Replacing a door lock: causes of breakdowns and detailed instructions for eliminating them

The lock located inside the front door must meet basic reliability requirements. This is necessary to ensure the proper safety of the home. Such mechanisms have the greatest stress, so they are susceptible to various breakdowns. Replacing this type of door lock requires certain knowledge and skills. It is important not only to know the type of lock, but also to understand its design features.

The lock mechanisms are exposed to heavy loads, so they are subject to various breakdowns.

When is it necessary to replace the lock in the door

Among all possible breakdowns, there are several that are most common. This or that malfunction can occur at any stage of the operation of the locking mechanism. Knowing the cause of the breakdown allows you to quickly replace the device. Consider the most common malfunctions.

Replacing a door lock requires certain knowledge and skills.

Helpful information! The most common problem that leads to the need to change the lock is the loss of keys. In this case, installing a new device is an imperative precaution. Of course, you can remove duplicate keys from spare keys, however, for the safety of the home, it is still recommended to completely replace the lock.

The insert of the locking device may be needed when purchasing a new door. Most of the entrance doors are realized without a locking mechanism, so the lock is selected individually for each specific case. Currently, there is an opportunity to purchase a door equipped with a locking device, but in order to save financial resources, it is better to insert the door lock yourself.

Another common problem requiring the replacement of the mechanism is the failure of the central part of the lock, which is called the larva (or the secret).The reason for the malfunction of this element is usually the frequent use of the lock, which leads to wear of its parts.

Changing the door lock may also be required if the device does not meet the required security class. If the mechanism does not satisfy the owners, then it is most often replaced with a more reliable one.

A common problem requiring replacement of the mechanism is the failure of the central part of the lock.

Among other things, the insertion of a new locking device may be needed after burglars have entered the apartment. In such a situation, experts recommend a complete replacement of the front door with all protective elements. And also it is customary to carry out this event when transferring the dwelling to new owners.

The most frequent breakdowns requiring replacement of the front door lock and their causes

The situations that lead to the need to replace the locking mechanism can be very different. This action is not always carried out in the event of a device breakdown. The locking mechanism, as a rule, is subjected to severe loads that affect its components. This leads to wear and tear. Consider what malfunctions are most often encountered during the operation of door locks.

A fairly common problem is the malfunction of the tongue, which is responsible for holding the door in the closed position. In this case, you can completely change the lock, but the correct solution is to eliminate the breakage. Most often, this problem is caused by two reasons:

• skewed door leaf;
• mismatch of the tongue with the hole in the striker.

A fairly common problem is a malfunction of the tongue, which is responsible for holding the door in the closed position.

You can correct the skewed frame yourself. To do this, it is necessary to adjust the hinges, which may come off due to weak fastening. The position of the striker can also be adjusted.

Many users of locking mechanisms face the same problem - the key is jammed in the device. This trouble is most often associated with clogging of the internal mechanism. Replacing the door lock is sometimes easier than disassembling and cleaning it. In this situation, it is necessary to correctly assess your knowledge and capabilities. To eliminate this malfunction, it will be necessary not only to clean the mechanism, but also to lubricate its individual parts.

Note! During the operation of the entrance door, another problem may arise, due to the wear of the parts of the locking device. In such a situation, the mechanism responsible for opening the web is jammed. To eliminate such a problem, it is necessary to disassemble the lock and check the return springs.

Less often, the locking device fails due to mechanical stress. Such a malfunction can be diagnosed very easily, since it is accompanied by a breakdown of the mechanism case.

The locking device is least likely to fail due to mechanical stress.

Replacing a door lock: types of devices and their features

All locking mechanisms that are used on front doors are classified according to several criteria. First of all, locks are differentiated into groups depending on the installation option. On the modern market, you can find the following types of devices:

• mortise;
• hinged;
• waybills.

Mortise mechanisms are the most popular. They most often contain a secret and have high protective performance. Such a lock is quite difficult to break (when compared with overhead models). Hinged devices are rarely used on entrance doors.

