How to replace a lever lock on a metal door. How to change the lock on a metal front door yourself: step-by-step instructions. Steps to take before replacing the lock

Knowledge of how to change the lock in metal door will be useful to almost everyone in everyday life. To do this yourself you need to be patient and be extremely careful. In addition, it is important to know which system you are dealing with, since the set of internal parts and the principle of their operation can vary significantly.

The procedure for replacing a lock differs depending on the type of mechanism

When to change the lock

When might it be necessary to replace the locking system? front door? Even if it seems to you that this will not affect you in the near future, you are very mistaken, since completely unexpected situations can arise at any moment. Let's look at the most common cases. So, when it may be necessary to change the lock on a metal door:

  • Buying a new door. The canvas itself comes without a lock; it needs to be selected separately, although some manufacturers provide comprehensive services. If you want to save money and install the door and lock yourself, you definitely need to know how to do it correctly.
  • Lost keys. This is a fairly common reason. If you have a spare key at home, you can make a duplicate, but there is still a risk that the original will be found by someone with not very good intentions. In addition, there are cases when all the keys, even spare ones, become lost, then there is nothing left but to change the lock.
  • Replacing a broken mechanism. Poor quality parts or rough operation can lead to breakage of the cylinder, deformation of the bolts, etc. It is at least unsafe to use such a lock.
  • Replacing an unreliable lock. It is not always possible to install proper security on the door the first time. If you initially made a mistake in choosing a lock, this can be corrected. In addition, more advanced models are released every year.
  • Breaking into. An unpleasant situation, but, unfortunately, not uncommon. In this case, you may also need to replace the door itself.
  • Transfer of the apartment to new owners. This is a precautionary measure, since you cannot be sure of the integrity of strangers, even if they are the former owners of the home.

If at least one of these reasons concerns you, it’s time to start selecting a new lock model.

The need to replace the lock may arise in the most unforeseen situations

If you are not sure that you can handle the replacement yourself, it is better to hire a specialist who will do the job quickly and efficiently.

Model Definition

Before replacing the lock on a metal door, you need to determine its type yourself. For metal structures Today, cylinder and lever mechanisms are most often used.

The cylinder lock contains a cylinder that is very easy to remove and replace. The lock's belonging to this type is indicated by a flat key with notches and notches. Level mechanisms are more complex, but also the most reliable. The key to them looks like a long rod with plates and cutouts on them.

Other locks are used less frequently, these may be:

  • disk - a short semicircular key with notches on one side;
  • Phillips - a key resembling a Phillips screwdriver;
  • rack and pinion – a flat long key with notches.

Main types of door locks for metal doors

Cylinder

Perhaps the cylinder lock is simpler in design. In addition, it is used for almost all doors, which means that you are much more likely to encounter the problem of replacing it.

A huge advantage of English locks in terms of self-repair is that it is not necessary to change the entire mechanism; purchasing a new cylinder with a cylinder is not difficult. In addition, they are manufactured according to approximately the same standard, which means that you can select spare parts from almost any manufacturer for your lock.

How to change a cylinder lock on a metal entrance door:

  1. Remove the armor plate from the reverse side.
  2. Open the lock with the key.
  3. Unscrew the plate from the end of the door.
  4. Close the lock with the key to release the bolts.
  5. In the center of the lock, unscrew the screw and remove the cylinder, turning it slightly.
  6. Insert a new secret and carry out the manipulations described above, but in reverse order.

Stages of replacing a cylinder locking system

Suvaldny

Such systems are considered more reliable, but will also be more difficult to understand. For clarity, you can watch the video master class. The lock manufacturer must also provide instructions.

Much depends on the origin of the company itself. Thus, domestic manufacturers offer cheaper products, but if the need arises to replace the lock, you will have to change the device as a whole. Foreign companies offer their clients Alternative option: possibility of recoding levers for a new core. To do this, you just need to purchase a new part complete with keys and insert it in place of the old one. In this case, it is advisable to purchase the spare part from the same company where you purchased the primary lock.

How to change the lever lock on a metal door:

  1. Open the door and remove the locking bolt.
  2. Remove the key from the keyhole and remove the lining from the lock body. Do the same with the armor plate.
  3. For ease of operation, remove the handle and bolt.
  4. Unscrew the screws at the end and remove the lock.
  5. Carefully disassemble it and replace the cylinder.
  6. Insert the new or old lock with a different cylinder into place and screw everything in the reverse order.

