It's A Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement Success Story You'll Never Be Able To
repairmywindowsanddoors is a fairly simple DIY project that can save you the cost of calling a locksmith. You can purchase kits that include everything you require for the job.
You'll need to buy an entirely new barrel for cylinder-lock, a screwdriver set that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers, for extra grip, and the lubricant.
Length
There are a variety of lock barrel types to ensure that your front door is as secure as is possible. When choosing the type of lock you want to purchase, the length can be essential to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are susceptible to snapping, and those that are too short can prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are several ways to determine the length of a cylinder, so that you can purchase a replacement cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
The first step in determining the correct length of cylinder is to take the existing one from the door. Make use of a screwdriver to take out the screws that keep the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed it is possible to measure from the center screw hole of the cylinder up to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of door. Make sure to include the thickness of the plate as well. You can also determine the cylinder size by measuring the length of the threaded spindle that is attached to the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder in your door after determining its length. Begin by drilling a hole through the door. This is the hole where the handle will go. It should be a little bigger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the knob inside or handle to the handle you are replacing. Make sure it is able to fit into the spindle of the latch and turns smoothly.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you should also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece metal attached to the doorjamb that locks into the deadbolt once the key is pushed into. The plate should be replaced with a more secure version. Find a strikeplate with a reinforced metal structure to protect against kick attacks. Use screws that are 2.5-3 inches in length to ensure they penetrate deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock that you use to open or close the handle. It contains pins that shift into place when you insert keys. It is important to be aware of certain things when selecting the right lock cylinder. For instance, it's essential to measure the length of your current cylinder lock so you can order the right size. It is also important to consider any door furniture like handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are commonly used in homes, and are offered in a variety of styles. Some are double cylinder locks, which offer security from both sides of the door. They are typically used on doors that require more security than standard locks, and in some commercial buildings. If you're in the market for a new lock, check that it's British Standards approved and meets the following requirements:
Anti-Snap - A burglar can try to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To stop this from happening, a thin strip of sacrificial material should be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into homes. To protect against this, a cylinder must have pins that are made of hardened steel.
If you are in the market for a new cylinder, you should also check if it is anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from drilling into the plug with a power drill and breaking it apart.
Once you've decided on the cylinder lock that you want to install, you will need to gather all of the materials you will need to install it. This includes a screwdriver that's appropriate for the job and a hammer and pliers for an extra grip. It's recommended to have oil on hand to ensure the mechanism works smoothly. Be aware that changing locks on uPVC can be difficult. If you're not confident about doing the job yourself, you should call a locksmith or specialist for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway on locks is the shape of the connection between the cylinder and the key. The key's "blade" is made up of a series of grooves and ridges running down its length. When inserted it, they align with pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder detects the correct key and allows it to turn.
Every lock model has a distinct keyway, allowing it to be locked or unlocked by using the use of a specific key. Within a single brand, however, there are many different keyway shapes and sizes to choose from. This provides a degree of security for different locks, as keys of the same brand cannot be used to unlock each other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pushed or lifted in order to release the bolt. This is more ergonomic than a knob that requires you to turn. However certain commercial settings make use of knobs to increase security.
When the correct key is put in, a set of spring-loaded of pins move into place to allow the plug to turn. The pins also align with grooves on the key's blade, recognizing the correct key, but denying access. If the cylinder is manipulated in a way that is not correct, or if a 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 the case of this particular photo it's possible that the cylinder was re-keyed, a process where the existing pins are shifted upwards to the right height to allow the key to rotate freely inside the cylinder. This is typical when a key needs to be moved from one lock to the next in a dormitory. It's not uncommon for people to change their locks as they move houses, or if they want to allow access to an employee or roommate without having to change all locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective method to improve the security of a home. It can be done by changing only the key for the cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to change a lock barrel in a uPVC door. The first step is to find the screw underneath the lock on the edge of the door. It is usually distinct from the other screws as it has a different color. Then remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, insert the new barrel into the previous slot. Then, replace the knob with the barrel and push rod. Before reassembling, it's essential to make sure that each part is oriented correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
Once the knob and handle are removed, you are able to get to the lock's body loosening the set screw that holds it in place with an screwdriver. The cylinder can be unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. At this point, you can leave the cylinder in place and have your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying will not alter the pins inside the cylinder, it will simply move them to the key that matches it.
The other alternative is to simply take off the cylinder and replace it with another. If you choose this method it is crucial to make use of the same cylinder that you used previously and that the pins be positioned correctly. This will ensure your lock works correctly. After installing the new cylinder, it's an ideal idea to grease it to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
If you have a mortise lockset, the procedure will be a bit more complicated. This kind of lock is set in a pocket (mortise) that is cut into the edges of the door. It will require some careful measurement and perhaps a few attempts to make the latch and bolt sections to be aligned. When the latch and bolt sections are aligned, you can remove the strike plate that is secured on the top and bottom of the door frame by screws.