Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a relatively simple DIY job that will reduce the cost of calling locksmiths. You can purchase kits that include everything you require for the job.
You'll need a new cylinder lock barrel, a dependable screwdriver set and pliers or hammers to increase grip, and a oil lubricant.
Length
There are many locks barrels to pick from that will ensure your front door is secure. When choosing the right type of lock barrel the length of the cylinder can be critical to your home's security. Cylinders that protrude too far can snap, and those that are too short can prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are a variety of methods to determine the right cylinder length, so you can purchase a new one that will provide your door with the maximum security.
To determine the correct size of the cylinder, remove the old cylinder from the door. Utilizing a screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed it is possible to measure from the center screw hole of the cylinder to edge of the handle plate on the inside of door. Make sure you 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 the size.
After determining the length of the cylinder you can then place it in your door. Begin by using a drill to create an opening for the face of the door. This is the hole in which the handle will be placed. It should be slightly larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the knob inside or handle to the new handle. Make sure that it fits through the spindle of the latch and is turning smoothly.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you must also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece that is attached to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when driven in by a lock. The plate should be replaced with a safer version. Find strike plates with a reinforced metal design to protect against kick attacks. Also, use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they go deep into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a part of the front door lock that you use to open or close the handle. It has pins that move into place when you insert the key. When it comes to choosing the right lock cylinder you'll need to know some things. It is crucial, for instance to measure the length of the cylinder locks you currently have so that you can purchase the correct size. You will also need to take into consideration any door furniture, such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are common in homes, and they're available in many different designs. Some double cylinder locks offer security on both sides of the doors. They're often fitted to doors that require greater security than standard ones and are also used in commercial spaces. If you're in the market for an upgrade to your lock, make sure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following requirements:
Anti-Snap: An intruder could attempt to snap the cylinder by applying pressure to the door's outside. To prevent this, 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 prevent this from happening the cylinder should be fitted with pins that are made of steel that has been hardened.
If you're in the market for a new cylinder, you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will stop burglars from tearing the plug off by drilling it with the power tool.
Once you've chosen a new cylinder lock, you'll have to gather the required components to put it in. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job along with a hammer and pliers for additional grip. Also, you should have fluid to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Be aware that changing the lock on a uPVC isn't easy. If you're not confident in doing the job yourself, you should contact a locksmith or a specialist for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway is the form that the interface between the cylinder pins and the key takes. The key has a series of grooves and ridges that run down the length of its "blade", and when inserted, these align with the cutouts on the cylinder's pins. This is how the cylinder recognizes the correct key and allows it to turn.
Each brand of lock has a unique keyway that allows it be locked or unlocked with a specific type of key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within a single brand. This allows for a level of security for different locks, since keys of the same brand cannot be used to open the locks of another.
In most residential settings the latch is operated by a lever that can be pulled or lifted in order to release the bolt. This is more comfortable than the knob that needs to turn. However some commercial settings utilize knobs to provide additional security.
When the correct key is inserted, the spring-loaded pins shift into position allowing the plug to be rotated. The pins also align with grooves in the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key and blocking access. If the key or cylinder is not correctly inserted the pins will be moved to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock won't open.
In the case of this particular photo, it's likely that the cylinder has been reset-keyed, which is when the pins in the cylinder are moved up to the correct height to allow the key to freely rotate inside the cylinder. This is typically the case in situations of shared housing where the key for one person may need to be moved between several locks. It is common for people to have their locks rekeyed when they move or want to give access to a new employee or roommate without having to change all of the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to improve security for a home and can often be done with just the key cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on uPVC doors is a simple job that can be accomplished at home. upvc door lock replacements is find the screw under the lock at the edge of the door made of uPVC. It will usually be noticeable because it is a different colour. Then, remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, put the new barrel into the previous slot. Afterward, put the knob on the new barrel and push rod back in place. It is important to check the orientation of each part (the barrel, push rod and lever housing / spring) before you start reassembling.
Once the handle and knob are removed, you can gain access to the lock's body by loosening the set screw that holds it in place with an screwdriver. The cylinder can then be removed by turning it counterclockwise. At this point, you are able to either keep the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying does not alter the pins of the cylinder. It will only shift them into the correct location using the key that matches.
Another option is to take the cylinder off and install a replacement. If you decide to do this, it is crucial to choose the same size as the old cylinder and make sure that the pins are positioned correctly to allow your lock to work properly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it is a good idea for you to apply lubrication to it to ensure that everything moves smoothly.
The process can be a little more difficult if you have mortise sets. This kind of lock is inserted into a pocket (mortise) that is cut into the edges of the door. It will take some careful measuring and maybe several attempts to get the latch and the bolt sections to be aligned. Once the latch and bolt sections are lined up then you can take off the strike plate, which is secured on the top and bottom of the door frame by screws.