Stages of replacing a faulty lever lock

Lock with sliding bolts

It is much more difficult to change a lock with sliding bolts on the front door. Such systems are quite often used for modern models metal doors, they guarantee a greater level of security and make it difficult to break in using all sorts of methods. Thanks to the peculiarities of the mechanism, not only the side crossbars extend from the canvas, but also additional elements at the top and bottom, which completely block the canvas in the opening.

To disassemble and replace such a lock, you will need to remove the door from its hinges and completely disassemble the door leaf. Initially, the process is similar to replacing the lever lock, but you additionally need to tighten the upper and lower bolts. To do this, use a wrench, with its help you need to loosen the rods and disengage them from the lock.

There is no need to apply too much force, otherwise you can not only bend the crossbars, but also damage the internal structure of the door.

After you replace all the necessary parts, you need to install the rods in place and fix the lock in the door. It is quite difficult to do this with your own hands, especially for a beginner, so it is better to involve professionals in the work. In general, the methods for replacing simple locks of any type are similar to cylinder and lever models.

Most often, the question of how to change the lock on the front door arises when it breaks or the keys are lost. Sometimes they replace the old system with a new, more reliable one. But in order to do everything efficiently, knowledge of the technology of changing door locks for metal doors or their part, lock cylinder or tongue is required.
Of course, you can contact a master who will come and do all the work in a short time. But, having figured out the system, replacing it yourself will not be a problem, and will allow you to save money by doing the entire installation yourself

Situations that require replacing one locking mechanism with another can be different, and changing the entire lock or part of the mechanism sometimes needs to be done very quickly.

Replacement process door lock

In what situations may it be necessary to change the lock?


So, if the above situations arise, you need to go choose a new, more advanced lock. What nuances and rules should you follow when choosing a mechanism?

Selecting a locking mechanism

Today there are a lot of locking systems; they have different schemes and mechanisms. It is worth understanding the devices of various locks. They can be classified according to the type of installation: mounted, overhead and internal (mortise).

Diagram of a mortise lock

Let's look at each type:


After purchasing a suitable type of lock, you can begin installing or replacing it. However, if you are not sure that you can carry out the installation yourself, then it is better to turn to specialists.

Technology for replacing various types of locks

The technology for installing a locking mechanism is determined by two factors: the type of lock and the type of door leaf. If everything is clear with the design of the locking system (mortise/overlay), then you should figure out how to mount it on a wooden or armored sheet.
So, how can you change the locks on metal entrance doors and other types of entrance doors?

Installation of the cylinder mechanism

Installation of an English lock is simple; the only simpler option is the overhead disc mechanism. The positive quality of the system is that it is not necessary to replace the entire mechanism, but only to change its core. The second good news is that cylinder lock cylinders are almost universal, and you can purchase a core for your lock from any manufacturer. It is more difficult to change the entire system, but you can figure it out with this technology.
So, how to install such a system, or replace such a lock on metal doors?


When completely changing all the mechanisms, the cylinder lock is disassembled, removing the core. Then, unscrew the fasteners at the end, pry it with a screwdriver and remove it from the socket. The mounted structure is installed in the same way by inserting the body of the mechanism, fixing it with screws, and mounting the core using the specified technology.

Installation of a lever lock

The more reliable the system, the more complex the lock installation technology. This rule is observed for security purposes, because no one will prevent thieves from disassembling a simple structure. Lever mechanisms are not easy to replace, and without experience, it will most likely not be possible to make a replacement; recoding would be the best option.
Some foreign manufacturers offer designs in which you can simply recode the mechanism, that is, change the lock cores in a metal door. In this case, one part with a new set of keys is purchased. However, it is best to buy a cylinder from the same manufacturer as the lock.
How to replace such a device with your own hands? In technological order, the replacement steps are as follows.


Despite the complexity, the main thing is to understand the order of each stage and not lose any parts or fasteners. Once you figure it out, you can make a replacement yourself.

Installation of overhead disc locks

Replacing or inserting a disc locking mechanism is probably the simplest. All fasteners are located on top at accessible points. How is such a system installed and disassembled? It is necessary to completely disassemble, or rather remove the mechanism.


