Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to replace the front door lock barrel yourself. This can save you money on the expense of locksmith. You can purchase kits that contain everything you need for the job.
You'll need to buy a new cylinder-lock barrel, a screwdriver set that is reliable, a hammer, or pliers for more grip, and oil.
Length
There are a variety of lock barrel types available to ensure that your front door is as safe as possible. When choosing the right type of lock barrel, the length of the cylinder could be critical to the security of your home. Cylinders that are too long are more likely to snap, while those which are too small may hinder you from turning your key to unlock the doors. There are a variety of ways to determine the length of a cylinder, so that you can buy an alternative cylinder that will provide maximum security for your door.
To determine the right cylinder size, remove the old one from the door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that keep the lock cylinder. After the cylinder has been removed it is possible to measure from the centre screw hole of the cylinder to the edge of the handle plate 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.
Install the cylinder into your door after determining its length. Start by drilling a hole in the door. This is the hole where the handle will go. 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 and make sure it passes through the spindle of the latch and operates smoothly when turned.
If you are replacing a deadbolt, you should also think about upgrading your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal mounted 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 an attack plate that has a reinforced metal design to resist kick attacks, and make sure the screws are at least 2.5-3 inches long to ensure that they get deep into the doorjamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is a component of the front door lock that you utilize to open or close the handle. It contains pins that shift into position when you insert a key. When it comes to choosing the correct lock cylinder, you'll need to be aware of some things. For instance, it's essential to determine the length of your current cylinder lock so you can select the appropriate size. Also, you should consider any door furniture, such as handles and escutcheons.
Euro Cylinder locks come in many designs. Certain double cylinder locks are secure on both sides of doors. They are often used on doors that need more security than standard locks, and in commercial buildings with a few. If you're looking for a new lock, check that it's British Standards approved and meets the following criteria:
Anti-Snap: An intruder could try to snap the lock by applying force on the door's outside. To stop this from happening, the lock should have an unintentional sacrificial line cut into the cylinder body.
Anti-Drill – Some burglars attempt to drill into the lock and break into a home. To prevent this from happening the cylinder should be fitted with pins that are made of hardened steel.
If you're looking for a new cylinder, you should consider whether it's anti-drill. This will help to prevent an intruder from drilling into the plug using the power drill and tearing it into pieces.
Once you've decided on the cylinder lock you want, you will need to gather all the necessary materials to put it into place. This includes a screwdriver suitable for the job, as well as a hammer and pliers for an extra grip. It's important to have some oil on hand to ensure the mechanism is working smoothly. Be aware that changing locks on a uPVC can be a challenge. If you're not confident about the job you should contact a professional or locksmith for help.
Keyway

The keyway on a lock is the shape of the cylinder's interface and the key. The key's "blade" has a series grooves and ridges along its length. When inserted into the lock, they align with the pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder detects the correct key and allows it to turn.
Each lock brand comes with a different keyway which allows it to be locked or unlocked using the use of a specific key. There are a variety of keyway sizes and shapes within a single brand. This ensures a certain level of security between locks because keys of the same brand cannot be used to open each other's.
In most homes, the latch is operated using an adjustable lever that can be pulled down or lifted to open the bolt. This is usually more comfortable than turning a knob which requires you to turn it. door lock replacement utilize knobs to add security.
If the correct key is inserted, the spring-loaded pins are shifted into a position that allows 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 cylinder or key is not correctly inserted the pins will be moved to the control shear rather than the operating line. The lock will not open.
In this particular image, it's likely that the cylinder was changed into a new key, which is a process in which the existing pins are shifted upwards to the right height so that the key can rotate freely inside the cylinder. This is typical when a key has to be transferred from one lock to the next in the dormitory. It is not uncommon for people to change their locks when they move houses or if they want to allow access to a new roommate or employee without having to change all the locks to the same key. This is a cost-effective way 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 doors made of uPVC is a simple job that can be done at home. The first step is to locate the screw underneath the lock on the edge of the door, it is usually distinct from the other screws as it has a different color. Then, you can remove it using an Phillips screwdriver. Next, take the new barrel and place it into the hole you removed. Then, place the knob that was previously used with the new barrel and push rod back into position. Before reassembling, it is crucial to ensure that all parts are positioned correctly (the rod and the barrel as well as the spring/lever housing).
After the knob and handle are removed, you can gain access to the lock's body by loosening the set screw that holds it in place with an screwdriver. Once you have done this 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 of the cylinder. It will only shift them into the proper location using the key that matches.
The other option is simply to take the cylinder off and install a replacement. If you choose this option it is crucial to choose the same size as your previous cylinder, and ensure that the pins are positioned properly to allow the lock to work correctly. It is also recommended to apply lubricant on the new cylinder after it has been installed to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.
The process is slightly more difficult if you have a mortise set. This type of lock is set in the pocket (mortise) that is cut into the edge the door. It will require careful measurements and possibly several attempts to get the latch and bolt sections to coincide. When they do it, you'll need to remove the strike plate (which is secured by screws at the top and bottom of the frame of the door) and the latch bolt, which can be difficult if you don't have the right tools.