Step-by-step instructions on how to replace the door lock cylinder with your own hands
Each apartment has an entrance door which can be locked. Over time, door locks stop working normally and you need to repair them, in order to repair the structure of the lock, you will need to disassemble its core. Before that, you should familiarize yourself with the recommendations for replacing the door lock cylinder.
How to estimate the degree of wear
Before replacing an iron lock, you need to figure out how to assess its level of wear. Determining that the lock needs to be replaced is not easy. However, several factors indicate the need to replace the old door lock with a new one.
Experts advise to carry out repair work if the key goes wrong and begins to jam while trying to open or close the door. If it becomes difficult to turn the keys, the lock cylinders are replaced immediately. If this is not done in time, the door to the apartment will stop closing.
How to choose the right larva
Before carrying out work, it is necessary to select a suitable larva for the door. To choose the right design, pay attention to several factors.
Length
The main parameter to which special attention is paid are the dimensions of the structure. This takes into account not only its length, but also its diameter. Most models sold in stores vary in size. Finding the right keyhole isn't easy. Before buying, you need to independently measure the length and width of the connector in which the lock was installed.
Some experts advise taking an old larva to the store to get a new one of the same size.
Mounting hole location
Another factor to consider when purchasing a new key core is the size and location of the hole for the mounting bolt. To determine the optimal location for the fasteners, measure the distance from the hole to the front of the lock frame. It should be the same as the old kernel.
Even minor differences in location will complicate the further installation of the structure in the door opening under the lock. However, if the hole is 3-4 millimeters further away, there is nothing wrong with that. In this case, the lock will look a little more through the door.
Recommendations for the choice of material
Various materials are used in the manufacture of lock larvae. Most often they are made from the following materials:
- Steel. Steel products are considered to be of the highest quality, as they do not deteriorate for a long time. Among the advantages of steel structures are resistance to the development of corrosion, as well as resistance to mechanical damage. In addition, steel locks can withstand high temperatures. Among the disadvantages of the steel socket core, the high cost is distinguished.
- Soft metal. These materials include brass, zinc and aluminum. Products made of soft metals are less reliable and sometimes break more often than steel locks.
Standard procedure diagram
Before changing the core, be sure to study the features of the procedure.
For mortise cylinder locks
There are two types of mortise locks in which you need to change the larva.
With handles
If you need to replace the core of a lock with padded handles, you will need to get rid of the fasteners first. This is done to allow access to the lock cylinder. Then the fastening bolts installed inside are unscrewed and the structure is removed. After removing the old lock, a new core is installed in the vacant place. It must be installed in such a way that the fixing screw falls into the fixing cavity of the lock. At the same time, it should hit perfectly, without distortions.
Without handles
Some locks are not equipped with additional handles. It is much more convenient to work with them, because you do not waste time removing liners. You can immediately unscrew the larva and take it out of the keyhole inside the door.
The new larva is placed in place of the old one, after which the fastening bolt is fixed. It is screwed tight so that the structure does not hang down during use. After installing the kernel, they check the functionality of the lock. The key should turn right and left without difficulty.
For invoices
Some doors do not use a mortise, but overhead devices. To change them, first unscrew the four fixing screws.Then the back cover is removed, which is fixed to the surface of the door with three screws. After that, the screws responsible for fixing the larva are unscrewed.
When they are unscrewed, the core is carefully removed from the lock structure. In its place, a new part is installed, which is screwed on and covered with a cover. After assembling the structure, check its performance.
With cross key
Cruciform models are used less often than others, as they break down quickly. The replacement of their core is carried out in several successive stages:
- Removing the locking strips. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws on the back.
- Removing the housing cover. To get rid of it, turn the screws on the outside of the mechanism.
- Extraction of the larva. There are screws under the case cover that secure the key core.
Installing a new part is done upside down.
Do-it-yourself replacement with the lock
The easiest way is to completely replace the lock, because you don't have to disassemble it. First you need to remove the door handles, which are attached to each other with a cotter pin. They attach to the door with fixing screws that unscrew with an Allen key. Then the screws are twisted from the end of the lock, with which it is screwed to the surface of the door. You can unscrew them with a screwdriver or a simple screwdriver.
The unscrewed case is removed from the socket, after which a new lock is installed in its place and the door handles are screwed on.
Abnormal Situations and Common Errors
When replacing the key core, people may encounter abnormal situations.
Boil the fixing screw
Owners of private houses, whose front door faces the street, are often faced with the boiling of the fastening screw.This problem appears due to water entering the castle. To unscrew such a fastener, you will need to pre-treat it with turpentine or kerosene. The lock is filled with liquid and left for an hour and a half. Then you can try to unscrew the screw. If this does not help, it is poured with sulfuric acid mixed with zinc.
You can also use solutions that are used to remove corrosion.
Broken key in the lock
If the key breaks inside the keyhole, it will not be easy to open the door. When the broken part of the key sticks out, it can be grabbed with pliers and pulled out. However, sometimes the key breaks inside and it is not possible to get it with the pliers. In this case, you will have to completely unscrew the lock and replace it with a new one.
Useful tips
There are several recommendations that will help repair a broken lock or replace the metal core with a new one:
- before replacing the larva, you need to select a suitable new part;
- when installing the kernel, you must be very careful not to damage it;
- after installation, be sure to check the functionality of the lock.
Conclusion
Sooner or later, people have to change the lock larva for a new one. However, before this you need to familiarize yourself with the features of evaluating the wear of the core, with the nuances of choosing a new part, as well as with recommendations for changing the lock.