Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a fairly simple DIY task that can save you the expense of calling a locksmith. You can purchase kits that come with everything you need to complete the task.
You'll need to buy an entirely new barrel for cylinder-lock or a screwdriver that is reliable, a hammer or pliers, for extra grip, and the lubricant.
Length
There are numerous lock barrel choices to choose from to ensure that your front door is secured. When choosing the right type of lock, the length can be crucial to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, while those that are too small could hinder you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are a variety of methods to determine the right length of the cylinder, so that you can buy a replacement that will offer your door the maximum security.
To determine the correct cylinder size, remove the old one from the door. Remove the screws holding the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed you can measure the distance from the centre of the screw hole on the cylinder up to the edge of the handle backplate on the inside of the door. Be sure to 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 that is attached to the new cylinder.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can install it in your door. Start by drilling a hole into the door. This is where the knob or handle will go and should be slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder you've created. After that, you can attach the handle 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're replacing a deadbolt, you should also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal attached to the doorjamb, which locks into the deadbolt once the key is pushed into. It is essential to replace this plate with a more secure version that is harder to penetrate. Look for an attack plate that has a reinforced metal design to stop kick attacks, and make sure that the screws are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they go deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a component of the front door lock that you utilize to open or close the handle. It has pins that move into place when you insert keys. When it comes to choosing the right lock cylinder you'll need to know certain things. For instance, it's essential to measure the length of your current cylinder lock so you can purchase the correct size. Also, you should consider any furniture for doors, like handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks come in a variety of styles. Some are double cylinder locks, which offer security from both sides of the door. They're often fitted to doors that require greater security than standard ones, and they're also used in some commercial premises. Check that the lock you are considering is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap: An intruder could attempt to snap the cylinder by applying pressure on the door's outside. To stop this from happening, an sacrificial strip of thinness must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars attempt to penetrate the lock to gain entry into homes. To protect against this, a cylinder should have pins made of hardened steel.
If you're looking for an entirely new cylinder, you should consider whether it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from drilling into the plug with a power drill and breaking it apart.
After you have chosen the cylinder lock you want, you will have to gather all the necessary materials to put it in place. Included in this are a screwdriver suitable for the task and a hammer for additional grip, and pliers. It's important to have fluid to ensure that the mechanism is working 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 job by yourself, it's recommended to contact a locksmith or a specialist to get help.
Keyway
The keyway is the form that the connection between the cylinder pins and the key adopts. 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. This is how the cylinder determines the correct key, and allows it to turn.
Each brand of lock has a different keyway, that allows it to be locked or unlocked by using a specific key. Within a single brand, there are different shapes and sizes to choose from. upvc replacement door locks provides a degree of security for different locks, as keys of the same brand can't be used to unlock the other's.
In most residential settings the latch is operated by a lever that can be pulled or lifted to let loose the bolt. This is typically more comfortable than turning a knob which requires you to turn it. Certain commercial settings still utilize knobs for security.
When the correct key is put in, a set of spring-loaded of pins shifts into position so that the plug can turn. The pins align with grooves on the blade of the key and allow the lock to recognize the correct key. If the cylinder or key is not correctly inserted the pins will shift to the control shear rather than the operating line. The lock won't open.
In the case of this particular photograph it's possible that the cylinder was previously reset-keyed, which is when the pins in the cylinder are moved upwards to the right height so that the key can freely rotate inside the cylinder. This is typically the case in dormitories where the key for a single person could require a move between dozens of locks. People often require their locks to be rekeyed whenever they move houses or wish to give access to an employee or roommate without the need to change all the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to increase security for a home and is often accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to replace the barrels of locks in the uPVC door. The first step is to locate the screw under the lock at the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to stand out because it has an entirely different color. Then, remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can insert the new barrel into the previous slot. Then, place the knob with the new barrel and push rod back into position. It is important to check the orientation of each part (the barrel as well as the push rod and the lever housing and spring) before you begin reassembling.
Once the handle and knob are removed you can easily access the lock body by loosening the screws that hold it in place with the help of a screwdriver. Once you have done this, the cylinder can be rotated counterclockwise to unscrew it. You can then either take off the cylinder and get it "re-keyed" or keep it in its place. Re-keying won't alter the pins within the cylinder. It will simply move them to the key that matches it.
The other option is simply to take the cylinder off and replace it with a new. If you decide to go this route, it is important that you use the same size cylinder that you used previously and that the pins be positioned correctly. This will ensure your lock works correctly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it's an ideal idea to apply lubrication to it to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
The process is slightly more difficult if you own a mortise set. This type of lock is set inside the pocket (mortise) cut into the edges of the door, so it requires careful measurement and maybe a few attempts to get the bolt and latch sections to line up. After that it, you'll need to take off the strike plate (which is secured by screws that are located on the top and bottom of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which can be an arduous task if you do not have the proper tools.