Don't Make This Mistake On Your Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to change the front door lock barrel on your own. This will save you money on the cost of hiring a locksmith. You can buy kits that contain everything you require for the task.
You'll need to buy 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 barrels available to ensure your front door is as secure as it can be. When selecting the type of lock you want to purchase, the length can be crucial to the security of your home. Cylinders that extend too far are prone to snapping and those that are too short can prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are a few methods to determine the length of a cylinder to ensure that you purchase an alternative cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
To determine the right size of the cylinder, take out the old cylinder from the door. Take off the screws that are holding the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed, you can determine the distance from the center of the screw hole on the cylinder to the edge of the backplate for the handle on the inside of the door. Be sure to include the thickness of the plate as well. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can also determine the length of the threaded shaft that is on the new cylinder to determine the size.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can then place it in your door. Begin by drilling a hole in the door. This is where the handle or knob will go and it should be a little larger than the diameter of the cylinder you've created. Attach the interior knob or handle to the new handle. Make sure it is able to fit into the spindle of the latch and rotates smoothly.
When replacing a deadbolt you should also upgrade your strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when it's pushed in by a key. It's important to replace this plate with a more secure version that is harder to break. Find a strikeplate with a reinforced metal construction 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 door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock that you utilize to open or close the handle. It is made up of pins that move into position when you insert keys. It is important to be aware of certain things when selecting the correct lock cylinder. It's important, for example to determine the length of your existing cylinder locks to ensure that you order the right size. You will also need to think about any door furniture like handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks are commonly used in homes, and are offered in a variety of styles. Some are double cylinder locks, which provide security from both sides of the door. They are commonly used on doors that require more security than standard locks, and in some commercial buildings. Check that the lock you're considering is British Standards approved, and is in compliance with these requirements:
Anti-Snap - A burglar can attempt to snap a lock by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To prevent this from happening, a thin strip of sacrificial material should be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars attempt to penetrate the lock to gain entry into a home. To prevent this, a cylinder's pins should be made of a hardened metal.
If you're looking to purchase a new cylinder, then you should consider whether it's anti-drill. This will prevent a burglar from drilling into the plug with an electric drill and then breaking it apart.
Once you've decided on the cylinder lock you want, you will have to gather all the components you'll need to put it into place. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job as well as an hammer and pliers to provide an extra grip. It's recommended to have some lubricant on hand to ensure the mechanism works smoothly. Be aware that changing the lock on a uPVC can be difficult. If you're not confident about the job it is recommended to contact a professional or locksmith to assist you.
Keyway
The keyway is the shape that the connection between the pins on the cylinder and the key adopts. The key's "blade" is made up of a series of grooves and ridges along its length. When the key is inserted it, they align with pins of the cylinder. The cylinder will only rotate if it recognizes that the key is the right one.
Each brand of lock comes with a unique keyway that allows it to be unlocked or locked with specific keys. Within a single brand, however, there are many different keyway shapes and sizes available. This provides a level security between locks as keys of the same brand cannot be used to open each other's.
In most residential settings the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pushed down or lifted to open the bolt. This is usually more comfortable than a knob which requires you to turn it. However some commercial settings make use of knobs to increase security.
If the correct key has been inserted, the spring-loaded pins are shifted into position, allowing the plug to be rotated. 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 shear line instead of the operating shear line, and the lock will not be able to open.
In this situation it is likely that the cylinder has been re-keyed. This involves raising the pins to the proper height so that the key can rotate freely within the cylinder. This is common in dormitories where the key for a single person may have to be moved between several locks. It is not uncommon for people to change their locks when they move houses or when they wish to allow access to an employee or roommate without having to change all locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective approach to improve security for your home. It can be done by simply changing the key to the cylinder.
Installation
It is easy to change the barrels of locks in the uPVC door. The first thing to do is to locate the screw underneath the lock on the edge of the uPVC door. It will usually be visible because it has an unusual colour. Then, remove it using the help of a Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can insert the new barrel into the previous slot. After that, you can put the knob on the new barrel and push rod back into place. It is important to check the orientation of each part (the barrel, push rod, and the lever housing and spring) before you begin reassembling.
After the knob and handle are removed, you are able to get to the lock's body loosening the setscrew that holds it in place using a screwdriver. The cylinder is then unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. At this point, you are able to leave the cylinder in place and have your locks "re-keyed" or take it off it. A re-key will not change the pins in the cylinder. It will simply move them into the position of the key that matches it.
The other option is simply to remove the cylinder, and install a replacement. If you choose this method it is crucial that you use the same size cylinder as your old one and that the pins be properly positioned. This will ensure that your lock is working properly. After installing the new cylinder, it's recommended to lubricate it to make sure that everything moves smoothly.
The process can be a little more complicated if you're using mortise sets. This type of lock installs inside the pocket (mortise) cut into the side of the door, therefore it will require careful measurements and possibly a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to line up. Once the bolt and latch sections are aligned, you can remove the strike plate that is secured on the top and bottom of the door frame using screws.