Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to change the front door lock barrel on your own. This can save you money on the expense of locksmith. You can purchase kits that come with all the tools needed.
You'll need to buy a new cylinder-lock barrel or a screwdriver that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers for more grip, and the lubricant.
Length
There are many locks barrels to pick from to ensure your front door is safe. However, when choosing a new lock barrel type, the length of the cylinder could be vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long can snap, and those that are short will prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are a variety of ways to determine the proper cylinder length, so you can purchase a replacement that will give your door the best protection.
To determine the correct cylinder size, remove the old one from the door. Take off the screws that are holding the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed and you are able to measure the distance from the screw hole in the middle of the cylinder to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of door. Make sure to include the thickness of the plate, as well. You can also determine the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine the size.
Install the cylinder inside your door after determining its length. Start by using a drill to create an entrance hole for the door. This is where the handle or knob will go and it should be slightly larger than the diameter of your new cylinder. Then, attach the interior handle or knob to the handle you want to replace and make sure it goes through the latch's spindle and operates smoothly when turned.
When replacing a deadbolt, you must also replace the strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece that mounts to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt once it's forced in by a key. This plate should be replaced with a more secure version. Choose a strikeplate that has a reinforced metal structure to resist kick attacks. Use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches in length to ensure they're able to penetrate deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a component of your front door lock that you use to open and close the handle. It is made up of pins that move into position when you insert the key. It is important to be aware of certain things when choosing the correct lock cylinder. It is crucial, for instance, to measure the length your cylinder locks that you have in place to ensure that you order the right size. Also, you should take into account any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are available in many designs. Some of these double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of doors. They're often fitted to doors that require more security than standard ones, and they're also used in some commercial premises. Make sure the lock you're looking at is British Standards approved, and is in compliance with these requirements:
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 unintentional sacrificial line cut into the cylinder body.
Anti-Drill - Some burglars attempt to drill holes into locks and break into a home. To stop this from happening the pins on a cylinder must be made of hardened metal.
If you're in the market for an entirely new cylinder, you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will stop an intruder from drilling into the plug using an electric drill and then breaking it into pieces.
Once you've decided on the cylinder lock that you want to install, you'll have to gather all the components you'll need to put it into place. Included in this are an appropriate screwdriver for the task as well as a hammer to provide extra grip, and pliers. You should also have some fluid to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Be aware that changing a lock on a uPVC isn't easy. If you're not confident about doing the work yourself, you should call a locksmith or specialist to get help.
Keyway
Keyway is the shape that the connection between the cylinder pins and the key takes. The key has a set of grooves and ridges that are affixed to its "blade" and, when inserted, these align with the cutouts in the pins of the cylinder. The cylinder can only move if it is sure that the key is the correct one.
Each lock brand has a distinct keyway that allows it be locked or unlocked with a specific type of key. Within a single brand however, there are many different keyway shapes and sizes to choose from. This gives a certain level of security between locks because keys from the same brand can't be used to open one other's.
In the majority of residential settings the latch is operated with a lever, which can be pushed downwards or lifted to let the bolt go. This is typically more comfortable than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. Some commercial settings still use knobs to provide security.
When the key is correctly inserted, a spring-loaded set of pins shifts into position so that the plug can turn. The pins align with grooves on the blade of the key and allow the lock to recognize the correct key. If the cylinder has been manipulated improperly, or if the key is not the correct fit the pins will shift to the control shear line instead of the operating shear line and the lock will not be able to open.
In this instance it is likely the key has been re-keyed. This involves moving the pins up to the right height to allow the key to rotate freely within the cylinder. This is common when a key has to be transferred from one lock to the next in a dormitory. It is not uncommon for people to have their locks re-keyed when they move houses or if they want to grant access to new roommates or employees without having to change all the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to increase the security of the home. It can be accomplished by simply changing the key cylinder.
Installation
It is easy to change the barrel of a lock in the uPVC door. The first thing to do is locate the screw under the lock on the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to stand out because it has a different colour. Remove it with a Phillips screwdriver. Then, insert the new barrel into the previous slot. After Repair My Windows And Doors , you can put the knob that was previously used with the new barrel and push rod back into position. Before reassembling, it is crucial to ensure that each part is oriented correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
With the help of a screwdriver, you are able to easily remove the handle and knob to access the lock body. After this is done the cylinder is rotated counterclockwise to unscrew it. At this point, you are able to either leave the cylinder in place, and have your locks "re-keyed" or take it off it. Re-keying does not alter the pins of the cylinder. It will only move them into the correct location using the key that matches.
The other option is simply to remove the cylinder, and install a replacement. If you decide to do this, it is crucial to choose the same size as your previous cylinder and make sure that the pins are set correctly to allow your lock to function properly. It is also an excellent idea to use the lubricant on your new cylinder following installation to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.
The process is slightly more difficult if you have a mortise set. This type of lock is set inside the pocket (mortise) cut into the side of the door, so it requires careful measurement and perhaps a few tries to get the bolt and latch sections to line up. When the bolt and latch sections are lined up then you can take off the strike plate that is held in place on the sides and the bottom of your door frame by screws.