In case of initial installation of the mechanism, you need to prepare a hole for the lock disc. To do this, it is best to use an electric drill with a drill bit or a wood bit of the appropriate diameter. Next, install the loop, which is located on the jamb.
Disc locks can be automatic (can be closed without a key), and semi-automatic, which one to choose depends on preferences, but automation can play a cruel joke by slamming the door behind the owner without keys.

Mechanisms with sliding crossbars

These systems began to be installed in modern systems, for example, such as Torex doors.
Locking crossbars in such structures are available not only on the side (or top and bottom in the end part), but also at the top and bottom; after they are pulled out, the door leaf is much more securely fixed in the doorway.
To replace or repair such a lock, leave the door in the opening so that it will not be possible to disassemble the locking system. The door needs to be removed, and this is not always possible to do alone, because its weight can reach 150 kg. The best option would be to contact the system installer.


You can make repairs or replacements yourself using a similar technology to lever structures, however, first using a wrench, you need to install the opening rods.
In any case, if you have no experience working with locks, then it is best to turn to specialists who will do everything quickly and efficiently, unlike an amateur. This is especially true for complex locking structures, the operating principles of which are difficult to understand when disassembling them yourself.

Many people know that locks are the weak point of metal doors. Even if the fabric itself is of high quality and extremely reliable, a poor quality lock can “outweigh” all the positive qualities, negating the security of the home. That is why it is so important to select these components wisely. In addition, they need to be able to repair and change if necessary.

Device selection

Many users decide to self-replacement lock in a secure metal door. Carrying out such work is accessible and understandable. However, before moving on to such procedures, it is necessary to determine what type of element is present in the existing canvas. In most situations, metal doors contain lever and cylinder types of locks.

Thus, the cylinder lock that is widespread today is made up of a special cylinder, which can be easily removed and removed if necessary. You can understand that the existing design contains a part of this type thanks to the presence of a flat key with notches and notches. As for lever mechanisms, they are complicated, but are highly durable and reliable. They are suitable for keys made in the form of rods with plates and cuts on them.

Also, modern locks for iron doors are produced as follows:

  • disk - with similar mechanisms there is a semicircular key with one-sided recesses;

  • Phillips-shaped - in this case, keys similar to a Phillips-type screwdriver are suitable;

  • rack and pinion – for such locks, elongated keys with notches are used.

Such options are less common than lever or cylinder ones.

Door locks are also divided into the following types:

  • electromagnetic - in such options, characteristic powerful magnets are provided;

  • electromechanical – these locks contain both electronic and mechanical parts;

  • electronic – these types of locks are powered by electricity;

  • mechanical - such options are divided into 2 subtypes (mentioned above) - cylinder and lever.

Now let’s take a closer look at the most popular devices of different types.

- Cylinder

The cylinder type lock is recognized as one of the simplest. A similar version of the device is found in many metal doors, which means that it will be quite possible to encounter difficulties in replacing it.

The main advantage of English locks is that during repair work there is no need to replace the entire mechanism, which is very convenient and takes little time. Buying a new cylinder with a cylinder will not be the slightest difficult. It is also necessary to take into account that similar parts are produced according to a single standard. This means that your lock on a metal door can be easily repaired - any necessary spare part can be easily found.

- Suvaldny

The lever systems commonly found today are recognized as more reliable and efficient, which is why many consumers choose them. However, it must be borne in mind that it will not be as easy to understand the structure of these as compared to cylinder ones. Many manufacturers supplement their products detailed instructions with diagrams and drawings. Based on such a guide, it will be much easier to repair or replace the lock.

- With sliding crossbars

The most difficult thing to replace on a metal door is a lock with sliding bolts. Such devices are often used in modern metal door leaves. They provide a fairly high level of security. They are very difficult to hack. Due to the specifics of its mechanism, not only the crossbars on the side, but also the constituent elements in the upper and lower parts extend out of the door. These elements completely block the iron door in the opening.

You need to be as careful as possible when working with this lock so as not to damage the bolts. In addition, if work is carried out carelessly, you can accidentally damage the internal door structure, which will reduce its level of safety.

Reasons for replacement

The need to replace a metal door lock may arise in a number of cases. Let's look at each of them.

