Upgrading cylinder locks

Tabnabs

I want to upgrade our current cylinder locks and wondered if anyone had done the same recently?

Any recommendations on what to look out for and who to buy from?

Is it a fairly easy DIY job?

Prenderb

It's a very straightforward job.

Measure the current cylinder from the centre (note whether you measure to the centre or to the centre portion.... That'll make sense when you see it) or bring to the locksmith/shop for comparison. You need to get the right size lock on front and back sides.

Have a look for antisnap and antipick cylinders at a minimum, imho. I'm sure there's more advice available and hopefully someone will reinforce it, but it is a straightforward job.

com1

It is a very simple job. Replacement is by opening the set screw (in the actual lock face plate (?) and sliding the cylinder out. Slide the new cylinder in and tighten the set screw again and that is it. (One point to note, as happened to me, is to check that the lock works with the key after you tighten the set screw - mine did not work as I had tightened the set screw too much which wedged the cylinder)

Be sure to get snap proof cylinders and check the size of the existing cylinder before you buy the new ones (i.e. to fit the depth of the door). Try not to get a cylinder that is too long as, even if they are snap proof, you dont want anybody to be able to get a vice grips onto the cylinder and damage the lock / door or get access to the property.

Tabnabs

I've seen the father in law do it for a standard Union Round Cylinder type of lock on a front door, but is it as easy for patio door?

bonzodog2

You may need to operate the key and rotate the cylinder maybe 5-10 degrees, to allow the lock to slide out.