Before you start changing the lock in an iron door, you need to determine the type of device. Thus, knowledge of the types of locking mechanisms is very useful.Another indicator by which locks are divided into types is their design. Depending on the characteristics of the device, the following models of locking devices are distinguished:

• cylinder;
• levers;
• disk;
• cruciform.

Before you start changing the door lock, you need to determine the type of device

It is possible to replace a cylinder-type door lock either completely or partially. This is due to the design features of such devices. They include a core (larva), which contains a key-operated mechanism. It is he who most often fails. There may be several reasons for this. Malfunctions in the work of the core are caused by blockages, as well as all kinds of breakdowns that appear as a result of wear of its individual elements.

Lever locking mechanisms differ from cylinder locking mechanisms in their design. As for the installation option, they are mounted exclusively by one method - insert. It is important to remember that it will be quite difficult for a beginner to understand the intricacies of installing such a device. To change the lock in a metal door, you must carefully study the corresponding instructions, and it is also recommended to familiarize yourself with the video materials on this topic.

Helpful information! Some manufacturers produce lever locking mechanisms that support the conversion function. This is a significant advantage, due to which there is no need to change the lock (for example, if the keys are lost).

Disc mechanisms are divided into two large groups: automatic and semi-automatic. Such locks include a secret. Thus, in the event of a breakdown, it is possible not to completely change the locking device, but to be limited to replacing the core. In order to know how to change the front door lock cylinder, it is necessary to study the instructions corresponding to this type of locking mechanism.

In the modern market of locks, you can find the following types of devices: mortise, hinged, overhead

Finally, cruciform devices are also referred to as cylinder mechanisms. They are quite simple to identify by keys that have protrusions on four sides. Such locks are not very popular and are quite rare.

How to change a door lock: determining the type of lock mechanism

In order to replace the locking mechanism in the front door, you must first decide on its type. This will allow you to choose a similar device and study all the nuances of its installation. Currently, entrance doors are most often equipped with cylinder and lever locks, which are the best in many respects. On some canvases, both types of these locking mechanisms are found. The combination of locks increases safety performance.

The devices that are equipped with a maggot are the most convenient. This is due to the fact that if they fail, they do not require a complete replacement of the case. It is enough just to pick up a secret that is appropriate in size and install it in the body of the device.

Before proceeding with changing the door lock, it is necessary to carry out the appropriate measurements in order to avoid mistakes. In the case of lever devices, it is recommended to present the old mechanism to the seller. These locks are more reliable, since they do not have a secret, which is quite easily drilled by intruders. The keys supplied with such devices can be distinguished by their appearance. They have an elongated shaft, which ends with ribbed projections for lifting levers.

Before proceeding with changing the door lock, it is necessary to carry out the appropriate measurements in order to avoid mistakes.

Suvalds are metal plates that are the main structural elements of these mechanisms.It is important to remember that the reliability indicator of the door lock depends on the number of such parts. Replacing levers that are out of order is almost impossible. Therefore, if they break, it is recommended to completely dismantle the old locking device.

Helpful information! Disc and cross-shaped locks related to cylinder mechanisms are determined by the shape of the keys.

In addition, there is another type of locks - rack and pinion. Such models do not belong to the category of demanded devices, but they are found in some door panels. Disc mechanisms can be replaced in whole or in part. The same applies to cruciform models.

How to replace a door lock: determining the type of locking device by the shape of the key

Any locking mechanism can be identified depending on the shape of the keys that are attached to it. For people who are not versed in this issue, this method of determining the type of castle is the simplest. Before changing the lock in an apartment, you need to know not only the type of device, but also the reason that led to its malfunction.

Any locking mechanism can be identified depending on the shape of the keys that are attached to it

Keys for cylindrical mechanisms differ in that they have a flat shape. This plate contains recesses that correspond to the coding elements of the larva. To repair such a lock, it is enough to replace the secret.

In turn, lever devices are more complex in structure. As mentioned above, keys for such locking mechanisms have a long stem with a plate at the end that has a unique combination of notches. It is much more difficult to install a door lock of this type, since in this case a complete replacement of the device is required.

