Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a relatively easy DIY task that can save you the cost of calling out locksmiths. You can buy kits that come with all the tools you require.
You will need a new barrel for a cylinder lock and a reliable screwdriver set as well as pliers or hammers to increase grip, and lubricant.
Length
There are numerous lock barrel options to choose from to ensure that your front door is safe. When selecting the type of lock you want to purchase the length is vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long are more likely to snap, and those that are too small can hinder you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are many ways to determine the correct length of cylinder, so you can purchase a replacement that will give your door the maximum security.
The first step to determine the proper cylinder length is to remove the current one from the door. 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 up to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of the door. Include cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism of the plate too. You can also determine the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine its size.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can then install it in your door. Start by drilling a hole through the door. This is the hole where the handle will go. It should be a little larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Then, connect the handle inside or knob to the handle you want to replace and ensure that it is able to pass through the spindle of the latch, and turns smoothly when you turn it.
When replacing a deadbolt you should also upgrade the strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of steel that is attached to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt once it's forced in by a key. It is essential to replace the strike plate with a more secure version that is harder to penetrate. Find strike plates with a reinforced metal design to resist kick attacks, and make sure that the screws are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure that they get deep into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a part of the front door lock you use to open or close the handle. It is made up of pins that move into position when you insert a key. When it comes time to select the right lock cylinder you'll need to be aware of certain things. For example, it's important to measure the length of your current lock cylinder so that you can purchase the correct size. It is also important to take into consideration any door furniture, such as handles or 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 regular locks, and also in some commercial buildings. Make sure that the lock you are viewing is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap: A burglar could attempt to snap the lock by applying force to the door's exterior. To stop this from happening, an sacrificial strip of thinness is cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars attempt to drill through the lock in order to gain entry into a house. To avoid this the pins on a cylinder must be made of a hardened metal.
When you are looking for a new cylinder, you should also check if it is anti-drill. This will stop an intruder from drilling into the plug with a power drill and breaking it apart.
After you've selected the right cylinder lock, you'll need to gather the necessary materials for installing it. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job, as well as an hammer and pliers to provide additional grip. It is also recommended to have oil to ensure that the mechanism runs smoothly. Be aware that changing the lock on a uPVC isn't easy. If you're unsure about doing it by yourself, it's recommended to call a locksmith or specialist for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway is the form that the interface between the cylinder pins and the key takes. The key's "blade" is made up of a series of grooves and ridges that run along its length. When the key is inserted into the lock, they align with the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder recognizes the correct key and allows it to turn.
Every lock model has a different keyway, which allows it to be locked or unlocked using the use of a specific key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within a single brand. This gives a certain level of security between different locks since keys from the same brand can't be used to unlock each other's.
In most homes the latch is operated using an adjustable lever that can be pushed downwards or lifted to let the bolt go. 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 put in, a set of spring-loaded of pins move into place so that the plug can move. The pins also align with grooves in the blade of the key, identifying the correct key and denying access. If the cylinder is operated in a way that is not correct, or if a key is not a proper fit, the pins will shift to the control line rather than the operating shear line and the lock will be unable to open.
In the case of this particular image it's likely that the cylinder has been reset-keyed, which is when the pins in the cylinder are moved upwards to the right 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 might need to be moved between dozens of locks. Many people require their locks to be rekeyed whenever they move house or want to grant access to an employee or roommate without the need to change the locks all to the same key. This is a cost-effective approach to increase the security of your home. It can be done by simply changing the key to the cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to replace the barrel of a lock in the uPVC door. The first step is to locate the screw underneath the lock at the edge of the uPVC door. It will usually be visible because it has a different colour. Then, remove it using the help of a Phillips screwdriver. Next, take the new barrel and insert it into the previous hole. Afterward, put the knob that was previously used with the new barrel and push rod back in place. It is crucial to verify the direction of each piece (the barrel, push rod and the lever housing and spring) before you start reassembling.
With the help of a screwdriver, you are able to easily remove the knob and handle to gain access to the lock body. After this is done the cylinder is turned counterclockwise to remove it. You can then either take off the cylinder and have it "re-keyed" or keep it in place. Re-keying will not alter the pins in the cylinder. It will simply shift them into the position of the key that matches it.
The other option is simply to take the cylinder off and then install a new. If you opt for this option, it is crucial to choose the same size as your previous cylinder and ensure that the pins are positioned properly to allow the lock to work correctly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it's a good idea for you to apply lubrication to it to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
If you are using a mortise lockset the procedure will be a bit more difficult. This kind of lock is installed into pockets (mortise) cut into the edge of the door. Therefore, it will require careful measurement and possibly a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to align. When the latch and bolt sections are aligned then you can take off the strike plate that is held in place on the sides and the bottom of your door frame using screws.