Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to replace the front door lock barrel yourself. This will save you money on the cost of a locksmith. You can purchase kits that come with all the tools you require.
You'll need an additional cylinder-lock barrel and a screwdriver set that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers, to provide extra grip and lubricant.
Length
There are a myriad of lock barrels available to ensure your front door is as secure as it can be. 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 too small can prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are a variety of ways to determine the length of a cylinder so that you can purchase a replacement cylinder that provides the maximum protection for your door.
To determine the right cylinder size, remove the old cylinder from the door. Take off the screws that are holding the lock cylinder. After the cylinder is removed, you can determine the distance from 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 attached to the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder into your door after determining its length. Start by using a drill to create an entrance hole for the door. This is where the handle will go. It should be slightly larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the interior knob or handle to the new handle. Make sure that it is able to fit through the spindle of the latch and is turning smoothly.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you must also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of metal that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt once it's pushed 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 long to ensure they are able to penetrate deep into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is the component of your front door lock that you use to open and close the handle. It contains pins that shift into position when you insert keys. When it comes time to select the correct lock cylinder, you'll need to be aware of certain things. It's crucial, for instance, to measure the length your existing cylinder locks so that you can order the correct size. Also, you should consider any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro cylinder locks come in a variety of styles. Some are double cylinder locks, which offer security from both sides of the door. They're typically installed on doors that require greater security than standard locks and are also utilized in commercial buildings. Make sure the lock you're looking at is British Standards approved, and meets these criteria:
Anti-Snap: An intruder could try to snap the cylinder by applying force on the outside of the doors. To stop this from happening, an sacrificial strip of thinness is cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and then break into homes. To protect against cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism , a cylinder must have pins made of hardened steel.
If you are searching for a new cylinder, you must also ensure that it's anti-drill. This will stop an intruder from drilling into the plug using a power drill and breaking it into pieces.
After you've selected the right cylinder lock, you'll require the components to put it in. Included in this is an appropriate screwdriver for the task as well as a hammer to provide extra grip and pliers. It's recommended to have fluid to ensure that the mechanism works smoothly. Be aware that changing the lock on uPVC can be difficult. If you're not confident in doing the job yourself, it's best to seek out a locksmith or expert for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway is the shape that the interface between the pins on the cylinder and the key has. The key has a series of ridges and grooves which extend along the length of its "blade", and when it is inserted, they align with the cutouts in the cylinder's pins. This is how the cylinder determines the correct key and allows it to turn.
Each brand of lock comes with a unique keyway that allows it be unlocked or locked with the use of a particular type of key. There are a variety of keyway sizes and shapes within a single brand. This allows for a level of security for different locks since keys of the same brand are not able to unlock the other's.
In the majority of residential settings, the latch is operated using an adjustable lever that can be pushed downwards or lifted to release the bolt. This is usually more comfortable than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. However some commercial settings make use of knobs to increase security.
When the key is correctly installed, a spring-loaded set of pins shift into position so that the plug can rotate. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key which allows the lock to recognize the correct key. If the cylinder or key is not inserted correctly the pins will shift to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock will not open.
In this particular photograph it's likely that the cylinder has been reset-keyed, which is when the pins that are in place are moved up to the correct height so that the key can freely move within the cylinder. This is typical when a key has to be transferred from one lock to the next in the dormitory. It's not uncommon for individuals to have their locks changed when they move houses or to allow access to an employee or roommate without having to change all 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 for the cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on doors made of uPVC is a simple job that can be completed at home. The first step is to locate the screw under the lock near the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to stand out because it has a different colour. Then, you can remove it using a Phillips screwdriver. Next, take the new barrel and place it into the last hole. After that, you can put the knob with the new barrel and push rod back into position. It is essential to confirm the direction of each piece (the barrel, push rod and the lever housing and spring) before you start reassembling.
With a screwdriver, you can easily remove the knob and handle to gain access to the lock body. The cylinder can then be removed by turning it counterclockwise. At this point, you can either keep the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying won't change the pins in the cylinder. It will only shift them to the proper location using the key that matches.
The other option is simply to take the cylinder off and then install a new. If you opt for this option, it is important to use the same size as the old cylinder and make sure that the pins are placed properly to allow the lock to work properly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it is an ideal idea to lubricate it to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
The process is a bit more complicated if you're using mortise sets. This type of lock installs inside the pocket (mortise) cut into the edges of the door, therefore it requires careful measurement and possibly a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to align. When the latch and bolt sections are lined up, you can remove the strike plate that is held in place on the top and bottom of your door frame using screws.