Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a fairly simple DIY job that will save you the cost of calling out a locksmith. You can buy kits that contain everything you need to complete the task.
You will need a new barrel for a cylinder lock as well as a reliable screwdriver set and pliers or hammers for added grip and oil lubricant.
Length
There are many lock barrel choices to choose from to ensure that your front door is safe. When choosing the type of lock barrel you want to purchase, the length of the cylinder may be crucial to your home's security. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, and those that are too small can prevent you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are a variety of ways to determine the proper cylinder length, so you can purchase a new one that will give your door the maximum security.
The first step in determining the correct cylinder length is to remove the current 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 centre of the screw hole on the cylinder up to the edge of the handle backplate on the inside of the door. Make sure to include the thickness of the plate as well. You can also measure 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 install it in your door. Begin by drilling a hole in 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 that it fits through the spindle of the latch and rotates smoothly.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you should also think about upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal that is attached to the doorjamb which locks into the deadbolt once keys are pushed into. This plate should be replaced with a safer version. Look for strike plates with an enhanced metal design to stop kick attacks, and make sure the screws are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they penetrate deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock that you utilize to open or close the handle. It has pins that move into position when you insert the key. When it comes time to select the correct cylinder for your lock, you'll need to be aware of certain things. It is crucial, for instance to measure the length of your cylinder locks that you have in place to ensure that you order the correct size. Also, you should think about any door furniture such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are available in a variety of styles. Some double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of doors. They are commonly employed on doors that require more security than regular locks, and also in commercial buildings with a few. 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 try to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To avoid this, the lock should have an sacrificial line cut into the cylinder's body.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into a home. To stop this from happening the pins on a cylinder must be made from hardened metal.
If you are searching for a new cylinder you must also ensure that it is anti-drill. This will stop burglars from breaking the plug apart by drilling into it using an electric tool.
If you've decided to purchase a new cylinder lock you'll need to gather the necessary items to install it. This includes a screwdriver that's appropriate for the job along with an hammer and pliers to provide additional grip. It's also a good idea to have some oil on hand to ensure the mechanism operates smoothly. Be aware that changing the lock on a uPVC can be a challenge. If you're not confident in doing it yourself, you should seek out a locksmith or expert for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway on locks is the shape of the cylinder's interface and the key. The key's "blade" has 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 determines the correct key, and allows it to rotate.
Every lock model comes with a different keyway which allows it to be locked or unlocked with the use of a particular key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within the same brand. Repair My Windows And Doors ensures a certain level of security for locks since keys of the same brand cannot be used to open one other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated by an adjustable lever that can be lifted or pushed to open the bolt. 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 inserted, the spring-loaded pins shift into a position that allows the plug to be rotated. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key and denying access. If the cylinder has been manipulated in a way that is not correct, or if a key is not the correct fit, the pins will shift to the control line instead of the operating shear line and the lock will be unable to open.
In this instance it is likely the cylinder has been re-keyed. This involves moving the pins up to the proper height so that the key can rotate freely within the cylinder. This is typically the case in situations of shared housing where the key for one person might have to be moved between multiple locks. It's not uncommon for people to have their locks re-keyed when they move homes, or if they want to give access to a new roommate or employee without having to change all locks to the same key. This is a reasonable option to increase security in a home, and is usually accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
The process of changing the barrels on locks on doors made of uPVC is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home. The first step is to locate the screw that is under the lock on the edge of the door. It is usually distinct from the rest of the screws as it has a different color. Then, remove it using the help of a Phillips screwdriver. Then, put the new barrel into the final slot. After that, you can put the knob that was previously used with the new barrel and push rod back in place. Before reassembling, it is essential to make sure that each component is aligned correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
Once the handle and knob are removed you can easily gain access to the lock's body by loosening the setscrew that holds it in place with a screwdriver. The cylinder is then unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. At this point, you can leave the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed" or take it off it. Re-keying will not change the pins inside the cylinder. It will simply shift them into the correct position using the key that matches.
The other option is to remove the cylinder and then install a new. If you decide to go this route it is essential that you use the same size cylinder as your old one and that the pins be positioned correctly. This will ensure that the lock functions properly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it is an ideal idea to apply lubrication to it to make sure that everything moves smoothly.
The process is a bit more complicated if you're using mortise sets. This type of lock installs into a pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of the door, therefore it will require careful measurements and perhaps a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to align. Once they do then you'll have remove the strike plate (which is held in place by screws at the both sides of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which can be difficult if you don't have the right tools.