Do Not Make This Blunder You're Using Your Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door barrel replacement for locks is a relatively easy DIY job that will reduce the cost of calling locksmiths. You can purchase kits that contain everything you need to complete the task.
You'll need to buy an additional cylinder-lock barrel or a screwdriver that is solid, a hammer or pliers for more grip and the lubricant.
Length
There are many lock barrel choices to choose from that will ensure your front door is safe. When choosing the right type of lock barrel the length of the cylinder may be critical to your home's security. Cylinders that are too long can snap, and those that are short can prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are a variety of ways to determine the length of a cylinder to ensure that you purchase a replacement cylinder that provides the maximum security for your door.
The first step to determine the correct length of cylinder is to take the existing one from the door. Remove the screws that hold the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed and you are able to measure the distance from the center screw hole of the cylinder up to the edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of door. Include the thickness of the plate, too. You can also take a measurement of the length of the threaded shaft on the new cylinder to determine the size.
Install the cylinder in your door after determining its length. Begin by drilling a hole into the door. This is the hole where the handle will be placed. It should be slightly bigger than the diameter of the new cylinder. After that, you can attach the interior handle or knob to the handle you want to replace and make sure it goes through the spindle of the latch, and turns smoothly when you turn it.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you should also think about upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece metal that is attached to the doorjamb which locks into the deadbolt when keys are pushed into. It's important to replace the strike plate with a high-security version that is harder to breach. Find a strikeplate with a reinforced metal construction to resist kick attacks. Make sure to use screws that are at minimum 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they're able to penetrate deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is the part of your front door lock that you use to open and close the handle. It has pins that move into place when you insert the key. When replacement upvc door lock repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk comes to selecting the correct lock cylinder, you'll need to be aware of a few things. It is crucial, for instance, to measure the length your cylinder locks that you have in place so that you can order the right size. Also, you should consider any door furniture such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro cylinder locks come in many designs. Some of these double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of doors. They are often used on doors that need more security than regular locks, and also in commercial buildings with a few. If you're looking to purchase a new lock, check that it's British Standards approved and meets the following requirements:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to break the cylinder by applying force to the door's exterior. To prevent this from happening, an sacrificial strip of thinness must be cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill - Some burglars attempt to drill holes into locks and break into a home. To prevent this from happening the cylinder should be fitted with pins made of steel that has been hardened.
If you're looking for a new cylinder, you should consider whether it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from ripping the plug out by drilling it with a power tool.
After you have chosen the new cylinder lock you'll have to gather all the necessary materials to put it in place. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job, along with pliers and a hammer for an extra grip. Also, you should have oil to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Be aware that changing the lock on a uPVC can be a challenge. If you're unsure 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 is made up of a series of ridges and grooves that extend along the length of its "blade", and when it is inserted, they align with the cutouts in the cylinder's pins. The cylinder can only rotate if it recognizes that the key is the correct one.
Each brand of lock has a unique keyway that allows it be locked or unlocked with a specific type of key. There are a variety of keyway sizes and shapes within the same brand. This allows for a level of security to different locks, as keys from the same brand are not able to unlock each other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated by an adjustable lever that can be pushed or lifted in order to release the bolt. This is often more ergonomic than a knob which requires you to turn it. Some commercial settings still use knobs for security.
When the correct key is inserted, a spring-loaded set of pins move into place to allow the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves in the key's blade, recognizing the correct key and blocking access. If the key or cylinder is not inserted correctly the pins will be moved towards the control shear rather than the operating line. The lock will not open.
In this instance it is likely that the key has been re-keyed. This involves moving the pins up to the proper height so that the key rotates freely within the cylinder. This is typically the case in situations of shared housing where the key for a single person may need to be moved between multiple locks. It is common for people to need their locks changed when they move house or want to grant access to a new roommate or employee without the need to change all of the locks to the same key. This is a reasonable option to increase security for a home and can often be done with just the key cylinder.
Installation
Removing a barrel lock on doors made of uPVC is a simple job that can be accomplished at home. The first step is locate the screw that is under the lock near the edge of the door made of uPVC. It is likely to be visible because it has a different colour. Then, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can insert the new barrel into the previous slot. Then, place the knob with the new barrel and push rod back in place. It is essential to confirm the orientation of each part (the barrel, push rod and the lever housing and spring) before you begin assembling.
After the handle and knob are removed, you are able to get to the lock's body loosening the setscrew that holds it in place with the help of a screwdriver. The cylinder is then unscrewed by rotating it counterclockwise. At this point, you are able to keep the cylinder in place and get your locks "re-keyed", or remove it. Re-keying won't change the pins inside the cylinder. It will only move them to the proper location using the key that matches.
The other alternative is to remove the cylinder and install another. If you decide to do this, it is essential to use the same size as your previous cylinder, and ensure that the pins are positioned correctly in order for your lock to work properly. After you have installed the new cylinder, it's recommended to grease it to make sure that everything is moving smoothly.
If you have a mortise lockset, the process will be slightly more difficult. This type of lock installs inside pockets (mortise) cut into the edges of the door, so it will require careful measurements and maybe a few attempts to get the bolt and latch sections to align. Once the bolt and latch sections are aligned and you are able to remove the strike plate, which is secured on the top and bottom of the door frame by screws.