Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to change the front door lock barrel yourself. This can save you money on the cost of hiring a locksmith. You can purchase kits that include everything you need to complete the job.
You'll need an additional cylinder-lock barrel, a screwdriver set that is solid, a hammer or pliers, to provide extra grip, and lubricant.
Length
There are a variety of lock barrel options to choose from to ensure your front door is secure. When choosing a new lock type, the length can be vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long are susceptible to snapping, and those that are short can prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are several ways to determine the length of a cylinder, to ensure that you purchase a replacement cylinder that offers the best protection for your door.
To determine the proper 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 is removed and you are able to measure the distance from the screw hole in the middle of the cylinder to edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of door. Include the thickness of the plate too. You can also determine the size of the cylinder by measuring the length of the threaded spindle attached to the new cylinder.
After determining the length of the cylinder you can then install it in your door. Begin by using a drill to create an opening for the face of the door. replacement lock for upvc door is where the handle or knob will be placed and should be slightly larger than the diameter of your new cylinder. Afterward, connect the handle inside or knob to the new handle, making sure that it passes through the spindle of the latch, and operates smoothly when turned.
If you're replacing a deadbolt, you should also think about upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal mounted to the doorjamb that locks into the deadbolt when keys are pushed into. It is essential to replace this plate with a high-security version that is more difficult to break. Find 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 the front door lock that you utilize to open or close the handle. It has pins that slide into position when you insert the key. When it comes to choosing the right lock cylinder you'll need to know certain things. For example, it's important to determine the length of your current cylinder lock so you can select the appropriate size. Also, you should take into account any door furniture, such as handles or escutcheons.
Euro cylinder locks come in a variety of designs. Some are double cylinder locks that offer security from both sides of the door. They are often employed on doors that require more security than standard locks, and in some commercial buildings. If you're looking to purchase a new lock, ensure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following criteria:
Anti-Snap - A burglar could try to snap a cylinder by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To prevent 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 homes. To stop this from happening, a cylinder's pins should be made from hardened metal.
If you're looking for an entirely new cylinder, you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from ripping the plug out by drilling into it using the power tool.
If you've decided to purchase the right cylinder lock, you'll need to gather the necessary items to install it. Included in this are a screwdriver suitable for the task as well as a hammer to provide extra grip, and pliers. It is also recommended to have oil to ensure that the mechanism is operating smoothly. Be aware that changing locks on uPVC can be difficult. If you're not confident in doing it by yourself, it's recommended to contact a locksmith or a specialist for assistance.
Keyway
Keyway is the shape that the interface between pins of the cylinder and the key takes. The key has a series of grooves and ridges that run down the length of its "blade", and when inserted, these align with the cutouts on the pins of the cylinder. The cylinder is able to turn if it can confirm that it is the correct one.
Every lock model comes with a different keyway which allows it to be locked or unlocked with the use of a specific key. Within a single brand however, there are many different keyway shapes and sizes available. This gives a certain level of security between locks because keys from the same brand can't be used to open one other's.
In the majority of residential settings, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pushed or lifted to open the bolt. This is more ergonomic than the knob that needs to turn. However, some commercial settings still use knobs for added security.
When the correct key has been inserted, spring-loaded pins move into a position that allows the plug to be rotated. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key which allows the lock to recognize the correct key. If the key or cylinder is not correctly inserted the pins will shift towards the control shear rather than the operating line. The lock will not open.
In the case of this particular image it's likely that the cylinder has been re-keyed, a process where the existing pins are shifted up to the correct height so that the key can freely rotate inside the cylinder. This is a common practice in dormitories where the key for one person could have to be moved between multiple locks. It's not uncommon for individuals to have their locks re-keyed as they move houses, or if they want to allow access to new roommates or employees without having to change all locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to improve security for a home and is often accomplished with only the key cylinder.
Installation
It is easy to change the barrel of a lock in the uPVC door. The first thing to do is locate the screw underneath the lock at the edge of the door made of uPVC. It will usually stand out because it has an entirely different color. Then remove it using a Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can take the new barrel and put it into the previous hole. After that, you can put the knob with the new barrel and push rod back in place. It is essential to confirm the position of each component (the barrel as well as the push rod and spring / lever housing) before you begin assembling.
With an 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 keep the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed" or take it off it. Re-keying won't change the pins inside the cylinder. It will only move them into the correct position using the key that matches.
Another option is to take the cylinder off and then install a new. If you decide to go this route it is essential to use the same size cylinder that you used previously and that the pins are properly positioned. This will ensure that the lock is working properly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it's recommended to grease it to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
If you are using a mortise lockset the procedure will be a bit more complicated. This kind of lock is installed into a pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of the door, so it will require careful measurements and possibly a few tries to get the latch and bolt sections to align. Once they do it, you'll need remove the strike plate (which is held in place by screws that are located on the both sides of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which can be difficult if you don't have the right tools.