Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to replace the front door lock barrel by yourself. This can save you money on the cost of a locksmith. You can buy kits that contain everything you require for the task.
You'll need a new cylinder-lock barrel or a screwdriver that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers for more grip, and oil.
Length
There are many lock barrel options to choose from to ensure your front door is secured. When choosing a new lock type the length is essential to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long are prone to snapping and those that are too short could hinder you from turning the key to unlock the door. Fortunately, there are several ways to determine the correct cylinder length, so you can purchase a new one that will give your door the maximum security.
The first step to determine the correct cylinder length is to remove the current one from the door. Utilizing a screwdriver, remove the screws that keep the lock cylinder in place. Once the cylinder is removed it is possible to measure from the center screw hole of the cylinder up to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of door. Include the thickness of the plate too. You can also determine the size of the cylinder by measuring the length of the threaded spindle that is attached to the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder in your door after determining its length. Start by drilling a hole through the door. This is where the handle will be placed. It should be a little larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. After that, you can attach the handle or knob to the handle you want to replace, making sure that it passes through the spindle of the latch, and is able to turn smoothly when it is turned.
When replacing repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should also upgrade the strike plate. The strike plate is a piece metal that is attached to the doorjamb, which locks into the deadbolt when a key is pushed in. This plate should be replaced with a more secure version. Find a strikeplate with a reinforced metal structure to protect against kick attacks. Make sure to 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 the part 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. You'll need to be aware of a few things when choosing the appropriate lock cylinder. For example, it's important to determine the length of your existing lock to ensure you select the appropriate size. You'll also need to take into account any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro cylinder locks come in a variety of styles. Some double cylinder locks offer security on both sides of the doors. They are typically used on doors that need more security than standard locks, and in some commercial buildings. Make sure that the lock you're looking at 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 avoid this, the lock should have a thin sacrificial line that's cut into the cylinder's body.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars are able to penetrate the lock in order to gain entry into homes. To guard against this the cylinder should be fitted with pins that are made of steel that has been hardened.
If you're looking for a new cylinder, then you must also think about whether it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from ripping the plug out by drilling into it using an electric tool.
Once you've chosen a new cylinder lock you'll need to gather the necessary items to install it. Included in this is a screwdriver suitable for the job, a hammer for extra grip and pliers. You should also have some fluid to ensure that the mechanism runs smoothly. Before you begin, remember that changing the barrels of a lock on a uPVC door isn't easy. If you're not sure about the job it is recommended to seek out a specialist or locksmith for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway is the form that the interface between pins on the cylinder and the key has. The key is made up of a series of ridges and grooves which are affixed to its "blade" and, when inserted, these align with the cutouts in the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder recognizes the correct key, and allows it to turn.
Each lock brand has a distinct keyway, that allows it to be locked or unlocked by using the use of a specific key. Within a single brand there are different shapes and sizes to choose from. This provides a level security between locks because keys from the same brand can't be used to open one other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be lifted or pushed to let loose the bolt. This is more comfortable than a knob that requires you to turn. Certain commercial settings still utilize knobs to add security.
When the correct key is installed, a spring-loaded set of pins shift into position to allow the plug to move. The pins also align with grooves on the key's blade, recognizing the correct key, but denying access. If the cylinder has been manipulated in a way that is not correct, or if a key is a wrong fit, the pins will shift to the control line rather than the operating shear line and the lock will not be able to open.
In this instance it is likely that the key has been re-keyed. This involves raising the pins to the correct height so that the key rotates freely within the cylinder. This is a common practice in dormitories where the key for one person may require a move between multiple locks. It is common for people to require their locks to be rekeyed whenever they move houses or wish to give access to a new employee or roommate without having to change all of the locks to the same key. This is a reasonable option to improve security in a home, and can often be done with just the key cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to change a lock barrel in the door made of uPVC. The first step is to find the screw under the lock at the edge of the door, it usually stands out from the other screws as it has a different color. Remove it with a Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can take the new barrel and put it into the previous hole. Then replace the knob with the barrel and push rod. It is crucial to verify the orientation of each part (the barrel as well as the push rod and lever housing / spring) before you begin assembling.
With a screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to gain access to the lock body. The cylinder can then be unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. At this point, you are able to either keep the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying will not change the pins in the cylinder. It will only move them to the proper position with the key that matches.
The other option is to simply remove the cylinder and then install an entirely new one. If you opt for this option it is essential that you use the same size cylinder as the one you had previously and that the pins are placed in the correct position. This will ensure that your lock functions correctly. It is also an excellent idea to use the lubricant on your new cylinder after installing it to ensure that everything moves smoothly.
The process is slightly more complicated if you're using a mortise set. This type of lock is set inside the pocket (mortise) cut into the edges of the door, so it requires careful measurement and perhaps a few tries to get the bolt and latch sections to line up. Once they do, you will need remove the strike plate (which is fixed by screws at the both sides of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which can be a difficult task without proper tools.