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 out a locksmith. You can purchase kits that contain everything you need to complete the task.

You'll need to buy a new cylinder-lock barrel and a screwdriver set that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers, to provide extra grip and oil.

Length

There are a variety of lock barrels available to ensure that your front door is as secure as it can be. But, when selecting a new lock barrel type, the length of the cylinder may be crucial to your home's security. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, whereas those which are too small may hinder you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are a variety of ways to determine the length of a cylinder so that you can purchase the replacement cylinder that offers the best security for your door.

The first step to determine the proper cylinder length is to remove the existing one from the door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder in place. After the cylinder is removed and you are able to measure the distance from the center of the screw hole on the cylinder to the edge of the handle backplate on the inside of the door. Be sure to include the thickness of the plate, as well. 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 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 go. It should be a little larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the knob on the inside or handle to the new handle. Make sure it is able to fit through the spindle of the latch and rotates smoothly.

If you're replacing a deadbolt you should also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal that is attached to the doorjamb which locks into the deadbolt once a key is pushed in. It's important to replace this plate with a more secure version that is less difficult to penetrate. Find a strikeplate with a reinforced metal construction to protect against kick attacks. Make sure to use screws that are 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they are able to penetrate deep 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 keys. When it comes time to select the right lock cylinder you'll need to be aware of certain things. For instance, it's essential to measure the length of your current cylinder lock so you can order the right 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 a variety of designs. Certain double cylinder locks offer security on both sides of the doors. They are often used on doors that require more security than standard locks, and in some commercial buildings. If you're looking for an upgrade to your lock, make sure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following criteria:

Anti-Snap - A burglar can attempt to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the outside of the door. To prevent this the lock must have an sacrificial line cut into the cylinder body.

Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into a home. To protect against this the cylinder should be fitted with pins made of hardened steel.

If you're in the market for an entirely new cylinder, you must also think about whether it's anti-drill. This will stop thieves from drilling into the plug with the power drill and tearing it up.

After you have chosen the new cylinder lock you will need to gather all of the necessary materials to put it into place. 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 operates smoothly. Before you begin, be aware that changing the barrel of a lock on a uPVC door isn't easy. If you're not confident in doing the job yourself, you should call a locksmith or specialist for assistance.

Keyway

The keyway is the form that the interface between the pins of the cylinder and the key adopts. The key's "blade" is made up of a series of grooves and ridges along its length. When inserted, 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 distinct keyway, which allows it to be locked or unlocked by using the use of a specific key. Within a single brand there are different keyway styles and sizes available. This provides a degree of security to different locks since keys from the same brand can't be used to unlock each other's.

In most residential settings, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pushed downwards or lifted to release the bolt. This is more ergonomic than the knob that needs to turn. Some commercial settings still use knobs for security.

When the correct key is installed, a spring-loaded set of pins shift into position so that the plug can rotate. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key, allowing the lock to recognize the correct key. If the cylinder or key is not properly inserted the pins will shift to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock will not open.

In this instance it is likely the key has been re-keyed. This involves moving the pins up to the proper height so that the key rotates freely within the cylinder. This is common when a key needs to be transferred from one lock to another in a dormitory. It is not uncommon for people to change their locks when they move homes, or to give access to an employee or roommate without having to change all locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to improve security for the home. It can be done by simply changing the key cylinder.

Installation

Changing a lock barrel on uPVC doors is a simple job that can be completed at home. The first step is locate the screw underneath the lock near the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to be visible because it has a different colour. Then, remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, grab the new barrel and place it into the hole you removed. Then, replace the knob with the barrel and push rod. Before 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).

After the handle and knob are removed you can easily access the lock body by loosening the set screw that holds it in place with an screwdriver. After this is done the cylinder is rotated counterclockwise in order to loosen it. It is now possible to either remove the cylinder and get it "re-keyed" or leave it in the position it is in. Re-keying won't alter the pins within the cylinder, it will simply move 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 essential to use the same size as your old cylinder, and ensure that the pins are placed correctly to allow your lock to function correctly. It is also a good idea to use the lubricant on your new cylinder after installing it to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.

The process is slightly more complicated if you're using a mortise set. double glazed door lock replacement of lock is installed inside pockets (mortise) cut into the edge 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 they do, you will need to remove the strike plate (which is fixed by screws at the both sides of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which is difficult if you don't have the right tools.