DIY: Mastering Cylinder Door Lock Fitting

Many homes choose cylinder locks because they are well-known for being simple to install. Still, for those who are unfamiliar with them, starting the process of fitting or altering one may seem way too difficult. So this guide will walk you through the steps of installing a cylinder lock, including what equipment you’ll need and how to do it properly.

Cylinder lock mechanism in short

Cylinder locks, also known as pin tumbler locks, operate on a simple yet effective mechanism. The lock consists of a series of pins that align with the unique pattern of the key. When the key is inserted into the lock, each pin moves into its designated position, allowing the key to turn and either lock or unlock the door. That’s it, simple, right?

There are two main types of cylinder locks on the market today:

Can you change lock cylinder by yourself?

Yes, changing a lock cylinder can be a great DIY task, but it requires specific skills and considerations. Do you have what it takes to fit a cylinder lock? You need to:

Fitting a new cylinder door lock

Here’s a step-by-step guide along with the necessary tools for successfully fitting a new cylinder door lock. Ensure the tools are in good condition and appropriate for the type of door material you are working with (wood or PVC).

Necessary tools:

And now…For PVC doors, existing fittings may suffice for installing or changing a cylinder barrel. If dealing with a wooden door, you’ll need the already mentioned auger drill bit, chisel, and screws.

This is how to fit a new cylinder lock on a wooden door:

1. Mark the lock position – Use a pencil to accurately mark the position of the lock body on the door. Outline the entire shape of the lock, ensuring precision in its placement.
2. Faceplate marking – Mark the location of the faceplate on the door’s edge, including the type and size of screws needed for secure attachment.
3. Guideline drawing – After placing the faceplate, draw a straight and level line from the top hole to the bottom for accurate alignment of the lock components.
4. Drill for lock body – Utilize an auger drill bit designed for wood, ensuring it’s slightly wider than the lock body. Drill a series of holes and chisel out the space between them. Specify the recommended depth for drilling to ensure the lock body fits properly.
5. Check fit – Insert the lock body to check for a proper fit. If needed, chisel out additional material to ensure a snug fit. Verify that the lock body sits flush with the door surface.
6. Drill for cylinder mechanism – Remove the lock body and drill holes for the lock cylinder, specifying the appropriate size of the drill bit and recommended depth.
7. Backplate installation – Drill holes for the backplate screws and securely install the backplates. Provide details on aligning the backplate properly for a neat and professional finish.
8. Insert cylinder mechanism – Lubricate the lock cylinder if necessary and insert it into the door from the outside, following any brand-specific instructions regarding the indicated side for the outside part of the door.
9. Final check – Conduct a final check to ensure all components are securely in place and that the lock functions smoothly. Make any necessary adjustments for optimal performance.

Changing an old cylinder lock

To start off the euro cylinder lock replacement…

1. Measure the entire length of your current lock, including any protruding parts;
2. Open the door to access the lock and proceed with the measurements;
3. Use a standard flat-head or Phillips-head screwdriver to locate and interact with the centre screw on the lock mechanism;
4. Gauge the distance between the centre screw and the face end of the lock on each side;
5. Add up the lengths measured on both sides. Ensure precision by rounding up to the nearest millimetre.

Once you’re done with this part and you have purchased a new lock with the right dimensions, you can easily replace the euro cylinder lock. Here’s how:

1. Begin by opening the door to access the lock mechanism;
2. Locate and remove the lock fixing screw using the appropriate tool;
3. Insert the key into the new lock and gently turn it on both sides. This action ensures that the cam tongue aligns with the body of the lock;
4. Gently push and pull the lock. If the cam tongue is correctly aligned, you’ll be able to smoothly pull out the cylinder using the key. Troubleshoot if alignment is not correct;
5. Position the new lock in place, ensuring it fits securely. Pay attention to any specific orientation or alignment instructions;
6. Repeat all the steps in reverse order, securing the new lock in position. Double-check that the cam tongue is correctly aligned and functions smoothly;
7. Before concluding, perform a final check to confirm that the cam tongue is correctly aligned and that the lock functions smoothly;
8. Consider referring to simple diagrams or illustrations to accompany the steps, aiding users in understanding the process more visually.

How do you know when a cylinder lock needs changing?

If you aren’t sure whether you should replace your cylinder lock just yet, then check these scenarios. If any of them right true, then you need to go forward with the refitting.

How much does it cost to change a euro cylinder lock?

The cost to change a euro cylinder lock can vary depending on several factors such as the type of lock, brand, security standard, and if any call-out charges are included in the cost. With that said here are some exemplary prices:

So, the overall cost to change an euro-cylinder lock ranges from £100 to £150. Prices change all the time because of many more factors than the ones already mentioned.

We can install or change your cylinder lock faster

At Fantastic Services, we pride ourselves on providing swift and efficient locksmith services tailored to your needs. The team of qualified and insured locksmiths we work with offers a 30-minute emergency response time, ensuring that you get the assistance you need promptly. Here is what else you get when you book our locksmith service: