Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door barrel replacement for locks is a fairly simple DIY job that will save you the expense of calling out a locksmith. You can purchase kits that include everything you need to complete the task.
You'll need to buy an entirely new barrel for cylinder-lock and a screwdriver set that is solid, a hammer or pliers, to provide extra grip and the lubricant.
Length
There are a myriad of lock barrel types available to ensure your front door is as safe as possible. However, when choosing the type of lock barrel you want to purchase, the length of the cylinder can be critical to your home's security. Cylinders that protrude too far are prone to snapping and those that are too small could hinder you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are a few ways to determine the length of a cylinder to ensure that you purchase an alternative cylinder that offers the best protection for your door.
To determine the correct size of the cylinder, remove the old cylinder from the door. Remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed and you are able to measure the distance from the center screw hole of the cylinder to the edge of the handle plate on the inside of the door. Include double glazed door lock replacement brentwood of the plate too. You can also measure the length of the threaded shaft on the new cylinder to determine its size.
Install the cylinder into your door after determining its length. Begin by using a drill to create an opening for the face of the door. This is where the handle or knob will be placed and should be a little larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. After that, you can connect the handle inside or knob to the handle you want to replace, making sure that it goes through the spindle of the latch and is able to turn smoothly when it is turned.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you should also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece metal attached to the doorjamb which locks into the deadbolt once keys are pushed into. It's crucial to replace the strike plate with a more secure version that is harder to penetrate. Look for a strikeplate with a reinforced metal structure to resist kick attacks. Use screws that are at minimum 2.5-3 inches in length to ensure they penetrate deeply into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is component of the front door lock you use to open or close the handle. It has pins that move into place when you insert a key. When it comes to choosing the correct lock cylinder, you'll need to be aware of a few things. For instance, it's essential to measure the length of your current lock to ensure you purchase the correct size. Also, you should consider any door furniture, such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks come in a variety of designs. Some double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of the doors. They're often fitted to doors that require more security than standard ones and are also used in commercial buildings. Check that the lock you're considering is British Standards approved, and is in compliance with these requirements:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the outside of the door. To stop this from happening, a thin strip of sacrificial material must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill holes into locks and break into a home. To avoid this the pins on a cylinder must be made of a hardened metal.
If you're in the market for an entirely new cylinder, you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will prevent a burglar from breaking the plug apart by drilling into it using a power tool.
If you've decided to purchase a new cylinder lock, you'll require the components to put it in. This includes a screwdriver that's appropriate for the job and pliers and a hammer for an extra grip. Also, you should have lubricant to ensure that the mechanism is operating smoothly. Before you begin, remember that changing a lock barrel on a uPVC door can be a challenge. If you're not confident about doing it yourself, it's best to seek out a locksmith or expert for assistance.
Keyway
The keyway on a lock is the form of the connection between the cylinder and the key. The key has a set of ridges and grooves that extend along the length of its "blade", and when inserted, these coincide with the cutouts in the cylinder's pins. The cylinder is able to turn if it can confirm that the key is the correct one.
Each lock brand comes with a unique keyway that permits it to be locked or unlocked with specific keys. Within a single brand, there are different keyway shapes and sizes available. This allows for a level of security for different locks, as keys of the same brand are not able to unlock the other's.
In most residential settings the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pulled or lifted to let loose the bolt. This is typically more comfortable than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. Certain commercial settings still employ knobs to add security.
When the key is properly put in, a set of spring-loaded of pins move into place to allow the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key and blocking access. If the cylinder or key is not properly inserted the pins will shift to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock will not open.
In this situation, it is likely that the key cylinder has been changed. This involves raising the pins to the right height so that the key can rotate freely within the cylinder. This is common in situations of shared housing where the key for one person might have to be moved between dozens of locks. People often have their locks rekeyed when they move or want to allow access to an roommate or employee without having to change all the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to increase the security of the home. It can be done by changing only the key for the cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on uPVC doors is a simple task that can be accomplished at home. The first thing to do is find the screw underneath the lock on the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to be visible because it has a different colour. Then, remove it with an Phillips screwdriver. Next, take the new barrel and insert it into the hole you removed. Then replace the knob with the push rod and barrel. Before reassembling, it is important to check that each part is oriented correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
Once the handle and knob have been removed, you can get to the lock's body loosening the setscrew that holds it in place with an screwdriver. After this is done, the cylinder can be rotated counterclockwise to unscrew it. You can now either remove the cylinder and get it "re-keyed" or keep it in its place. Re-keying won't change the pins in the cylinder. It will only move them into the proper position using the key that matches.
The other option is simply to remove the cylinder and install a replacement. If you choose this method it is crucial to use the same size cylinder as the one you had previously and that the pins be placed in the correct position. This will ensure your lock works correctly. It is also an excellent idea to use oil on the new cylinder following installation to ensure that everything operates smoothly.
If you are using a mortise lockset the process will be slightly more difficult. This kind of lock is installed into the pocket (mortise), which is cut into the edges of the door. It will require careful measurements and possibly a few attempts to get the latch and the bolt sections to align. Once the bolt and latch sections are aligned and you are able to remove the strike plate that is held in place on the sides and the bottom of your door frame by screws.