Replacing the lock cylinder with your own hands: detailed instructions

The cylinder is the code part of the cylinder lock. It ensures correct operation of the locking mechanism. If the lock breaks or the keys are lost, you can change the cylinder without dismantling the entire device. This significantly reduces the costs associated with installing a new device and allows you to maintain the appearance of the door.

It is important to know that only a cylindrical lock can replace the core; in other models this part simply does not exist.

How do you know if you can change the larva?

To find out whether it is possible to do without completely replacing the lock, you need to carefully examine the key and the end of the door, inside of which the faulty locking device is installed.

1. Replacing the core is possible if the key is semicircular, flat with cutouts and notches, or cross-shaped. A round key with two blades and notches, designed for opening lever locks, indicates that it is impossible to change one core while leaving the body in place.
2. Inspecting the metal strip of the mortise mechanism at the end of the door will also help solve the problem of the possibility of replacing the core. For locks with a replaceable cylinder, under the pins there is a screw head for a Phillips screwdriver. This screw secures the core to the body. By unscrewing the screw, you can pull out the core.

How to choose the right cylinder?

Before replacing the door lock cylinder, you must correctly identify the type of cylinder and select a new part.

First of all, the old mechanism is removed from the damaged device. To do this, remove the pads and unscrew the screw securing the cylinder.

Now you need to take the dimensions of the core - using a ruler, determine the total length of the part and the length of each part to the rotary cam.

It is better to go to the store taking the broken cylinder with you (if possible, of course). An experienced seller will certainly select the appropriate part from all the door lock cylinders available for sale based on their parameters.

When purchasing a new larva, the following points are important:

• compliance with the lock parameters;
• degree of protection against burglary;
• the quality of the materials from which the iron core is made.

There are locks in which cylinder replacement is not provided. Then you will have to reinstall the entire mechanism completely.

Replacement instructions

If the lock is overhead, the body must be removed from the door leaf and only then the core must be replaced. The new cylinder is inserted into the body, secured with special screws, and the fully assembled structure is placed in its original place.

When the mortise-type mechanism is damaged, you can replace the core in the door lock as follows:

1. The key is inserted into the keyhole and turned 180° until the turning lever is hidden inside.
2. The cylinder is inserted into place, into a hole specially designated for it.
3. Find a position in which the lock opens without problems.
4. The device is installed in place, protective and decorative covers are screwed on.

So, replacing the lock core is a matter of just a few minutes. The main thing is that the part you purchase fully matches the installed mechanism.