Rack mechanisms have flat keys. Such elements are equipped with channels on their body, as well as recesses that correspond to the coding of the locking device. Keys to disc locks are distinguished by a semicircular shape. They are short and have special notches on one side. Phillips wrenches are shaped like a screwdriver of the same name. In order to independently replace the lock in an iron door, it is necessary to clearly define the type of structure and select a mechanism similar in parameters.

Keys for cylindrical mechanisms differ in that they have a flat shape

Among other things, there are crossbar locks. It is not recommended to install them on entrance doors, as they do not correspond to modern security parameters. The keys to them are flat and have notches on one side (less often on two).

Related article:

Repair of door locks: common causes of breakdowns and how to fix them

Common causes of breakdowns. Required tools. Features of repair of entrance and interior locks.

Replacing the lock on the front door: the necessary tools and preparation for work

Before proceeding with the replacement of the locking device, you will need to carry out the appropriate preparatory measures. First of all, you need to decide on a set of tools that will be required to carry out this type of work, the most necessary of them:

• a hammer;
• drill or screwdriver;
• chisel;
• marker;
• yardstick.

Note! In order to know exactly how to replace a door lock, you will need to study the sequence of actions and clearly follow it. In addition to preparing all the necessary tools, a new locking device must also be purchased.

To replace the lock, you will need such tools: a hammer, a screwdriver, a chisel, a marker, a measuring tape

There is not always a need to buy a new castle. In some situations, it is enough to change one damaged element. Larva replacement is an example.The door lock contains parts that often fail (for example, a return spring).

It is important to remember that the locking mechanism should be as suitable as possible for a given door leaf. The ideal option is to purchase a lock model made by the same company that made the door. In this case, the utmost compatibility is achieved.

How to change the lock: dismantling the old device

Before starting to insert a new device, it is necessary to remove the old damaged mechanism from the socket located in the canvas. There is a certain sequence of actions that is recommended to be followed in order to correctly perform dismantling. The procedure may differ depending on the type of device.

In order to dismantle the cylindrical locking device, you will need to familiarize yourself with its design features. In this case, all work can be limited to replacing the door lock cylinder. In addition to the lock, the cylinder device includes the following parts: handle, armor plate.

In order to dismantle the cylindrical locking device, you will need to familiarize yourself with its design features

Lever device includes plates having curly cutouts. Dismantling the lever mechanism has some features that should not be ignored. For example, before you start changing the lock on the front door, you need to make sure that all the bolts of the mechanism are retracted. You will need to open the door and remove all handles and latches. Further, the fixing elements (self-tapping screws) are removed, which are responsible for fastening the lock to the metal sheet.

Note! The new lock does not have to fit in size with the niche of the previous mechanism. However, if the size of the new mechanism does not correspond to the socket, then its expansion will be required, which will take more time and effort.

How to change a door lock in a metal door: cylinder type

Such a device includes a special mechanism responsible for secrecy. It is called a grub. This element is the heart of the lock, and it is it that is changed in the event that the keys are lost. From the point of view of maintainability, models of this type are the most attractive. In order to repair a cylindrical device, it is not necessary to have special knowledge and skills.

The repair measure in this case is subdivided into a number of stages. The first thing to do is to remove the old spoiled larva. Next, you need to open the locking mechanism. For this, keys are used that match the configuration to the lock. The open mechanism remains in the locking device.

After removing the old mechanism, you can start replacing the front door lock cylinder

At the next stage of replacing the lock of the entrance metal door, the fasteners (screws) that fix the end plate are removed. Then you need to open the lock with a key. After that, you should release the latch of the lock, which is also attached with a screw.

After carrying out all the above manipulations, the larva is released, which allows you to extract it. In order to remove the larva, you need to turn the key approximately 40 degrees.

After removing the old mechanism, you can start replacing the front door lock cylinder. You will need to insert the key into the new secret. It must be turned in order to neutralize the interference from the side of the flag when installing the core. The fixing bolt is used to fasten the new cylindrical mechanism.