  • When selecting a new door leaf. In most cases, the full ones themselves go without a lock. It is purchased separately. Of course, certain manufacturing companies offer comprehensive services to consumers. If you are pursuing the goal of saving money, then you should install both the door and the locking device yourself. Such work should be carried out correctly to ensure the safety of your home.

  • In case of loss of keys. This reason is considered one of the most common. If you have a spare key in stock, you can make a duplicate of it, but there is still a risk that the lost original will be found by someone with unfavorable intentions. In addition, there are situations where people lose all their existing keys, including spare ones. In such a situation, there is nothing left to do but replace the lock.

  • Replacing a damaged mechanism. If you do not use the locking devices very carefully or purchase a low-quality mechanism, the cylinder in it may soon break, and the bolts may be subject to deformation. You should not use such a lock, since it will be of no use - it will definitely need to be replaced with a new and undamaged one.

  • Replacing a not very reliable mechanism. Not in all cases, owners manage to install a truly effective and safe lock that can protect their home from burglary. If the first time you made a mistake in choosing this device, then this problem can be resolved. In addition, we must keep in mind that every year different manufacturers produce more and more new versions of locks specifically for iron doors.

  • In case of hacking. Breaking door locks is an extremely negative situation, which, unfortunately, happens quite often. In such a situation, it is often necessary not only to replace the lock itself with a new one (of better quality), but also the entire door leaf.

  • When transferring housing to new owners. Replacing the lock in these circumstances will serve as a precautionary measure, since it is impossible to be 100% sure of the conscientiousness and honesty of unfamiliar people, even if they previously owned a home.

If at least one of the above reasons has affected you, then there is no need to delay replacing the lock in the metal door. In addition, it must be taken into account that carrying out such work may be relevant in the most unexpected situations.

Necessary tools and preparation

If you decide to change the lock on a metal door yourself, then you should know that this must be done using special tools. This applies to any door leaf, especially metal. You will definitely need such devices as:

  • hammer;
  • chisel;
  • drill.

These tools are indispensable when it comes to replacing locks when keys are lost, and the core of the device must be completely removed.

As for the immediate preparatory activities, this will include the purchase of all the parts required to replace the locks. At the same time, it is very important to ensure that all components fit perfectly into the existing structures. The optimal solution is to purchase them in the same store (possibly from the same manufacturer) where the metal doors themselves were purchased. In this case, there is no doubt that all the elements are exactly suitable for carrying out all the necessary work.

Dismantling the previous structure

Before attaching a new lock, you need to properly dismantle the old device. Let's look at how to do this correctly, using the example of disk, lever and cylinder mechanisms.

The lever is part of the entire locking mechanism. It consists of plates with special figured cuttings. Before dismantling such a device, you need to make sure that the lock is completely removed from the hole, all the bolts are retracted, and the sash itself is open. After this, you will need to remove all the handles and latches. You will need to remove the screws that allow the lock body to attach to the metal base. In the place where the previous device was, it is advisable to mount a part of a similar company and dimensions. Otherwise, you may have to spend money on expanding the existing opening for the newly selected device (this may take a lot of extra time).

As for the cylinder device, it is important to consider that it consists of the following elements: the cylinder itself (that is, the cylinder), a handle and a special protective lining. If only the handle is damaged, then only it can be replaced without touching the other parts. Even if you have lost the keys to the door, but you can use a duplicate to get into the house, it will be enough to change only the cylinder and the keys.

In order to remove the body part of the old lock, you will need:

  • open the lock by pushing the bolts all the way;
  • remove the fastening screws using a screwdriver or screwdrivers;
  • get the mechanism itself;
  • remove handles, screws and bolts.

If there is an addition to the iron door leaf in the form of upholstery material or decoration, then, of course, it will need to be dismantled first so as not to damage it. Nowadays, metal doors are very often decorated with canvases made of high-quality leather substitute. If there is similar decor on the canvas, then the door will need to be completely removed so that you can carefully get to the locking mechanism.

It is quite possible to install the disk lock yourself. The specified device is also made in the shape of a cylinder, but inside it there are disks, and not standard pins, as in other options. In most situations, it is enough to just change the mechanism cylinder. However, if the mechanism is quite outdated and has ceased to be reliable, it will need to be completely dismantled.

