Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to replace the front door lock barrel on your own. This can save you money on the expense of locksmith. You can purchase kits that include everything you need to complete the task.
You'll require a brand new barrel for a cylinder lock and a reliable screwdriver set as well as pliers or hammers for added grip and lubricant.
Length
There are numerous lock barrel options to choose from that will ensure your front door is safe. When choosing the right type of lock barrel the length of the cylinder may be critical to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, whereas those that are too small can hinder you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are a few ways to determine the length of a cylinder, so that you can buy a replacement cylinder that will provide maximum protection for your door.
The first step in determining the proper cylinder length is to remove the existing one from the door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed it is possible to measure from the screw hole in the middle of the cylinder up to the edge of the handle plate on the inside of door. Include the thickness of the plate as well. You can also take a measurement of the length of the threaded shaft on the new cylinder to determine its size.
After determining the length of the cylinder you can then install it inside your door. Begin by drilling a hole into the door. This is the hole where the handle will go. It should be slightly larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Afterward, attach the handle or knob to the handle you want to replace, making sure that it is able to pass through the spindle of the latch, and is able to turn smoothly when it is turned.
When replacing a deadbolt you should also upgrade the strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal attached to the doorjamb that locks into the deadbolt once keys are pushed into. It's important to replace the strike plate with one that is less difficult to break. Look for 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 doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is the component of your front door lock that you use to open and close the handle. It is made up of pins that move into place when you insert a key. 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 existing cylinder lock so you can purchase the correct size. You will also need to consider any door furniture like handles and escutcheons.
Euro cylinder locks come in many designs. Certain double cylinder locks offer security on both sides of the doors. They are typically used on doors that require more security than regular locks, and also in some commercial buildings. Make sure that the lock you are viewing is British Standards approved, and is in compliance with these requirements:
Anti-Snap - A burglar can attempt to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the outside of the door. To prevent this, an sacrificial strip of thinness must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill - Some burglars try to drill into the lock and break into a home. To avoid this the pins on a cylinder must be made of hardened metal.
If you are searching for a new cylinder, you should ensure it's anti-drill. This will prevent a burglar from breaking the plug apart by drilling into it using the power tool.
If you've decided to purchase a new cylinder lock, you'll require the items to install it. Included in this is an appropriate screwdriver for the job as well as a hammer to provide extra grip and pliers. It's recommended to have lubricant on hand to ensure the mechanism works smoothly. Before you begin, keep in mind that changing a lock barrel on a uPVC door isn't easy. If you're not confident in doing the job yourself, you should seek out a locksmith or expert to get help.
Keyway
The keyway is the shape that the connection between the pins on the cylinder and the key has. The key's "blade" has a series of grooves and ridges running down its length. When inserted it, they align with pins of the cylinder. The cylinder is able to rotate if it recognizes that the key is the correct one.
Each brand of lock comes with a unique keyway that allows it to be unlocked or locked with the use of a particular type of key. There are a variety of keyway sizes and shapes within the same brand. This allows for a level of security for different locks, since keys of the same brand cannot be used to unlock each other's.
In the majority of residential settings, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pulled or lifted to let loose the bolt. This is more comfortable than a knob that requires you to turn. Certain commercial settings still employ knobs for security.
When the correct key is inserted, the spring-loaded pins are shifted into a position that allows the plug to rotate. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key which allows the lock to recognize the right key. If the cylinder is operated in a way that is not correct, or if a key is not the correct fit the pins will shift to the control shear 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 has been re-keyed, a process where the pins in the cylinder are moved up to the correct height to allow the key to rotate freely inside the cylinder. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is a common procedure when a key needs to be transferred from one lock to another in a dormitory. It's not uncommon for people to have their locks re-keyed when they move homes, or if they want to grant access to a new roommate or employee without having to change all locks to the same key. This is an affordable option to improve security for a home and is often done using just the key cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on uPVC doors is a simple job that can be completed at home. The first thing to do is find the screw under the lock at the edge of the door made of uPVC. It will usually be visible because it has an unusual colour. Then, remove it using the Phillips screwdriver. Then, insert the new barrel into the final slot. Then, replace the knob with the barrel and push rod. It is important to check the direction of each piece (the barrel, push rod and lever housing / spring) before you begin reassembling.
With an screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to access the lock body. The cylinder can then be removed by turning it counterclockwise. At this point, you can leave the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed" or take it off it. Re-keying will not alter the pins within the cylinder, but will simply shift them into position with the key that matches it.
Another alternative is to remove the cylinder and then install an entirely new one. If you opt for this option, it is essential to use the same size as the old cylinder and ensure that the pins are positioned correctly to allow your lock to function properly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it is an ideal idea to lubricate it to ensure that everything moves smoothly.
If you have a mortise lockset the procedure will be a bit more difficult. This type of lock is set in pockets (mortise), which is cut into the edge the door. It will take some careful measurement and perhaps a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to be aligned. When the latch and bolt sections are aligned then you can take off the strike plate that is held in place on the sides and the bottom of your door frame using screws.