Lock cylinders are basically the internal mechanism of a lock. Many types of lock cylinders are used in locks these days, each varying in its design and functionality. Most commonly, two types of lock cylinders are used; one is the interchangeable lock cylinder, and the other one is the storefront lock cylinder. Interchangeable lock cylinders are most commonly used in residential and commercial door locks. However, storefront lock cylinders are generally found in the door locks of retail outlets. When it comes to vehicles, lock cylinders are found in the ignition. If you want a different key for your car, you will have to get the lock cylinder replaced. To change a door lock cylinder, you must follow the right techniques and use the correct tools. If you want to learn how to change a door lock cylinder, you are on the right page. Here is how you can change a door lock cylinder easily and efficiently. So, let us have a look.
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Replacing a Conventional Door lock cylinder
Remove the Lock Screw
To replace the lock cylinder of a conventional front door lock, make sure that the door is opened. Locate the lock screw at the bottom of the lock and remove it by using a screwdriver. Save this screw as it will be used afterward.
Insert the Key in the Lock
Place the key in the lock and turn it in the direction that you used to open the lock. This will help to slide the lock out. Make sure to turn the key as much as possible because if you don’t, the lock cylinder will not come out.
Pull the Lock Cylinder Out
Once you have turned the key to the end, slide the lock out. If the lock comes out with difficulty, turn the key a bit less. Once you have removed the lock cylinder, remove the key from it.
Insert the New Cylinder
Insert the key of the new lock inside the cylinder and turn it in the same way. Once you have turned it properly, slide the new lock cylinder into the cylinder hole.
Tighten up the Screw
Insert the screw back that you removed from the door at the start. This screw will hold your lock cylinder in position.
Check the New Lock
Close the door and check if the new lock is working. If the lock doesn’t work, remove the cylinder and try installing it again. If the problem remains, consult a local locksmith.
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Replacement of Lock Cylinder with Face Plates
Remove the Face Plates First
Remove the upper cylinder plates of the independent lock without the door handle by removing their screws. After removing the screws, remove the face plates. While removing these plates, remove the screws at the bottom first. If you unscrew the ones at the top, the top plate may rotate downward while disassembling, making the removal of bottom screws difficult.
Remove the Handle Cover
After removing the plates, remove the door trim on the handle by loosening the screw at the bottom. However, if your door has a combination of handle and lock that isn’t removable and has a bolt instead, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the trim. This will provide you with access to the screws that hold the door handle in place. Once you remove these screws, you will be able to remove the handle.
Open the Lock Cylinder
Find the spindle normally present at the center of a lock cylinder and insert a screwdriver in it. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise and open the lock cylinder.
Removal of the Spindle
To release the spindle from the housing, press the spindle or turn it gently with a screwdriver. Remove it completely from the lock after releasing it.
Remove the Lock Cylinder
Use a screwdriver and insert it into the spindle. Place another flat screwdriver under the edge
of the tabs as they hold the cylinder in its place. Apply slight pressure on the tabs and apply similar pressure on the spindle to remove the cylinder. The lock cylinder can also be removed by applying pressure directly on the spindle. In this way, you will not have to deal with the tabs which hold the cylinder; however, you will need some more pressure. It’s hard to see inside the case of the cylinder, so if it’s difficult to find the latches, push gently and carefully until the lock cylinder comes out from the other side.
Install a New Lock Cylinder
To install a new lock cylinder, follow the entire process but in the reverse direction. However, if the new lock cylinder is bigger than the cylinder hole, you will need some adjustments. For this, use sandpaper and start sanding the hole to make it bigger.