Then you need to fix the armor plate, which was dismantled when the old secret was removed. Screws are used to fix this plate.At the end of the replacement of the larva, it is necessary to check how correctly the new mechanism is functioning.

Devices that are equipped with a larva are the most convenient for replacement

To answer the question of how to change the lock on a metal entrance door, pictures help to fix the various stages of work. It is worth noting that in some cases it is impossible to extract the old secret using the standard method. An example is a mechanism destroyed by impact. In such a situation, you will need to resort to core drilling.

How to change the door lock: lever mechanism

The locking device belonging to this group is structurally complex. It is most difficult to replace such a lock on your own. Experts recommend purchasing European type leveler devices. This is due to the fact that they are characterized by increased maintainability. If the European model fails, most often it is enough to replace the core of the device.

Helpful information! Lever locks made by domestic manufacturers do not lend themselves to recoding. Thus, if this device breaks down, it will need to be completely replaced.

How to remove this type of door lock? First of all, you need to open the door leaf. This is required so that the bolt of the lock can be opened completely. It is important to remember that the body of the locking mechanism in this case must be removed in advance.

It is most difficult to replace the door lock with a lever mechanism on your own

At the next stage, you will need to remove the keys and dismantle a number of elements that prevent free access to the core of the system. It is necessary to remove the handle, armored cover and bolt. The decorative details that are part of most locking devices do not need to be removed.

How to change the lock on the front door? After dismantling all auxiliary elements, you can proceed directly to replacing the locking mechanism. To do this, unscrew all the fixing parts (screws). Then the old equipment is removed, a new device is installed.

If the European model of the locking device fails, it is best to contact a specialist who can recode the device. Self-intervention in the structure of such a mechanism is not recommended.

How to replace a crossbar lock: an algorithm of actions

To replace a transom device that has failed, it is necessary to study the structure of the product. A lock of this type can have several stops located both from the bottom and from the top. And also models are now common, the stops of which are on the side. The presence of these elements significantly complicates the work of replacing the locking mechanism. For the convenience of dismantling, it is recommended to remove the canvas from the hinges.

Replacing the lock in an iron door is laborious and requires a certain amount of time.

Let's consider the procedure for changing the lock in the iron door in this situation. First of all, it is necessary to lay the canvas, which was removed from the hinges, on the floor or on any other horizontal surface. Next, you need to disassemble the door. This is done in order to provide access to the mechanisms located inside the canvas.

How to change a crossbar door lock? First, you need to loosen the rods of the crossbars. Next, you need to disconnect these parts from the locking mechanism. Self-replacement of transom elements is a complicated procedure, therefore it is recommended to use the services of specialists.

Note! Chinese models of entrance doors are almost impossible to disassemble on your own. In this case, the best way out is to contact a qualified specialist with experience in such work.

It is important to remember that care must be taken when dismantling a broken mechanism. This is due to the fact that even the slightest deformation of the rod will render the system unusable.

A latch-type lock can have several stops located both from the bottom and from the top

How to change the front door lock: installing a new larva

A locking mechanism that is out of order can be replaced in whole or in part. The second option is suitable for cylindrical models of locks and involves replacing the core (larva). The secret contains a special coded mechanism that recognizes the unique shape of a particular key.

In order to replace the larva in a metal door, you need to prepare a screwdriver. As a rule, this tool is sufficient to carry out such an event.

The first thing to do is to unscrew the fixing elements that attach the plate to the sash end. If the mechanism includes door handles, then you must first dismantle them. Further, the outer armor plates are removed. After that, it becomes possible to extract the core.

How to change the lock cylinder? First of all, you need to unscrew the screw, which is responsible for fixing the lock inside the mechanism. This element is not difficult to find. It is located on the end surface of the door leaf. Then you need to insert the key into the keyhole and rotate it 15-20 degrees. This action will loosen and release the liner. It should be understood that turning the key will change the position of the rotary cam.

In order to replace the larva in a metal door, one screwdriver is enough

The dimensions of the new lock must fully match the size of the old mechanism. In order to secure the larva in the nest, the same fixing screw is used. Replacing the lock cylinder in a metal door is performed in several stages described above. After installing the new mechanism, the lock is assembled. A previously removed handle is mounted on the door, as well as an armor plate.

At the final stage, it is necessary to check the work of the new larva. If the swivel tab rotates without any difficulty, then the installation has been carried out correctly.

Replacing the lock in an iron door: general recommendations and an algorithm of actions

The locking device located in the metal sheet can be replaced independently. To do this, you will need to study the procedure and prepare the appropriate tools, without which it will not be possible to dismantle the old lock and insert a new device.

Consider the sequence of installing a door lock on a metal entrance door. First you need to prepare a hexagon. With this tool, the fixing elements are removed, which allows you to remove the outer and inner handles. Next, you should dismantle the armored pad. To do this, you need to unscrew the fastening element, which is located on the inside.

Chinese models of entrance doors are almost impossible to disassemble on your own.

The next step is to remove the old cylindrical element. To do this, you need to turn the locking element located at the end of the door leaf. Then you need to scroll the cylindrical mechanism, which will allow you to remove it.

Note! To understand how to change the door lock, it is recommended to study the video materials on this topic.

Then you will need to remove the remaining fasteners located on the end side of the door leaf. Next, you need to dismantle the end plate. The old cylinder is removed from the slot, the crossbars are disconnected, located in the vertical plane. It is worth noting that this event is laborious and requires a certain amount of time.Any person who does not have special knowledge in this area can change the lock cylinder in an iron door.

To complete the work, you will need to install a new mechanism in the socket. Next, the parts are assembled that were previously dismantled. It is recommended to pay special attention to the installation of the rods.

In case of self-replacement of the locking device, which is located on the front door, it is necessary to determine the nature of the breakdown

Tips for replacing a door lock in a metal door

In case of self-replacement of the locking device, which is located on the front door, it is necessary to carry out appropriate preparation. First of all, you need to determine the type of device, as well as the nature of the breakdown. You will need this information to find instructions on how to fix a specific problem. Before starting work, it is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with the advice of professionals who will help you to correctly perform this procedure.

The most common version of the locking device is cylinder. Such locks are highly maintainable. In this case, it is much easier to change the door lock in a metal door on your own. It is important to remember that all cylindrical mechanisms are installed in the same way, regardless of the type of door leaf.

Replacing and installing a locking mechanism related to the lever type is a fairly simple type of work. The main thing that needs to be done is to choose exactly the same model, suitable in size and other characteristics.

In order to change the lock in an iron door, it is necessary to make the right choice of a new mechanism. Experts do not recommend purchasing locking devices that belong to the lower price segment. This is due to the fact that such devices fail faster than others. Before buying a new lock, you need to check its operation.

In order to change the lock in an iron door, it is necessary to make the right choice of a new mechanism

People who have no experience in this area often purchase a new device, regardless of the nature of the malfunction. It is important to understand that some problems are eliminated by replacing individual elements of the locking mechanism. Thus, the correct determination of the cause of the breakdown saves finances.

How to remove a door lock with a handle? To perform this type of work, you will need to prepare a flat and Phillips screwdriver. The procedure in this case consists of three stages. First you need to detach the handle from the cylindrical mechanism. Next, the handle and a special decorative armor plate are dismantled. At the final stage, the fixing element is removed, which fixes the second part of the handle in the door leaf.

It is recommended to use electrical tools to replace the locking device. The use of a screwdriver or drill will allow you to adjust the speed during dismantling of the old lock, and will also speed up the work process and make it less laborious.

Replacing the locking mechanism on the front door is carried out using special tools. The algorithm of actions differs depending on the type of device, therefore it is very important to correctly determine the type of lock. Some models of locking mechanisms do not require complete replacement. It is not recommended to tamper with the structure of the lock when the nature of the malfunction has not been determined.