Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a fairly simple DIY job that will reduce the cost of calling a locksmith. You can purchase kits that include everything you need for the job.
You'll require a brand new barrel for a cylinder lock as well as a reliable screwdriver set, a hammer or pliers to increase grip, and oil-based lubricant.
Length
There are a variety of lock barrel types available to ensure that your front door is as secure as possible. When you are choosing the type of lock you want to purchase, the length can be crucial to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, whereas those that are too small could hinder you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are a few methods to determine the length of a cylinder to ensure that you purchase a replacement cylinder that offers the best security for your door.
The first step in determining the correct cylinder length is to take the existing one from the door. Remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. After the cylinder is removed and you are able to 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. Include the thickness of the plate too. You can also determine the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine the size.
After determining the length of the cylinder you can then install it in your door. Start by using a drill to create an entrance hole for 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 repairmywindowsanddoors on the inside or handle to the handle you are replacing. Make sure 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 a piece metal that is attached to the doorjamb which locks into the deadbolt when keys are pushed into. It is essential to replace this plate with a high-security version that is less difficult to breach. Choose a strikeplate that has a reinforced metal structure to resist kick attacks. Use screws that are 2.5-3 inches in length to ensure they penetrate deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is the component of your front door lock that you use to open and close the handle. It has pins that move into place when you insert the key. You'll need to be aware of a few points when selecting the appropriate lock cylinder. It's important, for example 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 account any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks come in many designs. Some are double cylinder locks that provide security from both sides of the door. They are typically used on doors that require more security than standard locks, and in some commercial buildings. If you're looking for a new lock, ensure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following requirements:
Anti-Snap: An intruder could attempt to break the cylinder by applying force to the outside of the doors. To prevent this, an sacrificial strip of thinness must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars try to penetrate the lock in order to gain entry into a home. To protect against this, a cylinder should have pins that are made of hardened steel.
If you're looking for a new cylinder, you should consider whether it's anti-drill. This will help to prevent a burglar from drilling into the plug with an electric drill and then breaking it up.
If you've decided to purchase a new cylinder lock you'll need to gather the necessary items to install it. Included in this is an appropriate screwdriver 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 operates smoothly. Be aware that changing a lock on uPVC can be a challenge. If you're not confident about the task, it is best to contact a professional or locksmith to assist you.
Keyway
The keyway is the shape that the connection between the cylinder pins and the key adopts. The key is made up of a series of ridges and grooves that extend along the length of its "blade" and, when it is inserted, they coincide with the cutouts in the cylinder's pins. The cylinder is able to turn if it can confirm that the key is the right one.
Each lock brand has a different keyway, which allows it to be locked or unlocked using the use of a particular key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within the same brand. This provides a level security between locks because keys from the same brand can't be used to open each other's.
In most residential settings, the latch is operated using a lever, which can be pushed downwards or lifted to let the bolt go. This is more ergonomic than the knob that needs to turn. However some commercial settings utilize knobs to provide additional security.
When the correct key is installed, a spring-loaded set of pins move into place so that the plug can rotate. The pins also align with grooves in the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key and denying access. If the cylinder has been manipulated incorrectly, or if the key is a wrong fit, the pins will shift to the control shear line rather than the operating shear line, and the lock will be unable to open.
In this particular photograph it's possible that the cylinder was previously changed into a new key, which is a process in which the existing pins are shifted up to the correct height so that the key can freely move within the cylinder. This is typically the case in dormitory situations where the key for one person could require a move between multiple locks. Many people have their locks rekeyed when they move or want to allow access to an roommate or employee without having to change the locks all to the same key. This is a cost-effective approach to increase the security of a home. It can be done by simply changing the key for the cylinder.
Installation
Changing a lock barrel on uPVC doors is a simple job that can be completed at home. The first step is to locate the screw under the lock on the edge of the door. It usually stands out from the other screws because it is a different color. Then, you can remove it using a Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can insert the new barrel into the last slot. Then, place the knob on the new barrel and push rod back in place. When reassembling, it's essential to make sure that all parts are positioned correctly (the rod and the barrel as well as the spring/lever housing).
Once the handle and knob have been removed, you can get to the lock's body loosening the set screw that holds it in place using the help of a screwdriver. The cylinder can then be unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. You can now either remove the cylinder and be able to have it "re-keyed" or leave it in place. Re-keying won't alter the pins inside the cylinder, it will simply move them into position with the key that matches it.
The other option is simply to remove the cylinder, and then install a new. If you choose this method it is essential to use the same size cylinder as the one you had previously and that the pins be positioned correctly. This will ensure that the lock is working properly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it's recommended to grease it to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
The process is a bit more difficult if you own a mortise set. This type of lock is inserted into the pocket (mortise), which is cut into the side of the door. It will take some careful measurements and possibly several attempts to get the latch and the bolt sections to be aligned. When the latch and bolt sections are lined up and you are able to remove the strike plate, which is held in place on the top and bottom of your door frame by screws.