Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a relatively simple DIY task that can save you the cost of calling out a locksmith. You can purchase kits that include all the tools you require.
You'll need a new cylinder lock barrel as well as a reliable screwdriver set as well as pliers or hammers to increase grip, and a oil lubricant.
Length
There are many lock barrel types to ensure your front door is as safe as possible. When selecting the type of lock you want to purchase the length could be essential to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long are prone to snapping and those that are too small will prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. Fortunately, there are several methods to determine the right length of the cylinder, so that you can buy a replacement that will give your door the maximum security.
The first step in determining the proper cylinder length is to take the existing one from the door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed, you can measure from the centre screw hole of the cylinder to the edge of the handle plate on the inside of door. Include the thickness of the plate, too. You can also determine the cylinder size by measuring the length of the threaded spindle attached to the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder into your door after determining its length. Start by drilling a hole through the door. This is the hole where the handle will be placed. It should be slightly bigger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the interior knob or handle to the new handle. Make lock replacement upvc door that it fits through the spindle of the latch and turns smoothly.
If you're replacing a deadbolt you should also think about upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of steel that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's forced in by a key. It is essential to replace this plate with a more secure version that is more difficult to breach. Look for an attack plate that has an enhanced metal design to resist kick attacks, and 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 component of the front door lock that you can use to open or close the handle. It is equipped with pins that move into position when you insert the key. You'll need to be aware of a few things when selecting the correct lock cylinder. It's crucial, for instance to determine the length of your cylinder locks that you have in place so that you can order the correct size. Also, you should take into consideration any door furniture like handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are commonly used in homes, and they're available in a variety of designs. Some double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of the doors. They are commonly used on doors that need more security than standard locks, and in commercial buildings with a few. If you're looking to purchase a new lock, ensure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following criteria:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to snap the lock by applying force on the door's outside. To avoid this, the lock should have an sacrificial line cut into the cylinder's body.
Anti-Drill - Some burglars try to drill into the lock and then break into homes. To stop this from happening, a cylinder's pins should be made of hardened metal.
If you're looking for a new cylinder, then you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will help to prevent thieves from drilling into the plug with an electric drill and then breaking it into pieces.
Once you've chosen the right cylinder lock, you'll require the items to install it. Included in this are a screwdriver suitable for the job as well as a hammer to provide extra grip, and pliers. It is also recommended to have oil to ensure that the mechanism is operating smoothly. Be aware that changing the lock on uPVC can be difficult. If you're not confident about doing the job yourself, it's best to seek out a locksmith or expert to get help.
Keyway
The keyway is the shape that the interface between the cylinder pins and the key takes. The key's "blade" has a series grooves and ridges that run along its length. When the key is inserted it, they align with pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder detects the correct key and allows it to rotate.
Each lock brand has a distinct keyway, which allows it to be locked or unlocked by using a specific key. There are various keyways 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 open the locks of another.
In most residential settings, the latch is operated with the lever, which can be pushed downwards or lifted to open the bolt. This is typically more comfortable than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. Certain commercial settings still employ knobs for security.
When the key is correctly inserted, a spring-loaded set of pins shift into position to allow the plug to rotate. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key, allowing the lock to recognize the right key. If the cylinder has been manipulated improperly, or if the key is not a proper fit the pins will shift to the control line instead of the operating shear line, and the lock will be unable to open.
In this situation it is likely the key cylinder has been changed. This involves moving the pins up to the proper height to allow the key to rotate freely within the cylinder. This is a common procedure when a key needs to be moved from one lock to another in a dormitory. It is common for people to require their locks to be rekeyed whenever they move or want to give access to an roommate or employee without having to change all the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to improve security in a home, and is often done with just the key cylinder.
Installation
Changing a lock barrel on uPVC doors is a simple task that can be accomplished at home. The first step is to find the screw that is under the lock on the edge of the door, it is usually distinct from the other screws because it is a different color. Then, remove it using the Phillips screwdriver. Then, grab the new barrel and put it into the hole you removed. Then, place the knob with the new barrel and push rod back into place. When reassembling, it's important to check that all parts are positioned correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
After the handle and knob have been removed, you are able to gain access to the lock's body by loosening the set screw that holds it in place with a screwdriver. Once you have done this the cylinder can be turned counterclockwise to remove it. At this point, you are able to keep the cylinder in place and have your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. A re-key will not change the pins in the cylinder, but will simply shift 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 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 correctly. It is also an excellent idea to use lubricant on the new cylinder after installing it to ensure that everything operates smoothly.
The process can be a little more difficult if you own mortise sets. This type of lock is set into the pocket (mortise) cut into the side of the door, therefore it will require careful measurement and possibly a few tries to get the bolt and latch sections to line up. Once the bolt and latch sections are lined up and you are able to remove the strike plate, which is secured on the top and bottom of your door frame by screws.