Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a relatively easy DIY job that will reduce the cost of calling locksmiths. You can buy kits that come with all the tools needed.
You will need a new barrel for a cylinder lock, a dependable screwdriver set as well as pliers or hammers for extra grip, and oil-based lubricant.
Length
There are numerous lock barrel options to choose from to ensure that your front door is safe. When selecting the right type of lock the length is essential to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, and those that are too small can hinder you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are a few methods to determine the length of a cylinder to ensure that you purchase an alternative cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
To determine the right cylinder size, remove the old cylinder from the door. Make use of a screwdriver to take out the screws that hold the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed, you can determine the distance between the center of the screw hole on the cylinder up to the edge of the handle backplate on the inside of the door. Include the thickness of the plate as well. You can also measure the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine the size.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can then place it inside your door. Start by drilling a hole through the door. This is the hole in which the handle will be placed. It should be slightly bigger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Then, connect the handle inside or knob to the new handle, making sure that it goes through the spindle of the latch and is able to turn smoothly when it is turned.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you should also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece that mounts to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when pushed in by a key. It's important to replace the strike plate with a more secure version that is more difficult to break. Find a strikeplate with a reinforced metal construction to resist kick attacks. Use screws that are at minimum 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they're able to penetrate deeply into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a part of the front door lock you use to open or close the handle. It has pins that move into place when you insert the key. It is important to be aware of certain things when it comes to selecting the appropriate lock cylinder. It's crucial, for instance, to measure the length the cylinder locks you currently have so that you can order the correct size. It is also important to take into consideration any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are available in a variety of styles. Certain double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of the doors. They are typically fitted to doors that require greater security than standard ones and are also utilized in commercial spaces. Make sure that the lock you are considering is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap: A burglar could attempt to snap the cylinder by applying force on the door's outside. To stop this from happening the lock must have a thin sacrificial line that's cut into the cylinder body.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars are able to cut holes in the lock in order to gain entry into homes. To prevent this from happening, a cylinder must have pins that are made of steel that has been hardened.
If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cylinder, you must also think about whether it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from tearing the plug off by drilling into it using the power tool.
After you have chosen the cylinder lock you want, you will need to gather all of the components you'll need to put it in place. This includes a screwdriver suitable for the job, and a hammer and pliers for an extra grip. Also, you should have fluid to ensure that the mechanism is operating smoothly. Before you begin, remember that changing the barrel of a lock on the uPVC door can be difficult. If you're not confident in doing the work 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 is made up of a series of grooves and ridges that extend along 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 recognizes the correct key, and allows it to turn.
Each brand of lock comes with a unique keyway that allows it be unlocked or locked with a specific type of key. Within a single brand however, there are many different keyway shapes and sizes available. This provides a level security for locks since keys of the same brand cannot be used to open each other's.
In the majority of residential settings, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pulled or lifted in order to release the bolt. This is typically more comfortable than turning a knob which requires you to turn it. Certain commercial settings still employ knobs for security.
When the correct key is inserted, a spring-loaded set of pins move into place so that the plug can rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key and blocking access. If the cylinder is manipulated in a way that is not correct, or if a key is a wrong fit the pins will shift to the control line rather than the operating shear line and the lock will not be able to open.
In this particular photo it's likely that the cylinder was previously re-keyed, a process where the pins that are in place are moved upwards to the right height to allow the key to freely move within the cylinder. This is a common procedure when a key needs to be moved from one lock to the next in the dormitory. It's not uncommon for individuals to have their locks re-keyed as they move houses, or when they wish to allow access to new roommates or employees without having to change all locks to the same key. This is an affordable option to improve security in a home, and can often be done using just the key cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to change a lock barrel in a uPVC door. The first step is locate the screw that is under the lock at the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to be visible because it has an entirely different color. Then, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver. Then, grab the new barrel and insert it into the previous hole. Then replace the knob with the push rod and barrel. Before reassembling, it is important to check that each part is oriented correctly (the rod and the barrel as well as the spring/lever housing).
With an screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to access the lock body. Once door locks replacement margate Repair My Windows And Doors have done this the cylinder can be rotated counterclockwise to unscrew it. At this point, you can either leave the cylinder in place, and have your locks "re-keyed" or take it off it. A re-key will not change the pins within the cylinder, but will simply shift them to the key that matches it.
The other alternative is to remove the cylinder and then install an entirely new one. If you decide to do this, it is important to use the same size as your previous cylinder, and ensure that the pins are placed correctly in order for your lock to work correctly. It is also a good idea to use oil on the new cylinder following installation to ensure that everything moves smoothly.
The process is slightly more complicated if you're using mortise sets. This kind of lock is installed into pockets (mortise) cut into the edges of the door, so it requires careful measurement and maybe a few attempts to get the latch and bolt sections to line up. When they do it, you'll need remove the strike plate (which is held in place by screws on top and bottom of the door frame) and the latch bolt, which is an arduous task if you do not have the proper tools.