Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door barrel replacement for locks is a relatively easy DIY task that can save you the cost of calling out a locksmith. You can purchase kits that include everything you need to complete the job.
You will need to purchase a new cylinder-lock barrel, a screwdriver set that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers, to provide extra grip and lubricant.
Length
There are a myriad of lock barrel types available to ensure that your front door is as secure as is possible. However, when choosing the type of lock barrel you want to purchase, the length of the cylinder can be critical to your home's security. Cylinders which protrude too much are more likely to snap, whereas those that are too small can stop you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are a few ways to determine the length of a cylinder so that you can purchase the replacement cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
To determine the right size of the cylinder, take out the old one from the door. Remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed, you can determine the distance between the center of the screw hole on the cylinder to the edge of the backplate for the handle on the inside of the door. Make sure you include the thickness of the plate, as well. You can also determine the size of the cylinder by measuring the length of the threaded spindle that is attached to the new cylinder.
After determining the length of the cylinder you can then install it inside your door. Begin by drilling a hole into the door. This is where the knob or handle will go and should be slightly larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the interior knob or handle to the new handle. Make sure that it is able to fit into 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 the metal piece that is attached to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt once it's driven in by a lock. The plate should be replaced with a safer version. Choose a strikeplate that has a reinforced metal structure to protect against kick attacks. Make sure to use screws that are at minimum 2.5-3 inches in length to ensure they're able to penetrate deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock that you can use to open or close the handle. It has pins that move into position when you insert the key. You'll need to be aware of a few points when it comes to selecting the right lock cylinder. For instance, it's crucial to determine the length of your existing cylinder lock so you can select the appropriate size. Also, you should take into account any furniture for doors, like handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks come in a variety of styles. Certain double cylinder locks provide security on both sides of doors. They are typically fitted to doors that require greater security than standard locks, and they're also used in some commercial premises. Make sure that the lock you're viewing is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap - A burglar could attempt to snap a lock by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To prevent this from happening, a thin strip of sacrificial material must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into a home. To stop this from happening, a cylinder's pins should be made of hardened metal.
If upvc door locking mechanism replacement in the market for an entirely new cylinder, you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will prevent thieves from drilling into the plug using a power drill and breaking it apart.
Once you've selected the new cylinder lock you will have to gather all the necessary materials to put it in place. Included in this is an appropriate screwdriver for the task and a hammer for additional grip, and pliers. It's important to have some fluid to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Be aware that changing a lock on uPVC can be a challenge. If you're not confident about doing the job yourself, it's best to contact a locksmith or a specialist for assistance.
Keyway
Keyway is the shape that the interface between the pins on the cylinder and the key adopts. The key's "blade" has a series of grooves and ridges running down its length. When inserted it, they align with pins of the cylinder. The cylinder is able to move if it is sure that it is the correct one.
Each brand of lock has a distinct keyway that allows it to be locked or unlocked with the use of a particular type of key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within a single brand. This gives a certain level of security for different locks, since keys from the same brand can't be used to unlock the other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be lifted or pushed to open the bolt. This is often more ergonomic than turning a knob which requires you to turn it. Certain commercial settings still utilize knobs for security.
Once the key that is correct has been inserted, the spring-loaded pins move into position, allowing the plug to be rotated. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key and allow the lock to recognize the right key. If the cylinder has been manipulated incorrectly, or if the key is a wrong fit, the pins will shift to the control line rather than the operating shear line, and the lock will be unable to open.
In this case it is likely that the cylinder has been re-keyed. This involves moving the pins up to the right height so that the key can rotate freely within the cylinder. This is typically the case in dormitories where the key for one person could need to be moved between dozens of locks. It is not uncommon for people to change their locks as they move houses, or if they want to grant access to a new roommate or employee without needing to change all locks to the same key. This is an affordable option to enhance security in a home, and is often accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
The process of changing the barrels on locks on doors made of uPVC is a simple task that can be done at home. The first step is to find the screw underneath the lock on the outside of the door, it is usually distinct from the rest of the screws because it is a different color. Then, remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, grab the new barrel and place it into the hole you removed. After that, you can put the knob that was previously used with the new barrel and push rod back into place. It is essential to confirm the position of each component (the barrel, push rod and the lever housing and spring) before you start reassembling.
With a screwdriver, you can easily remove the handle and knob to gain access to the lock body. The cylinder is then removed by turning it counterclockwise. It is now possible to either remove the cylinder and be able to have it "re-keyed" or leave it in its place. Re-keying will not change the pins in the cylinder. It will only move them to the proper position with the key that matches.
Another alternative is to simply take off the cylinder and install an entirely new one. If you choose this option it is crucial to choose the same size as the old cylinder, and ensure that the pins are set properly to allow the lock to function properly. It is also an excellent idea to use the lubricant on your new cylinder following installation to ensure that everything moves smoothly.
The process can be a little more difficult if you own a mortise set. This type of lock is inserted inside pockets (mortise), which is cut into the edges of the door. It will require some careful measurements and possibly a few attempts to get the latch and bolt sections to coincide. When they do then you'll have remove the strike plate (which is held in place by screws on top and bottom of the door frame) and the latch bolt, which is an arduous task if you do not have the proper tools.