All elements of such a locking mechanism are attached to the door using self-tapping screws. In order to remove the lock completely, you need to unscrew these screws. In this case, it is important to adhere to the following sequence: first you need to unscrew the fasteners from the handle, then from the cylinder, and finally from the lock body itself. As you can see, dismantling the disk element is quite simple and quick. Anyone can handle such work.

Replacement process

If you have successfully dismantled the old locking mechanisms, you can proceed to installing new ones.

When replacing a lever-type lock, experts recommend using only European systems, because they are much easier to repair. If we are talking about similar Russian-made locks, then they will need to be reinstalled not only the core, but also the entire lock as a whole, because it is not possible to recode the lever.

All work will need to be performed in several stages.

  • First, the door will need to be opened so that the crossbar part can be opened completely. The locking mechanism housing must be dismantled.
  • Next, you will need to remove the keys, bolts, armor plates and handle from the core. There is no need to remove the decor.
  • You will need to unscrew the screws. Next, the entire component of the device is removed and a new lock is installed.

In a situation where you still need to recode the lever on a European model of lock, it is recommended to entrust such work to professionals.

It is also possible to replace a cylinder type lock with your own hands. It is very important to take into account that such a device is distinguished by the presence of a security mechanism, which is represented by a cylindrical cylinder. So, if the keys are lost, it will be permissible to change only the core. There is no need to replace the entire lock.

This model is considered excellent in matters of repair, because even a user who does not have the relevant experience can easily cope with such work. The whole process can be divided into several main stages.

  • First, the old cylinder is removed. Then, using keys, a special locking mechanism is opened, but in the future it will need to be left in the lock itself.
  • You will need to find and unscrew the screws.
  • The locking mechanism is then closed with the key.
  • Now a screw is screwed into the center of the tongue.
  • Next, you will need to probe the location of the larva. When it gives way, you will need to pull it up. In this case, in most cases, only one turn of the key is enough (about 40 degrees).

If necessary complete replacement such a part as a larva, then all processes will take place in the same way, but in the opposite direction.

  • First of all, you need to fix the key in the cylinder and turn it so that the flag does not prevent the cylinder from falling into place.
  • Then you will need to screw in a special mounting bolt and secure the new cylinder.
  • The previously removed plate is put back in its original place. After this, you need to check the entire mechanism for proper operation.

If it is not possible to remove the larva (this may be due to its damage), then it will first need to be drilled out. Next, this part is usually knocked out. After this, you can proceed to directly opening the iron door using good old master keys.

Many people change disc locks on metal doors themselves. In these options, as in the cylinder ones, there is a part in the form of a cylinder, and instead of pins there are disk elements. The cutouts present in them should be identical in shape to the cutouts on the keys. The key itself for such a mechanism must have a characteristic semicircular cross-section.

If you are going to replace the disc lock yourself, then you will need to take into account the following features.

  • If the disc lock was produced by a Russian manufacturer, then in case of any breakdown it will have to be completely replaced. Moreover, it must be taken into account that it is optimal to replace it with a foreign mechanism, which is considered the most wear-resistant and durable.
  • If an imported lock breaks, you only need to replace the cylinder.
  • The more disc parts present in the locking mechanism, and the more complex the grooves are scattered on the sides of these discs, the more reliable the lock will be. But keep in mind that high reliability will be useless if the mechanism itself cannot boast of sufficient strength characteristics. In any case, he will need additional protection from mechanical damage.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in replacing locking mechanisms. The main thing is to act in accordance with the instructions and be as careful as possible. Try to treat all parts with the utmost care so as not to accidentally damage them during dismantling/installation work.

Checking work

If you have completed all the work to replace the old lock on a metal door, then you will definitely need to check the functionality of the newly installed mechanisms. You will need to ensure the correct functioning of the latches, handles, and the crossbar structure. Moreover, this must be done on both sides of the door leaf. All testing procedures are first carried out with the door open and then closed.

It is very important to keep in mind that at this final stage, the most unexpected surprises can await the home craftsman. For example, this could be a mismatch between the recesses intended for the tabs on the screwdriver. In this case, they will need to be increased to the required values. Also, many people are faced with the fact that the sash with the bolts fully extended begins to close, and marks form on the frame at the upper and lower boundaries of their location. In this case, the striker plate (if it is removable) is removed, and the corresponding cuts are made in the box itself. If necessary, the bar is fixed with a slight offset.

