The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement

Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement Front door barrel replacement for locks is a relatively easy DIY job that will save you the cost of calling a locksmith. You can buy kits that include everything you require for the job. You'll require a brand new barrel for a cylinder lock as well as a reliable screwdriver set, a hammer or pliers for added grip and a oil-based lubricant. Length There are many lock barrel types to ensure that your front door is as secure as it can be. But, when selecting a new lock barrel type the length of the cylinder may be vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long are more likely to snap, whereas those which are too small may stop you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are a variety of ways to determine the correct cylinder length, so you can purchase a replacement that will offer your door the best protection. To determine the right size of the cylinder, take out the old 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 centre screw hole of the cylinder to edge of the handle plate on the inside of the door. Make sure to include the thickness of the plate as well. Repair My Windows And Doors can also determine the cylinder size by measuring the length of the threaded spindle that is attached to the new cylinder. After determining the length of the cylinder, you can install it in your door. Begin by using a drilling tool to create an entrance hole for the door. This is the place where the handle or knob will go and it should be a little larger 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 operates smoothly when turned. If you are replacing a deadbolt, you must also consider upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal that is attached to the doorjamb, which locks into the deadbolt when the key is pushed into. The plate should be replaced with a more secure version. Find a strike plate with an enhanced metal design to resist kick attacks, and use screws that are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they penetrate deeply into the door jamb. Design The lock cylinder is a part of the front door lock that you use to open or close the handle. It is equipped with pins that move into place when you insert the key. When it comes time to select the correct cylinder for your lock, you'll need to know a few things. For example, it's important to measure the length of your existing lock to ensure you order the right size. It is also important to think about any door furniture like handles and escutcheons. Euro cylinder locks are common in homes, and are available in a variety of designs. Certain double cylinder locks offer security on both sides of the doors. They are often used on doors that need more security than standard locks, and in commercial buildings with a few. Make sure that the lock you're viewing is British Standards approved, and has the following requirements: Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to break the cylinder by applying pressure on the door's exterior. To stop this from happening, a thin sacrificial strip should be cut into the cylinder. Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill holes into locks and break into homes. To avoid this the pins on a cylinder must be made from hardened metal. If you're in the market for an entirely new cylinder, you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will stop a burglar from tearing the plug off by drilling into it with the power tool. After you have chosen the cylinder lock you want, you will need to gather all of the necessary materials to put it into place. This includes a screwdriver appropriate for the job, along with pliers and a hammer for an extra grip. You should also have some oil to ensure that the mechanism operates smoothly. Before you begin, remember that changing a lock barrel on a uPVC door can be difficult. If you're unsure about doing it by yourself, it's recommended to call a locksmith or specialist for assistance. Keyway The keyway on locks is the shape of the interface between the cylinder and the key. The key has a series of grooves and ridges that run down the length of its “blade” and, when it is inserted, they coincide with the cutouts in the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder detects the correct key and allows it to rotate. Each brand of lock comes with a unique keyway that allows it to be locked or unlocked using a specific type of key. Within a single brand there are different keyway shapes and sizes to choose from. This allows for a level of security between different locks, as keys from the same brand can't be used to unlock each other's. In most homes, the latch is operated by a lever that can be pulled or lifted in order to release the bolt. This is usually more comfortable than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. Some commercial settings still use knobs to add security. When the key is correctly inserted, a spring-loaded set of pins shifts into position to allow the plug to move. The pins also align with grooves in the blade of the key, which allows them to recognize the correct key and blocking access. If the cylinder has been manipulated improperly, or if the key is a wrong fit the pins will shift to the control shear line rather than the operating shear line and the lock will not be able to open. In this case it is likely that the key cylinder has been changed. This involves moving the pins up to the proper height so that the key can rotate freely within the cylinder. This is common when a key has to be moved from one lock to the next in the dormitory. People often need their locks changed when they move house or want to give access to a new roommate or employee without having to change the locks all to the same key. This is a cost-effective approach to improve security for the home. It can be done by simply changing the key to the cylinder. Installation Removing a barrel lock on uPVC doors is a straightforward task that can be completed at home. The first step is find 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 an unusual colour. Then, remove it using the Phillips screwdriver. Then, you can insert the new barrel into the previous slot. Then, replace the knob with the barrel and push rod. Before reassembling, it is essential to make sure that each part is oriented correctly (the rod and the barrel as well as the spring/lever housing). With an screwdriver, you can easily remove the handle and knob to access the lock body. Once 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 place. A re-key will not change the pins in the cylinder, it will simply move them into position with the key that matches it. Another alternative is to simply take off the cylinder and then install a new one. If you choose this option it is essential to use the same size as the old cylinder and ensure that the pins are placed properly to allow the lock to function properly. After installing the new cylinder, it is a good idea for you to grease it to make sure that everything is moving smoothly. The process is a bit more difficult if you have a mortise set. This kind of lock is installed 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 bolt and latch sections to align. Once the bolt and latch sections are aligned then you can take off the strike plate that is secured on the top and bottom of the door frame with screws.