Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement

· 6 min read
Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement

Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement

Front door barrel replacement for locks is a relatively easy DIY job that will reduce the cost of calling a locksmith. You can buy kits that contain everything you need to complete the task.

You will need to purchase an additional cylinder-lock barrel and a screwdriver set that is reliable, a hammer or pliers, for extra grip and the lubricant.



Length

There are a myriad of lock barrel types available to ensure your front door is as secure as it can be. When you are choosing the right type of lock the length could be crucial to the security of your home. Cylinders which protrude too much are more likely to snap, and those which are too small may hinder 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 purchase an alternative cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.

The first step in determining the correct length of cylinder is to take the existing one from the door. Remove the screws holding the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed it is possible to measure from the centre screw hole 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 take a measurement of the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine its size.

After determining the length of the cylinder you can then install it inside your door. Begin by using a drilling tool to create a face bore hole in the door. This is the hole in which the handle will be placed. It should be a little larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Afterward, attach the handle or knob to the new handle, making sure that it passes 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 the strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of steel that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's driven in by a lock. The plate should be replaced with a safer version. Choose an attack plate that has a reinforced design that can stop kick attacks, and use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure that they get 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 has pins that move into position when you insert a key. When it comes to selecting the correct lock cylinder, you'll need to know a few things. For instance, it's essential to measure the length of your current cylinder lock so you can order the right size. Also, you should consider any door furniture like handles and escutcheons.

Euro cylinder locks come in a variety of styles. Certain double cylinder locks provide security on both sides of doors. They are commonly used on doors that require more security than regular locks, and also in some commercial buildings. Make sure the lock you're viewing is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:

Anti-Snap - A burglar could 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 body of the cylinder.

cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism -Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into a home. To guard against this the cylinder should be fitted with pins that are made of steel that has been hardened.

If you are searching for a new cylinder you must also ensure that it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from tearing the plug off by drilling it with a power tool.

If you've decided to purchase the right cylinder lock, you'll require the materials for installing it. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job as well as a hammer and pliers for added grip. Also, you should have fluid to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Be aware that changing a lock on a uPVC can be a challenge. If you're not confident in doing the job by yourself, it's recommended to call a locksmith or specialist to get help.

Keyway

The keyway on a lock is the form of the connection between the cylinder and the key. The key is made up of a series of ridges and grooves that run down the length of its "blade", and when it is inserted, they coincide with the cutouts in the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder recognizes the correct key, and allows it to rotate.

Each brand of lock comes with a different keyway allowing it to be locked or unlocked with a specific key. Within a single brand, however, there are many different shapes and sizes to choose from. This gives a certain level of security for different locks, since keys of the same brand cannot be used to unlock each other's.

In most homes, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be lifted or pushed to open the bolt. This is often more ergonomic than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. However certain commercial settings make use of knobs to increase security.

If the correct key is inserted, the spring-loaded pins shift into position, allowing the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key, but denying access. If the key or cylinder is not correctly inserted, the pins will move to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock won't open.

In this particular photograph, it's likely that the cylinder has been changed into a new key, which is a process in which the pins that are in place are moved up to the correct height to allow the key to rotate freely inside the cylinder. This is typical when a key needs to be transferred from one lock to another in the dormitory. It's not uncommon for people to have their locks changed when they move houses or when they wish to give access to an employee or roommate without needing to change all locks to the same key. This is an affordable option to improve security for a home and is usually accomplished with only the key cylinder.

Installation

It is simple to replace the barrel of a lock in a uPVC door. The first step is to locate the screw that is under the lock on the edge of the door. It usually stands out from the rest of the screws due to its different color. Remove it with the Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can take the new barrel and place it into the previous hole. Then, replace the knob with the push rod and the barrel. It is essential to confirm the position of each component (the barrel, push rod, and the lever housing and spring) before you begin assembling.

With a screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to access the lock body. Once this is done the cylinder can be rotated counterclockwise to unscrew it. At this point, you can either keep the cylinder in place and have your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying will not change the pins of the cylinder. It will only move them into the correct position with the key that matches.

Another alternative is to remove the cylinder and install a new one. If you decide to go this route it is crucial to make use of the same cylinder as the one you had previously and that the pins be placed in the correct position. This will ensure your lock is working correctly. It is also an excellent idea to use lubricant on the new cylinder after it has been installed to ensure that everything operates smoothly.

If you are using a mortise lockset the process is slightly more complicated. This type of lock is set inside a pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of the door. Therefore, it will require careful measurement and maybe a few attempts to get the bolt and latch sections to align. When they do, you will need to take off the strike plate (which is secured by screws on top and bottom of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which is an arduous task if you do not have the proper tools.