Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement

Front door barrel replacement for locks is a fairly simple DIY task that can save you the expense of calling out a locksmith. You can purchase kits that come with all the tools needed.

You will need to purchase an additional cylinder-lock barrel or a screwdriver that is reliable, a hammer or pliers for more grip and lubricant.

Length

There are numerous locks barrels to pick from that will ensure your front door is secure. When you are choosing the type of lock you want to purchase the length could be vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long are more likely to snap, while those which are too small may hinder you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are many ways to determine the correct length of the cylinder, so that you can purchase a new one that will give your door the maximum security.


To determine the proper size of the cylinder, remove the old one from the door. Remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed, you can measure from the screw hole in the middle of the cylinder to edge of the handle plate that is 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 its size.

Install the cylinder in your door after determining its length. Start by drilling a hole into the door. This is where the knob or handle will be placed and should be slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder you've created. Afterward, connect the handle inside or knob to the new handle, making sure that it is able to pass through the latch's spindle and is able to turn smoothly when it is turned.

If you are replacing a deadbolt, you must also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece metal attached to the doorjamb that locks into the deadbolt once the key is pushed into. This plate should be replaced with a safer 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 deep into the door jamb.

Design

The lock cylinder is the part of your front door lock that you use to open and close the handle. It has pins that move into position when you insert a key. You'll need to be aware of certain things when it comes to selecting the right lock cylinder. For example, it's important to measure the length of your existing cylinder lock so you can order the right size. Also, you should think about any door furniture, such as handles and escutcheons.

Euro Cylinder locks are common in homes, and are available in a variety of designs. Some are double cylinder locks that offer security from both sides of the door. They are typically used on doors that need more security than conventional locks, as well as in commercial buildings with a few. Make sure that the lock you are viewing is British Standards approved, and is in compliance with these requirements:

Anti-Snap - A burglar can try to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To prevent this, a thin strip of sacrificial material must be cut into the cylinder.

Anti-Drill: Some burglars attempt to drill through the lock in order to gain entry into a home. To guard against this, a cylinder must have pins that are made of hardened steel.

If you are in the market for a new cylinder you should also check if it is anti-drill. woking front door locks replacement will stop a burglar from ripping the plug out by drilling into it using the power tool.

Once you've chosen the right cylinder lock, you'll require the components to put it in. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job and pliers and a hammer for an extra grip. You should also have some fluid to ensure that the mechanism is operating smoothly. Before you begin, be aware that changing a lock barrel on a uPVC door can be a challenge. If you're not confident about the task it is recommended to call in a specialist or locksmith to assist you.

Keyway

The keyway is the shape that the interface between cylinder pins and the key has. The key has a set of ridges and grooves which run down the length of its "blade" and, when it is inserted, they align with the cutouts on the pins of the cylinder. The cylinder is able to move if it is sure that the key is the correct one.

Every lock model has a different keyway, allowing it to be locked or unlocked using the use of a specific key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within the same brand. This gives a certain level of security to different locks since keys from the same brand are not able to open the locks of another.

In most homes, the latch is operated using a lever, which can be pushed downwards or lifted to release the bolt. This is more ergonomic than a knob that requires you to turn. However, some commercial settings still use knobs for added security.

When the correct key has been inserted, the spring-loaded pins move into a position that allows the plug to rotate. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key which allows the lock to recognize the right key. If the cylinder or key is not inserted correctly the pins will shift to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock won't open.

In this case it is likely that the cylinder has been re-keyed. This involves raising the pins to the right height so that the key rotates freely within the cylinder. This is a common procedure when a key needs to be transferred from one lock to another in a dormitory. Many people have their locks rekeyed when they move or want to give access to a new roommate or employee without the need to change the locks all to the same key. This is a cost-effective approach to improve the security of your home. It can be accomplished by changing only the key for the cylinder.

Installation

It is simple to change the barrels of locks in the uPVC door. The first step is to locate the screw under the lock at the edge of the door, it typically stands out from the other screws as it has a different color. Then, you can remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Next, take the new barrel and insert it into the hole you removed. Then replace the knob with the barrel and push rod. It is essential to confirm the direction of each piece (the barrel, push rod and lever housing / spring) before you start reassembling.

With a screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to gain access to the lock body. The cylinder can be removed by turning it counterclockwise. You can then either take off the cylinder and have it "re-keyed" or leave it in the position it is in. Re-keying won't alter the pins within the cylinder, but 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 choose this option it is important to use the same size as your previous cylinder and make sure that the pins are set correctly in order for your lock to function correctly. After installing the new cylinder, it is an ideal idea to apply lubrication to it to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.

The process can be a little more difficult if you own mortise sets. This kind of lock is set in a pocket (mortise), which is cut into the edges of the door. It will require careful measuring and maybe a few tries to make the latch and bolt sections to coincide. When they do, you will need remove the strike plate (which is secured by screws on both sides of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which is an arduous task if you do not have the proper tools.