Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door barrel replacement for locks is a fairly simple DIY job that will save you the expense of calling locksmiths. You can purchase kits that include everything you need for the job.
You'll need a new cylinder lock barrel and a reliable screwdriver set as well as pliers or hammers for added grip and a lubricant.
Length
There are a variety of locks barrels to pick from that will ensure your front door is safe. When selecting a new lock type the length is crucial to the security of your home. Cylinders that extend too far are susceptible to snapping, and those that are too short will prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are a variety of ways to determine the proper length of cylinder, so you can buy a replacement that will offer your door the maximum security.
The first step to determine the correct length of cylinder is to take the existing one from the door. Take off the screws that are holding the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed and you are able to measure the distance from 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 too. You can also determine the cylinder size by measuring the length of the threaded spindle on the new cylinder.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can then install it inside your door. Begin by using a drill to create a face bore hole in the door. This is the place where the handle or knob will go and should be slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder you've created. Attach the interior knob or handle to the handle you are replacing. Make sure it fits through the spindle of the latch and rotates smoothly.
If you're replacing a deadbolt, you should also think about upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece that is attached to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt once it's pushed in by a key. The plate should be replaced with a more secure version. Find strike plates with a reinforced metal design to stop kick attacks, and make sure that the screws are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure that they get 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 has pins that move into place when you insert the key. When it comes time to select the right lock cylinder you'll need to know certain things. It's important, for example to determine the length of the cylinder locks you currently have to ensure that you order the right size. You will also need to take into consideration any door furniture, such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks come in many designs. Certain double cylinder locks offer security on both sides of doors. They're often fitted to doors that require more security than standard ones, and they're also used in commercial buildings. If you're in the market for a new lock, ensure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following criteria:
Anti-Snap - A burglar could attempt to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To prevent this, a thin sacrificial strip must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill - Some burglars try to drill into the lock and break into homes. To stop this from happening the pins on a cylinder must be made of hardened metal.
If you're looking to purchase a new cylinder, then you should consider whether it's anti-drill. This will help to prevent a burglar from drilling into the plug with a power drill and breaking it into pieces.
Once you've selected the new cylinder lock you'll need to gather all the components you'll need to put it in place. Included in this are a screwdriver suitable for the job and a hammer for additional grip and pliers. It's also a good idea to have lubricant on hand to ensure the mechanism is working smoothly. Be aware that changing locks on a uPVC can be a challenge. If you're unsure about doing the job yourself, it's best to call a locksmith or specialist to get help.
Keyway
Keyway is the shape that the interface between pins of the cylinder and the key takes. The key's "blade" has a series of grooves and ridges along its length. When the key is inserted, they align with the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder recognizes the correct key, and allows it to rotate.
Every lock model has a different keyway, which allows it to be locked or unlocked by using the use of a specific key. Within Repair My Windows And Doors there are different shapes and sizes available. This gives a certain level of security for different locks since keys of the same brand cannot be used to open the locks of another.
In most homes, the latch is operated by a lever that can be pulled or lifted to let loose the bolt. This is more ergonomic than a knob that requires you to turn. Certain commercial settings still employ knobs to provide security.
When the correct key is inserted, the spring-loaded pins are shifted into position allowing the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key, but denying access. If the cylinder is operated improperly, or if the key is not a proper fit the pins will shift to the control shear line, instead of the operating shear line, and the lock will be unable to open.
In this particular photograph, it's likely that the cylinder was reset-keyed, which is when the pins that are in place are moved upwards to the right height so that the key can freely move within the cylinder. This is typical when keys need to be transferred from one lock to another in the dormitory. It is common for people to need their locks changed when they move houses or wish to allow access to a new employee or roommate without the need to change the locks all to the same key. This is an affordable option to improve security at home, and can often be done with just the key cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to change the barrel of a lock in the uPVC door. The first step is to locate the screw that is under the lock on the edge of the door. It is usually distinct from the other screws due to its different color. Then remove it using the Phillips screwdriver. Then, grab the new barrel and put it into the last hole. Then, replace the knob with the push rod and the barrel. Before reassembling, it's crucial to ensure that all parts are positioned correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
Once the handle and knob are removed, you are able to get to the lock's body loosening the set screw that holds it in place with the help of a screwdriver. Once you have done this the cylinder is rotated counterclockwise in order to loosen it. At this point, you can leave the cylinder in place, and have your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying does not alter the pins of the cylinder. It will only shift them into the proper position with the key that matches.
Another option is to simply remove the cylinder and replace it with an entirely new one. If you decide to do this, it is important to use the same size as your old cylinder and make sure that the pins are set properly to allow the lock to function properly. After installing the new cylinder, it is an ideal idea to apply lubrication to it to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.
If you have a mortise lockset the procedure will be a bit more complicated. This kind of lock is installed into the pocket (mortise) cut into the edges of the door. Therefore, it requires careful measurement and possibly a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to line up. When they do it, you'll need remove the strike plate (which is fixed by screws on top and bottom of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which can be a difficult task without proper tools.