Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to change the front door lock barrel yourself. This can save you money on the cost of locksmith. You can buy kits that come with all the tools you need.
You'll need a new barrel for a cylinder lock, a dependable screwdriver set as well as pliers or hammers for added grip and a lubricant.
Length
There are a variety of locks barrels to pick from to ensure your front door is secured. When you are choosing a new lock type, the length can be crucial to the security of your home. Cylinders which protrude too much are more likely to snap, while those that are too small could stop you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are a variety of ways to determine the length of a cylinder so that you can buy an alternative cylinder that offers the best protection for your door.
The first step to determine the proper cylinder length is to remove the existing one from the door. Take off the screws that are holding the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed it is possible to measure from the center screw hole of the cylinder to edge of the handle plate on the inside of door. Be sure to include the thickness of the plate, as well. You can also determine the cylinder size by measuring the length of the threaded spindle that is attached to the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder inside your door after determining its length. Start by drilling a hole through the door. This is where the handle or knob will go and it should be slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder you've created. Afterward, attach the handle or knob to the handle you want to replace and make sure it is able to pass through the spindle of the latch and turns smoothly when you turn it.
When replacing a deadbolt, it is recommended that you should also upgrade your strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of steel that mounts to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's driven in by a lock. It's important to replace the strike plate with one that is less difficult to penetrate. Look for strike plates with a reinforced design that can protect against kick attacks. Also, use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they go deep 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 has pins that move into place when you insert the key. When it comes to selecting the correct lock cylinder, you'll need to know certain things. For instance, it's essential to determine the length of your existing lock to ensure you order the right size. Also, you should consider any furniture for doors, like handles or escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are commonly used in the home, and are available in many different designs. Some are double cylinder locks, which provide security from both sides of the door. They're typically installed on doors that require greater security than standard ones and are also used in commercial spaces. If you're in the market for an upgrade to your lock, make sure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following requirements:
Anti-Snap - A burglar can try to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To stop this from happening the lock must have an sacrificial line cut into the cylinder's body.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill holes into locks and then break into homes. To protect against this the cylinder should be fitted with pins made of steel that has been hardened.
If you are searching for a new cylinder you should also check if it's anti-drill. This will stop burglars from breaking the plug apart by drilling into it using a power tool.
After you've selected the right cylinder lock, you'll need to gather the necessary materials for installing it. Included in this is an appropriate screwdriver for the job, a hammer for extra grip, and pliers. It's recommended to have some oil on hand to ensure the mechanism is working smoothly. Be aware that changing a lock on uPVC can be a challenge. If you're not confident in doing the work yourself, you should seek out a locksmith or expert for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway on locks is the shape of the interface between the cylinder and the key. The key is made up of a series of ridges and grooves that are affixed to its "blade", and when inserted, these align with the cutouts in the cylinder's pins. The cylinder is able to turn if it can confirm that it is the correct one.
Each brand of lock comes with a unique keyway that permits it to be unlocked or locked with specific keys. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within a single brand. This provides a degree of security to different locks since keys of the same brand can't be used to open the locks of another.
In most residential settings the latch is operated by a lever that can be pulled or lifted to let loose the bolt. This is more comfortable than the knob that needs to turn. However, www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk utilize knobs to provide additional security.
When the key is correctly installed, a spring-loaded set of pins move into place so that the plug can rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, identifying the correct key, but denying access. If the cylinder is 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 be unable to open.
In this particular image, it's likely that the cylinder was changed into a new key, which is a process in which the existing pins are shifted upward to the proper height so that the key can freely rotate inside the cylinder. This is common when a key has to be transferred from one lock to the next in a dormitory. It is common for people to have their locks rekeyed when they move or want to give access to a new employee or roommate without having to change all the locks to the same key. This is a reasonable option to enhance security at home, and can often be accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
The process of changing the barrels on locks on uPVC doors is a simple job that can be accomplished at home. The first step is to locate the screw underneath the lock on the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to be noticeable because it is an unusual colour. Then, remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can take the new barrel and insert it into the last hole. Then replace the knob with the push rod and barrel. When reassembling, it's important to check that all parts are positioned correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
With an screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to access the lock body. The cylinder can then be removed by turning 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 won't change the pins in the cylinder. It will simply shift them to the proper position with the key that matches.
Another alternative is to simply take off the cylinder and then install a new one. If you decide to go this route, it is important that you make use of the same cylinder as your old one and that the pins are placed in the correct position. This will ensure your lock is working properly. It is also a good idea to use oil on the new cylinder after it has been installed to ensure that everything operates smoothly.
If you have a mortise lockset, the procedure will be a bit more complicated. This kind of lock is installed inside pockets (mortise), which is cut into the edge the door. It will require some careful measurement and perhaps several attempts to get the latch and the bolt sections to be aligned. When the latch and bolt sections are aligned and you are able to remove the strike plate, which is held in place on the top and bottom of the door frame with screws.