Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
Front door lock barrel replacement is a relatively easy DIY job that will save you the cost of calling a locksmith. You can purchase kits that include all the tools you require.
You will need a new barrel for a cylinder lock and a reliable screwdriver set as well as pliers or hammers for extra grip, and oil-based lubricant.
Length
There are a myriad of lock barrel types available to ensure that your front door is as secure as is possible. When choosing the right type of lock the length is vital to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far are more likely to snap, while those which are too small may prevent you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are many ways to determine the correct length of cylinder, so you can purchase a replacement that will offer your door the best protection.
The first step to determine the correct cylinder length is to remove the current one from the door. Take off the screws that are holding the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed, you can measure from the center screw hole of the cylinder to edge of the handle plate that is on the inside of the 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 on the new cylinder.
After determining the length of the cylinder, you can install it in your door. Start by drilling a hole in the door. This is where the handle or knob will be placed and it should be slightly larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. After that, you can connect the handle inside or knob to the new handle, making sure that 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 attached to the doorjamb that locks into the deadbolt once the key is pushed into. This plate should be replaced with a safer version. Choose a strike plate with a reinforced design that can resist kick attacks, and make sure the screws are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they go deep into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is part of the front door lock that you use to open or close the handle. It is equipped with pins that move into position when you insert the key. You'll need to be aware of a few things when selecting the right lock cylinder. For example, it's important to measure the length of your existing lock to ensure you order the right size. You will also need to think about any door furniture such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro cylinder locks are common in homes, and they're offered in a variety of styles. Some are double cylinder locks, which provide security from both sides of the door. They are often employed on doors that require more security than conventional locks, as well as in some commercial buildings. If you're looking for a new lock, check that it's British Standards approved and meets the following criteria:

Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to snap the cylinder by applying force on the door's exterior. To stop this from happening, a thin strip of sacrificial material is cut into the cylinder.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars are able to drill through the lock in order to gain entry into a home. To prevent this the pins of a cylinder should be made of a hardened metal.
If you are searching for a new cylinder you should also check if it's anti-drill. This will help to prevent an intruder from drilling into the plug using an electric drill and then breaking it into pieces.
After you've selected a new cylinder lock you'll require the items to install it. Included in this is a screwdriver suitable for the task as well as a hammer to provide extra grip, and pliers. It's recommended to have some lubricant on hand to ensure the mechanism is working smoothly. Before you begin, remember that changing the barrel of a lock on a uPVC door can be difficult. If you're unsure about doing the work yourself, you should seek out a locksmith or expert to get help.
Keyway
The keyway is the shape that the connection between the pins of the cylinder and the key adopts. The key's "blade" has a series of grooves and ridges that run along its length. When the key is inserted, they align with the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder determines the correct key, and allows it to rotate.
lock replacement upvc door repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of lock has a unique keyway that permits it to be locked or unlocked with a specific type of key. There are a variety of keyway sizes and shapes within the same brand. This ensures a certain level of security between locks as keys from the same brand cannot be used to open the other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated with an adjustable lever that can be pulled down or lifted to let the bolt go. This is often more ergonomic than using a knob, which requires you to turn it. However, some commercial settings still use knobs for added security.
When the correct key is installed, a spring-loaded set of pins shift into position so that the plug can turn. 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 is manipulated improperly, or if the key is a wrong fit the pins will shift to the control line rather than the operating shear line and the lock will be unable to open.
In this case, it is likely that the key cylinder has been changed. This involves moving the pins up to the right height to allow the key to rotate freely within the cylinder. This is typically the case in dormitory situations where the key for a single person might have to be moved between dozens of locks. It is not uncommon for people to change their locks when they move homes, or if they want to give access to an employee or roommate without needing to change all locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way to improve security in a home, and is often 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 completed at home. The first thing to do is to locate the screw under the lock at the edge of the door made of uPVC. It will usually be noticeable because it is an entirely different color. Then, remove it with an Phillips screwdriver. Then, put the new barrel into the previous slot. Then replace the knob with the push rod and barrel. Before reassembling, it's crucial to ensure that each part is oriented correctly (the barrel and push rod as well as the spring/lever housing).
After the handle and knob have been removed you can easily access the lock body by loosening the screws that hold it in place using the help of a screwdriver. The cylinder is then removed by turning it counterclockwise. At this point, you are able to leave the cylinder in place, and have your locks "re-keyed" or take it out of it. A re-key will not change the pins within the cylinder, but will simply shift them into the position of the key that matches it.
Another alternative is to remove the cylinder and replace it with an entirely 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 correctly in order for your lock to function correctly. After installing the new cylinder, it's a good idea for you to apply lubrication to it to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
The process is slightly more complicated if you're using mortise sets. 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 bolt and latch sections to line up. When 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 your door frame using screws.