After such modifications, it is necessary to make a final assessment of the functioning of the locking device. You will also need to check the operation of the blade handle for possible jamming. Any defects and errors must be corrected after all installation work is completed. Otherwise, the door will not be reliable and safe enough, and the new lock itself may quickly fail.

If you decide to change the locks on iron doors yourself, then you should listen to some advice from experts, to avoid many problems and inconsistencies during work.

  • Cylinder-type locking mechanisms are installed in the same way on all types of door leaves. These can be either plastic interior options or cheap Chinese canvases, as well as Guardian or Torex models.
  • Replacing and installing lever-type locks is simple and straightforward. The main thing you need to comply with is to choose exactly the same device as before.
  • The door lock must be chosen correctly. The selection of this part is influenced by many different factors, the main one of which is the method of direct installation. Experts do not recommend purchasing low-quality Chinese products, because they will not last long.
  • Do not rush to immediately replace the old lock with a new one. First, you should determine the scale of the problems and damage to the previous mechanism. It may be enough to just replace one of the damaged parts rather than install a new device.
  • When installing a new lock, it is recommended to use power tools with variable speed control. This especially applies to angle grinders, because with its use the most delicate and painstaking work will be performed.
  • If you have lost the main key, but have a duplicate in stock, it is still better to change the locks on the iron door. You shouldn’t take risks, because the lost item can be found by unscrupulous people who will have access to your house or apartment.

  • Please take into account the fact that the installation of mortise mechanisms negatively affects the door structure itself, weakening it. Because of this, the canvas will be less strong and reliable.
  • Experts advise purchasing locking mechanisms and doors from the same manufacturers. Thus, when installing a new lock, you most likely will not have any problems or discrepancies.
  • If you decide to install a cylinder-type lock, then you need to keep in mind that such devices have one serious drawback - they do not have the most reliable jumper. Any loads that fall on such a mechanism inevitably lead to wear of such a part. That is why the cylinder device must be treated very carefully and with care.
  • When choosing a new lock, experts strongly do not recommend using discounted or discounted products. As a rule, such locks are outdated and are characterized by a large number of break-ins. They will not be able to provide good protection to your home. It’s better to pay a little extra and get a quality device that you can trust.
  • When installing a new lock on an iron door, be sure to make sure that it is secured securely and correctly. It should not dangle in the designated slot.
  • At all stages of installation, it is necessary to check the correct operation of the new iron door lock. This will allow you to resolve any problems on time without delaying the completion of all work.
  • At self-installation For a new locking mechanism, only high quality tools must be used. It is advisable to use branded devices that will not malfunction during operation.
  • If a new lock requires recoding, then it is better to entrust such work to specialists. It is not recommended to begin such processes on your own.
  • If there are large decorative details, which may interfere with the installation of a new lock, it is better to remove them during installation. This way you will get rid of unnecessary obstacles and will not damage the decorations.

  • If there is a reason to replace the old lock with a new one, experienced users advise not to waste time. It is better to start such work as early as possible in order to quickly protect your home from unpleasant consequences.
  • Based on different hacking options, different types of larvae are released. There are the following types of burglaries: drilling, using duplicate keys, knocking out, and burglary using a master key.
  • Remove the old lock and install the new one as carefully as possible. Try not to damage the parts of the devices, otherwise they may be less effective after installation.
  • Experienced consumers are advised to take a closer look at high-quality products from Cisa. Locks from this manufacturer boast a very useful reusable recoding function. You won't have to carry out any unnecessary manipulations. All you need to do is stock up on new keys and code the lock for them.
  • Do not forget that the thickness of a metal door leaf can become a serious obstacle to the installation of a new lock, for which it is necessary to prepare a wider seat. Sometimes such processes should be abandoned, since this can provoke a weakening of the strength of the entire door in the area where the device is inserted.
  • Buy only branded locks High Quality. It is advisable to turn to products from foreign manufacturers (but not Chinese). Such systems work for a long time and without problems, and their repair is quick and easy. Domestic designs are also repairable, but more capricious and difficult to carry out such work. And in terms of quality, as a rule, they are inferior to the same European models.
  • When choosing a suitable lock of proper quality, you should ask the seller for all the necessary documentation and quality certificates that come with the product. If they refuse to show you the documents, then it is also better to refuse to purchase such products, since they are most likely of dubious quality and will not be able to protect your home from intruders.

