You've Forgotten Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It

Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement It is possible to replace the front door lock barrel on your own. This could save you money on the expense of a locksmith. You can purchase kits that contain everything you need for the job. You will need a new cylinder lock barrel as well as a reliable screwdriver set, a hammer or pliers for extra grip, and oil-based lubricant. Length There are many lock barrels available to ensure that your front door is as safe as it can be. When you are choosing the right type of lock the length is vital to the security of your home. Cylinders which protrude too much are more likely to snap, and those that are too small could stop you from turning your key to unlock doors. There are a few ways to determine the length of a cylinder so that you can buy a replacement cylinder that provides the maximum protection for your door. To determine the right size of the cylinder, remove the old one from the door. Take off the screws that are holding the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed it is possible to measure from the centre screw hole of the cylinder up to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of door. Make sure you include the thickness of the plate, as well. You can also determine the length of the threaded shaft on the new cylinder to determine the size. After determining the length of the cylinder, you can then place it inside your door. Begin by using a drill to create a face bore hole in the door. This is where the knob or handle will go and it should be a little larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the knob inside or handle to the handle you are replacing. Make sure that it fits through the spindle of the latch and rotates smoothly. When replacing a deadbolt, it is recommended that you must also replace your strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece that attaches to the doorjamb and locks into the bolt when pushed in by a key. It's crucial to replace the strike plate with one that is harder to penetrate. Look for strike plates with a reinforced design that can protect against kick attacks. Also, use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure that they get deep 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 has pins that slide into position when you insert the key. You'll need to be aware of a few things when selecting the correct lock cylinder. It's crucial, for instance to determine the length of 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 are commonly used in homes, and they're available in a variety of designs. Some are double cylinder locks that offer security from both sides of the door. They're typically installed on doors that require greater security than standard ones and are also used in commercial buildings. If you're in the market for a new lock, ensure that it's British Standards approved and meets the following requirements: Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to snap a lock by applying pressure to the exterior of the door. To prevent this, the lock should have a thin sacrificial line that's cut into the cylinder's body. Anti-Drill: Some burglars try to penetrate the lock in order to gain entry into homes. To protect against this, a cylinder should have pins that are made of steel that has been hardened. If you are searching for a new cylinder you must also ensure that it is anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from drilling into the plug with an electric drill and then breaking it up. After you've selected the right cylinder lock, you'll require the items to install it. Included in this is a screwdriver suitable for the task and a hammer for additional grip and pliers. Also, you should have oil to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Before you begin, keep in mind that changing a lock barrel on a uPVC door can be a challenge. If you're not confident in doing the job yourself, you should call a locksmith or specialist to get help. Keyway The keyway on a lock is the shape of the connection between the cylinder and the key. The key has a series of grooves and ridges that are affixed to its “blade” and, when inserted, these coincide with the cutouts in the cylinder's pins. This is how the cylinder recognizes the correct key and allows it to turn. Each brand of lock has a distinct keyway that permits it to be locked or unlocked using the use of a particular type of key. Within a single brand, there are different keyway styles and sizes to choose from. This allows for a level of security to different locks, as keys of the same brand are not able to unlock the other's. In most homes the latch is operated with a lever, which can be pulled down or lifted to let the bolt go. This is often more ergonomic than a knob which requires you to turn it. However, some commercial settings still utilize knobs to provide additional security. When the correct key is inserted, the spring-loaded pins move into position allowing the plug to be rotated. The pins are aligned with grooves on the blade of the key, allowing the lock to recognize the right key. If the key or cylinder is not properly inserted the pins will be moved to the control shear, rather than the operating line. The lock won't open. In this situation it is likely that the key has been re-keyed. This involves raising the pins to the correct height so that the key rotates freely within the cylinder. This is a common procedure 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 re-keyed as they move houses, or to allow access to an employee or roommate without needing to change all locks to the same key. This is a reasonable option to improve security in a home, and is usually accomplished with only the key cylinder. Installation The process of changing the barrels on locks on uPVC doors is a simple task that can be accomplished at home. The first step is find the screw that is under the lock on the edge of the door made of uPVC. It will usually be visible because it has an unusual colour. Then, remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Then, grab the new barrel and place it into the hole you removed. Then, replace the knob with the push rod and barrel. When reassembling, it's essential to make sure that each part is oriented correctly (the rod and the barrel as well as the spring/lever housing). Once the knob and handle are removed you can easily gain access to the lock's body by loosening the set screw that holds it in place using an screwdriver. After this is done the cylinder is rotated counterclockwise to unscrew it. It is now possible to either remove the cylinder and have it “re-keyed” or keep it in the position it is in. Re-keying will not change the pins inside the cylinder. door locks replacement will only shift them to the proper location using the key that matches. Another option is to remove the cylinder and then install a new. If you opt for this option it is essential to make use of the same cylinder that you used previously and that the pins be properly positioned. This will ensure that the lock works correctly. After installing the new cylinder, it is a good idea for you to apply lubrication to it to make sure that everything moves smoothly. If you are using a mortise lockset the procedure will be a bit more complicated. This type of lock is inserted in the pocket (mortise) that is cut into the edge the door. It will require some careful measuring and maybe a few attempts to get the latch and the bolt sections to align. After that it, you'll need remove the strike plate (which is secured by screws on both sides of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which is difficult if you don't have the right tools.