How to install a lock cylinder in a front door?

The front door lock cylinder breaks very often. In addition, intruders in many cases enter dwellings, breaking this element of the castle structure. It is quite possible to replace the larva with your own hands. In doing so, it is very important to adhere to the instructions so that the result is a reliable and safe system. Today we will analyze in detail how to correctly install the larva in the front door lock.

Many users are interested in what situations it will not be possible to do without installing a new lock larva. Let's consider all the cases in which the specified work will be required.

• The locks and front door cylinder must be changed if you purchased a more modern and improved canvas. In many cases, the box and the sash itself are made without a locking mechanism, so you will need to select all the components yourself.

• If you have lost your keys, then the cylinder and the lock as a whole will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Even if you have duplicates, the working mechanism will still need to be dismantled and replaced. You should act in the same way if you have lost all the keys in stock, but in this case you need to act even faster - your home will be in danger as long as the old lock remains in the front door.

• If the entire locking system was broken, then it will need to be subject to mandatory replacement. Such problems are usually caused by the use of low-quality materials in the manufacture of the lock, as well as its improper operation.

• If the existing lock and cylinder are not the most reliable and cannot provide your home with a sufficient level of security, then it is better to replace them with more advanced designs. Thus, you will more effectively protect your apartment or private house from intruders.

• When trying to break in, the larva will also need to be replaced, and as soon as possible. Sometimes they change not only the components of the locking device, but also the handles on the bar, as well as the door frame. If the repair of the door lock turns out to be too difficult, then it is better to entrust it to specialists.

• When transferring an apartment to new owners, it is also better to change the lock larva in order to provide housing with good protection against possible burglary.

Before you go to the store to buy a suitable lock larva, you should figure out what types of these elements exist in order to choose the best product as a result.

In such locking mechanisms, a certain number of return springs are usually present. Pins for them are also divided into several types:

• codes that are affected by the key;
• locking, which are equipped with special locking mechanisms.

Based on the location of the key larva, the following types of mechanisms are distinguished:

• single-row and double-row;
• three-row;
• four-row;
• located conically;
• equipped with rotating pins.

If we rely on the type of mechanism, then the lock cylinder can be divided into the following subspecies:

• secrets with disc-type mechanisms;
• Secrets with cross-type pins;
• larvae with a special pin mechanism.

Castle larvae can vary in level of secrecy:

• low - in such models, the lock has no more than 10 thousand options;
• medium - when about 50 thousand options are provided;
• high - when the lock structure has over 100 thousand options.

Knowing about the varieties of larvae and their mechanisms, you will need to take into account the following important criteria when choosing the right product.

• The size. When choosing a secret, it is very important to pay attention to its dimensional parameters. The new mechanism must necessarily correspond to the old one, otherwise it will most likely be impossible to install it. If you decide not just to replace the larva, but to completely change the lock, then you will need to find out about the parameter of the door leaf thickness. The length of the larva will depend on this value.
• Price, manufacturer. Don't buy too cheap parts. It is advisable to refer to high quality foreign products. Of course, they will cost more, but they will last longer and will not fail in the first months of regular use.
• Model and modification. It is extremely important to take into account that the gap between the end face and the hole should not differ from the previous lock locking device.
• Key. Typically, standard larvae come with a set of keys. Experts recommend purchasing such options that come with the optimal number of unlocking devices (so that they are enough for all family members).
• Coloring of the product. In most situations, larvae are bought that match the color of the castle itself.

Having selected the parts suitable for the lock, you should prepare for their installation. To do this, you will need to stock up on a number of tools and devices that will simplify the task and allow you to get a good result in the end.

You will need:

• roulette;
• screwdrivers;
• new larva.

As mentioned above, it is quite possible to install the lock cylinder, like the lock itself, in the front door with your own hands. Carrying out such work cannot be called too difficult - even a beginner who has not previously encountered such matters can cope with this on his own. However, it is better to act in accordance with the guidance and not neglect any of the steps. Otherwise, your home will not be well protected.

Now let's take a closer look at the main stages of installing a new closed lock, and then a new larva.

• First you need to determine which lock is on your front door. In addition, it will be necessary to find out if there is a bolt in it, for how many revolutions it is fixed and how it closes from the inside.
• The next step is markup. Measure from the floor surface 1 meter. Mark it on the side of the front door that meets the jamb.
• Next, try on the body of the product to the exposed strip and set the corresponding mark in the lower part. It is recommended to use a thickness gauge, placing its strips in accordance with the distance corresponding to the thickness of the mechanism that you are going to install.
• Now apply a certain number of perpendicular stripes going down the center of the end base.At the same time, the thickness gauge should be tightly applied to the end part when you make the markings. Do not forget about the location of the well.
• Find the right drill bit (to drill the right hole). It must be of such a size that the spindle enters the prepared hole without hindrance.
• Next, start drilling according to the mark on the front side. In the same way, a hole is made for the keyhole. Try to do everything as carefully as possible so as not to damage the front door.

Next, the mechanism is replaced.

• The place for the body component is made using a drill of the same thickness. To prevent it from being too deep, it is recommended to wrap the drill with electrical tape. Thus, you will make a kind of depth mark.
• Having drilled all the necessary holes, clean with your own hands what will be diverted under the nest using a chisel and a hammer.
• Now you can insert the body. Fix it using screws. Install the spindle and handles.

The next step is to secure the overlay.

• Place a dot on the jamb where the door tongue will be located. This should be done with a slightly open canvas.
• Then fix the overlays. Transfer their values ​​to the jamb.
• Make a niche with a chisel and a slot for the screws. Then you can fix the patch itself.

Now let's look at how to replace the larva. If your home is protected by a cylindrical lock, then you should know that it is almost impossible to invent a master key for it, but you can repair it without problems if necessary. In the event of a breakdown of such systems, there is no need to immediately run after new ones. It is enough to replace the larva in them. To do this, you first need to pull it out of the structure:

• first you need to remove the end plate of the system;
• you will need to remove the screw in the center, and with it the securing cylinder (the second part is removed using a key);
• if you lost the key, then you will not be able to do without a drill;
• with the disassembled larva, you should go to a sales outlet, where a sales assistant can pick up a similar model for you;
• fix the acquired core in the lock of the iron entrance door, using the key;
• fix the core with the central screw;
• on top of this structure, the end plate of the lock is installed.

Use the front door lock carefully and carefully. The device will need to be lubricated and this procedure repeated periodically. In addition, it is important to take care that the lock and the larva do not "overgrow" with dirt and debris - such structures will not function normally.

After installing the locking mechanism, it is imperative to check the correctness of its operation. Make sure that when opening / closing the door, the key does not stick or get stuck in the hole, it can be easily removed from it. If you noticed any defects, then you definitely need to get rid of them. Do not postpone the "correction of errors" until later.

Experts do not recommend buying cheap Chinese lock cylinders. Russian-made products also often cannot boast of perfect performance. The highest quality and most reliable models are rightfully recognized from European manufacturers.

If the larva cannot be removed from the structure, then you can try to move the key around its axis. It is quite possible that the locking part could not be fixed in the "zero" position.

How to replace the lock cylinder in the front door, see the video.