A door lock practically never stops working during its life, since it is used several times every day. We hardly notice this, but when the time comes to replace the old lock, we begin to understand its full significance. In fact, the main defender of our home, the lock should always be in good condition. You can call a locksmith to install a new lock, or you can replace it yourself. If you like the second option, we’ll tell you how to do it correctly using the example of a cylinder, disk and lever lock.

Changing the cylinder lock (video)

The cylinder lock has its own peculiarity in the form of a security mechanism hidden in the cylinder. The pins in it go into special recesses when you turn the key.

In general, depending on the location, the lock can be the main one and be located under the handle, or an additional one and be located above it. The lock itself consists of a cylinder (or in other words, a cylinder), an armored lining and a handle.

If the handle fails, then only it will need to be changed along with the cylinder, which is the main part of the structure. You will have to choose the type of cylinder depending on the type of burglary from which you want to protect your door.

Depending on the type of break-in, there are corresponding variations of the larvae. Types of hacking:

Drilling;

Using a duplicate key;

Knocking out;

Hacking with a master key.

Photo gallery of opening cylinder locks

Set of master keys for opening locks

You also need to know how to install the cylinder: end, through a fixation insert, through a mounting screw or internal. Cylinders are divided by type into overhead, cruciform, disk and others.

Cylinder replacement process

First, we need to unscrew the locking screw, which is located at the end of the lock, since it is the main holder of the cylinder.

We insert the key into the lock from the inside or use a spinner. Holding any of these elements, we pull the cylinder inward. If it does not come out, you need to turn the key or turntable 20 degrees, then the pawl will fit into the dimensions and the cylinder will come out. The exact same cylinder is purchased as a replacement.

Be guided by the distance from the pawl to the outer edge of the cylinder - this is the most important.

The new cylinder can now be placed in the socket and secured with the retaining screw.

The process of replacing the lock case

If the matter is more serious, and you need to replace the lock body, proceed as follows:

Open the lock so that the bolts are fully retracted;

We remove the cylinder from the lock (you already learned this);

We remove the door handles, armored lining and latches. Leave the keyhole covers alone;

We unscrew the fastening end screws, of which there can be either two or four. It all depends on the design of the lock.

Next, all that remains is to pry the lock onto the end plate and carefully remove it. We will install the same lock in the empty space. It is best to contact the door manufacturer for the lock. To install a new lock, you will simply need to follow the above instructions in reverse order.

The cylinder lock cylinder is its main structural part

Changing the lever lock

A lever lock is based on a whole package of special shaped plates called levers. Replacing such a lock has its own distinctive features:

If your door has a domestically produced lock installed, then even if there is a problem with just the keys, you will have to replace the entire system. It is simply impossible to recode the lock;

It’s another matter if the design is imported - then only the secret part needs to be replaced. The new one will need to be encoded based on a new set of keys. There is much less fuss than in the previous case;

You should be patient and time-consuming, since replacing a lever lock is the most difficult and time-consuming. This is understandable, because the lever lock has the most complex device.

The level of the problem will allow you to determine how serious and large-scale the lock replacement will be - whether you need to replace the entire lock or just one element that has failed.

The procedure for replacing the lever lock is as follows:

When changing the lock, the front door must be open. The lock opens and the locking bolts are hidden inside the lock;

The key is pulled out of the keyhole;

Just as in the case of a cylinder lock, remove the handles, armored plate and latches, leaving the keyhole lining;

Again we twist the end screws, as in the previous case.

Level lock - the embodiment of reliability

And we also do everything else in the same way as when replacing a cylinder lock. We remove the old lock, hang a new one of the same type, and then perform all the operations in reverse order.

A special word to the owners of CISA locks - since these locks have a reusable recoding function, you will not have to do any of the above, you will just need to get new keys and code the lock for them.

Changing the disk lock

Inside the disc lock, just like inside the cylinder lock, there is a secret in the form of a cylinder, only instead of pins there are disks. The cutouts in them must completely coincide in shape and size with the cutouts on the keys, and the key itself has a semicircular cross-section characteristic of these locks.

