How To Replace The Armored Door Cylinder

By Author: Saif Ahmed
Total Articles: 11
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Replacing the lock of an armored door is an essential operation when the mechanism is blocked. Due to wear, a broken key left inside or following an attempted break-in, the closure may be subject to blockages. In these cases it becomes necessary to replace the piece to restore the safety of the home or of the room in general. So let's see how to replace the cylinder of an armored door.

If it is a European cylinder lock, the operation can be carried out through a series of small measures. This particular type of closure is identified with the term "European" precisely because it is widely used in our continent. It is so widespread for two main factors:

security: the European lock is safer than the double bit one, the latter can be forced through a Bulgarian lock pick. European cylinders are available in different variants which have different levels of safety. By installing special devices it is possible to hinder any actions carried out by thieves so as to make any operations more complicated.

practicality and versatility: this lock provides smaller keys and ...
... therefore easier to carry. It can be opened even if another key is already inserted on the other side and adapts to different thicknesses. In fact, it can be installed on doors, windows and hatches. Furthermore, its replacement involves only the removal of the cylinder, therefore it is a very quick procedure.

Double bit lock

The double-bit lock, despite being technologically outdated, is still widespread. In recent years, more and more use has been made of a tool known as the Bulgarian lock pick with which it is possible to overcome these locking systems.

The Bulgarian key fits into the keyhole like a common key and is capable of reproducing the shape of the original key. He can then force these locks without leaving any signs of forced entry. This tool was created in Eastern European countries and precisely because of its widespread use, the lock with a European cylinder was introduced.

How to replace the cylinder of an armored door

To replace a lock, the presence of a screwdriver is essential, it will be necessary to remove the screws that make up the closure, which are generally slotted.

Before carrying out the actual replacement, it is necessary to check the real dimensions of the mechanism. It will not be possible to fit a cylinder of the wrong size. Therefore, identifying the right dimensions is an indispensable step for carrying out the rest of the procedure.
If you are not completely sure of the size of the cylinder, it is advisable to take it to the hardware store and perform a more precise analysis.

Measurements of the European cylinder

As previously mentioned, this specific type of mechanism is suitable for different thicknesses, therefore, it also has different lengths and dimensions. This is the main reason why you must first take measurements when you want to make a replacement. There are also asymmetrical cylinders which are therefore longer on one side of the pawl and shorter on the other.

The thickness measurement is not sufficient, but it is necessary to open the door and take the fixing screw of the lock itself as a reference point. At this point it will be sufficient to measure first from right to left and then backwards. Once these measurements have been obtained, you can go to the hardware store to be sure you are purchasing the correct size cylinder.

Disassemble and remove the cylinder

If you prefer to bring the cylinder to be replaced directly to the store, once it has been disassembled, it is a good idea to make sure that someone is ready to supervise the home. In any case, to proceed with the removal of the damaged cylinder it is necessary to unscrew the central fixing screw. Obviously, if the door has a plate under the handle, it will also need to be removed.

Once the screws have been removed, you will need to remove the cylinder.
However, the lock may have an anti-slip pawl: you will first have to align it with the rest of the body and only later remove it. It can be aligned by simply inserting the key and turning it 15 or 30 degrees. Keeping the key in this position it will be necessary to pull the cylinder. After a few attempts and delicate movements, the cylinder will begin to slide slowly. The operation will be concluded only when the cylinder is completely out of the door.

Fit new cylinder

Even in the case of the installation of the new lock, a series of operations must be carried out if there is an anti-slip latch. You will then need to insert the new cylinder into the hole in the door, turn the key and align the pawl with the body. After carrying out this step, simply push the cylinder inside the door.

The new lock is in the exact position when it is inserted evenly on both sides. You will be able to carry out a series of tests to verify that the mechanism works correctly and then tighten the fixing screw. To be even more certain that the operation has been carried out properly, a series of tests will be sufficient before actually closing the door.
Obviously the old keys will be useless as the new lock will include different keys. Also, you may need to make a series of copies of the keys in case you lose one.

Use screws with intact threads

After inserting the new closure in the shaped hole of the door, the screws must be tightened again to fix the piece. Obviously, the old screws can only be used if the thread is still intact and therefore suitable for fixing the new mechanism.

Final remarks

Given the existence of different types of locks, it is good to identify the specific characteristics of each of them and therefore determine which is the most suitable piece for replacement. We have seen that the measures are necessary information for choosing the new locking system on which efficiency and reliability will depend.

Precisely for this reason it is important to correctly identify the necessary data through the correct measurement methods. Then, through a series of simple operations, you can proceed with the correct replacement. This will allow for a more efficient and therefore fully functional system.