Front Door Lock Barrel Replacement
It is possible to replace the front door lock barrel on your own. This can save you money on the expense of locksmith. You can buy kits that include everything you need to complete the task.
You'll need a new barrel for a cylinder lock as well as a reliable screwdriver set, a hammer or pliers for added grip and oil-based lubricant.
Length
There are many lock barrel options to choose from to ensure that your front door is safe. When choosing the right type of lock, the length can be crucial to the security of your home. Cylinders that protrude too far can snap, and those that are too short will prevent you from turning the key to unlock the door. There are many methods to determine the right length of the cylinder, so that you can purchase a replacement that will give your door the maximum security.
To determine the right size of the cylinder, take out the old one from the door. Make use of a screwdriver to take out the screws that keep the lock cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed you can measure the distance from the centre of the screw hole on the cylinder up to the edge of the handle backplate on the inside of the door. Make sure you include the thickness of the plate, as well. You can also determine the size of the cylinder by measuring the length of the threaded spindle on the new cylinder.
Install the cylinder in your door after determining its length. Begin by using a drilling tool to create an opening for the face of the door. This is where the handle or knob will go and it should be slightly larger than the diameter of the new cylinder. Attach the interior knob or handle to the handle you are replacing. Make sure it is able to fit into the spindle of the latch and turns smoothly.
When replacing a deadbolt, it is recommended that you should also upgrade your strike plate. The strike plate is a piece of metal that is attached to the doorjamb which locks into the deadbolt when keys are pushed into. This plate should be replaced with a more secure version. Look for a strikeplate with a reinforced metal construction to protect against kick attacks. Make sure to use screws that are 2.5-3 inches long to ensure they're able to penetrate deeply into the door jamb.
Design
The lock cylinder is component of the front door lock you use 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 cylinder for your lock, you'll need to be aware of certain things. It's important, for example to determine the length of your cylinder locks that you have in place to ensure that you 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 offered in a variety of styles. Some 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. Make sure that the lock you're viewing is British Standards approved, and is in compliance with these requirements:
Anti-Snap: A burglar may attempt to snap a lock by applying pressure to the outside of the door. To stop this from happening, the lock should have a thin sacrificial line that's cut into the cylinder's body.
Anti-Drill: Some burglars are able to cut holes in the lock to gain entry into a house. To guard against this the cylinder should be fitted with pins that are made of hardened steel.

If you're looking to purchase a new cylinder, then you should also consider whether it's anti-drill. This will prevent a burglar from breaking the plug apart by drilling into it with a power tool.
Once you've decided on the cylinder lock that you want to install, you'll have to gather all the materials you will need to install it. This includes a screwdriver that's appropriate for the job as well as pliers and a hammer for an extra grip. It's important to have lubricant on hand to ensure the mechanism works smoothly. Be aware that changing locks on uPVC can be difficult. If you're not confident about the job it is recommended to call in a specialist or locksmith for help.
Keyway
The keyway on a lock is the shape of the interface between the cylinder and the key. The key's "blade" has a series grooves and ridges that run along its length. When inserted it, they align with pins of the cylinder. This is how the cylinder detects the correct key and allows it to rotate.
Each lock brand has a different keyway, that allows it to be locked or unlocked by using a specific key. There are various keyways sizes and shapes within the same brand. This gives a certain level of security between different locks since keys of the same brand can't be used to unlock the other's.
In the majority of residential settings, the latch is operated by the lever, which can be pulled down or lifted to let the bolt go. This is usually more comfortable than a knob which requires you to turn it. Some commercial settings still use knobs to add security.
Once the key that is correct has been inserted, spring-loaded pins are shifted into position allowing the plug to rotate. The pins also align with grooves on the blade of the key, identifying the correct key, but blocking access. If replacement lock for upvc door or cylinder is not inserted correctly, the pins will move towards the control shear rather than the operating line. The lock won't open.
In this case it is likely that the key cylinder has been changed. This involves raising the pins to the proper height so that the key can rotate freely within the cylinder. This is a common practice in dormitories where the key for one person might have to be moved between multiple locks. Many people have their locks rekeyed 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 cost-effective method to improve security for a home. It can be done by simply changing the key for the cylinder.
Installation
It is easy to change a lock barrel in the uPVC door. The first step is to find the screw under the lock at the edge of the door. It is usually distinct from the other screws because it is a different color. Then remove it using a Phillips screwdriver. Then, put the new barrel into the previous slot. Then, replace the knob with the push rod and barrel. It is essential to confirm the orientation of each part (the barrel, push rod, and the lever housing and spring) before you start reassembling.
After the knob and handle are removed, you can access the lock body by loosening the setscrew that holds it in place with the help of a screwdriver. The cylinder can be removed by turning it counterclockwise. You can then either take off the cylinder and be able to have it "re-keyed" or keep it in the position it is in. Re-keying won't change the pins inside the cylinder. It will simply shift them into the proper location using the key that matches.
Another option is to remove the cylinder and replace it with a new. If you choose this option it is important to use the same size as the old cylinder and make sure that the pins are positioned correctly in order for your lock to function correctly. It is also recommended to apply oil on the new cylinder following installation to ensure that everything is moving smoothly.
The process is slightly more difficult if you have mortise sets. This kind of lock is set into pockets (mortise) that is cut into the side of the door. It will take some careful measuring and maybe a few tries to get the latch and the bolt sections to coincide. Once the bolt and latch sections are lined up then you can take off the strike plate that is held in place on the top and bottom of the door frame by screws.