Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door barrel replacement for locks is a relatively simple DIY project that can save you the expense of calling locksmiths. You can buy kits that include everything you need to complete the task.
You'll need to buy a new cylinder-lock barrel or a screwdriver that is solid, a hammer or pliers for more grip and the lubricant.
Length
There are a variety of locks barrels to pick from that will ensure your front door is secure. But, when selecting the type of lock barrel you want to purchase, the length of the cylinder can be vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that extend too far are susceptible to snapping, and those that are short will prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are several methods to determine the length of a cylinder, so that you can purchase an alternative cylinder that will provide maximum security for your door.
To determine the proper size of the cylinder, remove the old one from the door. Make use of a screwdriver to take out the screws that keep the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed, you can measure the distance from the center of the screw hole in the cylinder to the edge of the backplate for the handle on the inside of the door. Include the thickness of the plate, too. You can also measure the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine its size.
Install the cylinder into your door after determining its length. Start by using a drill to create a face bore hole in the door. This is the place where the handle or knob will be placed and should be a little larger than the diameter of the cylinder you've created. Attach the knob inside or handle to the handle you are replacing. Make sure that it is able to fit through the spindle of the latch and rotates smoothly.
When replacing a deadbolt, it is recommended that you should also upgrade the strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's driven in by a lock. The strike plate needs to be replaced with a more secure version. Find an attack plate that has a reinforced design that can stop kick attacks, and make sure that the screws are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure that they get deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock you utilize to open or close the handle. It is made up of pins that move into place when you insert a key. When it comes to choosing the correct lock cylinder, you'll need to know some things. It's crucial, for instance to measure the length of the cylinder locks you currently have to ensure that you order the correct size. It is also important to take into consideration any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are common in homes, and they're offered in a variety of styles. Certain double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of doors. They are typically fitted to doors that require more security than standard ones and are also used in commercial buildings. Make sure the lock you are looking at is British Standards approved, and is in compliance with these requirements:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to snap the lock by applying force to the door's exterior. To prevent this the lock must have a thin sacrificial line that's cut into the body of the cylinder.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill holes into locks and break into a home. To guard against upvc door locks replacement should be fitted with pins that are made of steel that has been hardened.
If you're in the market for a new cylinder, you must also think about whether it's anti-drill. This will prevent a burglar from ripping the plug out by drilling into it using the power tool.
If you've decided to purchase a new cylinder lock you'll require the components to put it in. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job along with an hammer and pliers to provide added grip. It is also recommended to have oil to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Be aware that changing a lock on uPVC isn't easy. If you are not confident about the job, it is best to seek out a specialist or locksmith to assist you.
Keyway
The keyway on a lock is the form of the cylinder's interface and the key. The key has a set of ridges and grooves that are affixed to its "blade", and when inserted, these align with the cutouts on the cylinder's pins. The cylinder is able to turn if it can confirm that it is the correct one.
Every lock model has a distinct keyway, allowing it to be locked or unlocked by using the use of a particular key. Within a single brand however, there are many different keyway shapes and sizes to choose from. This gives a certain level of security for different locks since keys of the same brand are not able to unlock each other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated by an adjustable lever that can be pulled or lifted to open the bolt. This is more comfortable than a knob that requires you to turn. However, some commercial settings still utilize knobs to provide additional security.
When the key is correctly put in, a set of spring-loaded of pins shift into position so that the plug can rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, identifying the correct key, but blocking access. If the key or cylinder is not properly inserted, the pins will move to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock won't open.
In this instance, it is likely that the cylinder has been re-keyed. This involves raising the pins to the proper height so that the key can rotate freely within the cylinder. This is typical when a key needs to be transferred from one lock to another in a dormitory. It's not uncommon for individuals to have their locks changed when they move homes, or to grant 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 a home and can often be accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on doors made of uPVC is a simple task that can be completed at home. The first step is to locate the screw under the lock on the outside of the door, it is usually distinct from the other screws as it has a different color. Remove it with the Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can insert the new barrel into the previous slot. Afterward, put the knob with the new barrel and push rod back into position. It is important to check 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 can be rotated counterclockwise to unscrew it. At this point, you are able to either keep the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed" or take it out of it. Re-keying won't change the pins inside the cylinder. It will only move them into the correct position using the key that matches.
Another option is to take the cylinder off and install a replacement. If you choose this method it is crucial that you make use of the same cylinder as the one you had previously and that the pins are positioned correctly. This will ensure that your lock works properly. After installing the new cylinder, it is an ideal idea to grease it to make sure that everything moves smoothly.
The process is a bit more complicated if you're using a mortise set. This kind of lock is installed into pockets (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 the bolt and latch sections are lined up then you can take off the strike plate, which is secured on the sides and the bottom of your door frame with screws.