Internal part of the disc lock

In case of replacing the disk lock, you will have to take into account the following features:

If the disc lock is of domestic production, it will have to be completely replaced in case of any type of breakdown. Moreover, it is better to replace it with a foreign-made lock, which compares favorably with its more high level reliability, strength and quality;

With imported locks, in the event of a breakdown, it will be easier - only the cylinder must be replaced, unless, of course, that is the problem. By inviting a specialist, you will find out the exact cause of the lock failure.

The more disks there are in the mechanism and the more complex the grooves are located on the side surfaces of these disks, the more reliable such a lock is. However, this reliability is useless if the lock does not have sufficient strength - it needs protection from mechanical damage.

A good example of a lock is a lock with a cylinder that does not go all the way through the door. Such a lock is resistant to knocking out, and if equipped with an armored cup, it becomes even stronger.

If you have at least a little experience working with locks, then replacing the lock on a metal entrance door will not be such a difficult task. True, if for some reason you are not confident in the quality of your own work, it is better to call a specialist, since we are talking about the most important protection of your home, and it must always be in good condition.

A lock may need to be replaced for various reasons. Most often this, of course, is its breakdown. Locks are also changed when they no longer satisfy the owner. For example, the old system is unreliable and easy to hack. If the keys are lost, a new design is also installed (although it is easier to order a duplicate). In the article we will talk about how to change the door lock in an apartment yourself, how to change the tongue and cylinder.

Types of locks

There are locks:

  • mounted;
  • mortise;
  • invoices.

Mortise locks are often installed on wooden doors. However, today they are also installed in steel structures.

Mortise locks do not provide the proper level of security.

Padlocks and rim locks are the most common. They are easy to remove and replace.

Locks differ not only in the installation method, but also in design. Before changing the door lock, you need to choose one that will completely suit the owner.

  1. Cylinder lock. A lock of this type does not need to be completely changed if it satisfies the owner with its quality. Usually, in the event of a breakdown, it is enough to replace the core of the structure, the so-called larva. It is this that contains the entire mechanism. The cylinder is the weak point of the cylinder lock. If you drill it out, the door will give way without difficulty.
  2. Level locks. Such systems are installed only in one way - by insertion. For a non-professional, inserting such a unit is problematic. To do this, you will have to figure out how to fit the lock into the door without damaging the door. If the blade is steel, then the lever lock can be removed and replaced with a similar one. Some companies produce locks of this type that require recoding. There is no need to change the lock itself, only the key to it will be changed.
  3. Disc lock. These systems are divided into automatic and semi-automatic locks. They also contain a larva. Most often, when they break down, such locks are replaced, although if the system is quite expensive, then you can get by by replacing the core.


How to embed

Before you install a door lock, you need to select it. The easiest way to work is with a cylindrical one.

  1. In order to embed the lock into the door leaf, you first need to set a convenient height for the hole.
  2. Now you need to attach a new lock to the canvas and make markings. A groove will be drilled at the marking site. The tools you will need are a drill, a chisel and a chisel.
  3. First, the work of drilling the groove is done with a drill with a drill having a slightly smaller diameter than the width of the groove.
  4. Next, the groove is refined with a chisel and chisel.
  5. Then you need to mark the hole where the well will be drilled.
  6. The holes for the screws are drilled last.
  7. For the “secret” you also need to drill a groove. It is necessary to establish its dimensions and make markings.
  8. To determine how far the latch fits into the groove, you need to lubricate it with a dye and close the lock.

Before installation, you need to lubricate the moving elements of the lock. However, it is better not to touch the internal mechanism of the larva. If necessary, it is better to treat it with graphite. All other parts are treated with grease.

After installation, only decorative and cosmetic work remains.

How to choose

When choosing a door lock, you need to consider where it will be placed. If we are talking about an entrance door in a multi-storey building, then a cylinder lock is also suitable. Of course, it can be drilled out, but few robbers will make noise and attract attention. Modern iron doors are usually equipped with lever locks.

You need to put something more durable in your cottage or country house. It is better if there is not one castle, but at least two.

The most durable today are the so-called smartlocks - “smart locks”. Such systems operate on batteries. Depending on the cost, they can be equipped with password entry buttons, fingerprint or retina scanners. When the battery charge runs out completely, they operate using a regular key.

The cost of these systems is quite high. They are used in the most extreme cases. Based on the principle of operation, they can be compared with intercoms, which are found in almost every entrance today.

Video

In general terms, replacing a door lock is shown in the following video: