential to determine the length of your existing cylinder lock so you can order the right size. You'll also need to consider any furniture for doors, like handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are available in many designs. Some of these double cylinder locks provide security on both sides of doors. They are typically used on doors that require more security than conventional locks, as well as in commercial buildings with a few. Make sure the lock you're viewing is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap - A burglar could attempt to snap a lock by applying pressure to the outside of the door. To avoid this, the lock should have a thin sacrificial line that's cut into the cylinder's body.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars attempt to drill through the lock to gain entry into a home. To stop this from happening the pins on a cylinder must be made of a hardened metal.
If you're looking for a new cylinder, you should consider whether it's anti-drill. This will stop burglars from breaking the plug apart by drilling into it with the power tool.
Once you've selected the cylinder lock you want, you will have to gather all the necessary materials to put it in place. Included in this is a screwdriver suitable for the job as well as a hammer to provide extra grip, and pliers. It's also a good idea to have fluid to ensure that the mechanism works smoothly. Before you begin, be aware that changing a lock barrel on a uPVC door can be difficult. If you're not confident about doing it yourself, it's best to call a locksmith or specialist to get help.
Keyway
The keyway is the form that the interface between the pins on the cylinder and the key adopts. The key's "blade" is made up of a series of grooves and ridges that run along its length. When the key is inserted, they align with the pins of the cylinder. The cylinder will only rotate if it recognizes that it is the correct one.
Each brand of lock has a distinct keyway, that allows it to be locked or unlocked with a specific key. Within a single brand, there are different keyway styles and sizes to choose from. This gives a certain level of security for locks since keys from the same brand can't be used to open the other's.
In most residential settings, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pushed downwards or lifted to open the bolt. This is more comfortable than the knob that needs to turn. Certain commercial settings still utilize knobs to provide security.
When the correct key is inserted, a spring-loaded set of pins shift into position to allow the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, identifying the correct key and denying access. If the cylinder has been manipulated incorrectly, or if the key is a wrong fit, the pins will shift to the control shear line instead of the operating shear line and the lock will not be able to open.
In replacement door lock of this particular image it's likely that the cylinder has been reset-keyed, which is when the pins that are in place are moved upward to the proper height to allow the key to rotate freely inside the cylinder. This is common in situations of shared housing where the key for one person might have to be moved between dozens of locks. It's not uncommon for people to have their locks changed as they move houses, or when they wish to grant access to an employee or roommate without needing to change all locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective method to improve the security of the home. It can be accomplished by changing only the key to the cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on doors made of uPVC is a simple task that can be accomplished at home. The first thing to do is find the screw that is under the lock on the edge of the door made of uPVC. It will usually be noticeable because it is a different colour. Then, you can remove it using a Phillips screwdriver. Then, grab the new barrel and place it into the hole you removed. After that, you can put the knob on the new barrel and push rod back into place. Before reassembling, it is important to check that each component is aligned correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
With an screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to gain access to the lock body. Once you have done this the cylinder can be rotated counterclockwise in order to loosen it. You can then either take off the cylinder and have it "re-keyed" or leave it in place. Re-keying won't alter the pins within the cylinder. It will simply shift them into the position of the key that matches it.
Another alternative is to simply take off the cylinder and then install an entirely new one. If you opt for this option, it is crucial to choose the same size as your old cylinder and ensure that the pins are positioned correctly in order for your lock to work properly. After installing the new cylinder, it's recommended to apply lubrication to it to make sure that everything moves smoothly.
If you have a mortise lockset the procedure will be a bit more complicated. This type of lock is set into pockets (mortise), which is cut into the side of the door. It will take some careful measuring and maybe a few tries to get the latch and the bolt sections to be aligned. After that it, you'll need to remove the strike plate (which is fixed by screws on both sides of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which is an arduous task if you do not have the proper tools.