Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door barrel replacement for locks is a relatively easy DIY project that can reduce the cost of calling a locksmith. You can buy kits that come with all the tools you require.
You'll require a brand new barrel for a cylinder lock and a reliable screwdriver set, a hammer or pliers for extra grip, and oil lubricant.
Length
There are numerous locks barrels to pick from to ensure your front door is secure. But, when selecting the right type of lock barrel the length of the cylinder could be critical to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, while those which are too small may hinder you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are a few ways to determine the length of a cylinder to ensure that you purchase a replacement cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
The first step in determining 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. After the cylinder has been removed, you can determine the distance between the centre 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 as well. 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 into your door after determining its length. Begin by drilling a hole in the door. This is the hole where the handle will go. It should be a little larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Then, connect the handle inside or knob to the new handle, making sure that it passes through the latch's spindle and operates smoothly when turned.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you must also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal that is attached to the doorjamb which locks into the deadbolt once the key is pushed into. It's crucial to replace the strike plate with one that is less difficult to breach. Look for a strike plate with a reinforced design that can resist kick attacks, and use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they go 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. You'll need to be aware of a few points when selecting the appropriate lock cylinder. It's important, for example, to measure the length the cylinder locks you currently have so that you can purchase the correct size. It is also important to consider any door furniture such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are commonly used in homes, and they're available in many different designs. Some of these double cylinder locks provide security on both sides of doors. They are typically employed on doors that require more security than regular locks, and also in commercial buildings with a few. If you're looking to purchase a new lock, check that it's British Standards approved and meets the following criteria:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to break the cylinder by applying force to the door's outside. To avoid this, the lock should have an sacrificial line cut into the cylinder's body.
Anti-Drill - Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into a home. To guard against this, a cylinder should have pins made of steel that has been hardened.
If you are in the market for a new cylinder you should also check if it is anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from tearing the plug off by drilling into it using the power tool.
After you've selected a new cylinder lock you'll have to gather the required items to install it. This includes a screwdriver that's appropriate for the job as well as a hammer and pliers for an extra grip. 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 unsure about doing the job by yourself, it's recommended to contact a locksmith or a specialist for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway on a lock is the shape of the connection between the cylinder and the key. The key is made up of a series of ridges and grooves that extend along the length of its "blade" and, when it is inserted, they align with the cutouts on the cylinder's pins. The cylinder is able to rotate if it recognizes that it is the correct one.
Each brand of lock has a unique keyway that permits it to be locked or unlocked with a specific type of key. There are replace upvc door lock Repair My Windows And Doors and shapes within the same brand. This allows for a level of security to different locks, as keys from the same brand can't be used to unlock each other's.
In most residential settings 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. Some commercial settings still use knobs to provide security.
Once the key that is correct has been inserted, spring-loaded pins are shifted into position, allowing the plug to be rotated. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key, but blocking access. If the cylinder has been manipulated improperly, or if the key is not a proper fit, the pins will shift to the control line instead of the operating shear line, and the lock will not be able to open.
In this instance it is likely the cylinder has been re-keyed. This involves raising the pins to the proper height to allow the key to rotate freely within the cylinder. This is common when keys need to be moved from one lock to another in a dormitory. It is common for people to require their locks to be rekeyed whenever they move or want to grant access to a new employee or roommate without having to change all the locks to the same key. This is an affordable option to increase security in a home, and is often accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
It is simple to replace the barrel of a lock in the uPVC door. The first step is to locate the screw that is under the lock at the edge of the door, it usually stands out from the other screws because it is a different color. Remove it with the Phillips screwdriver. Next, take the new barrel and put it into the hole you removed. Then replace the knob with the push rod and barrel. When reassembling, it's crucial to ensure that each component is aligned correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
Once the handle and knob are removed, you can get to the lock's body loosening the screws that hold it in place using the help of a screwdriver. The cylinder is then unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. At this point, you can leave the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying will not alter the pins within the cylinder. It will simply move them to the key that matches it.
The other option is to simply remove the cylinder and install a new one. If you choose this method it is essential that you use the same size cylinder that you used previously and that the pins be positioned correctly. This will ensure your lock works correctly. It is also recommended to apply the lubricant on your new cylinder after it has been installed to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.
The process is a bit more difficult if you have mortise sets. This type of lock is installed inside pockets (mortise) that is cut into the side of the door. It will require some careful measurements and possibly several attempts to get the latch and bolt sections to align. Once they do it, you'll need to remove the strike plate (which is secured by screws at the 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.