The need to update the lock system of the front door can be caused by various reasons. The first installation of the mechanism is also very responsible, since it is made in a door that has not been tested in terms of reliability. No less common are installation operations associated with the replacement of a device due to its breakdown. Malfunctions can be caused by both violations in the operation of the product, and the manifestation of a factory defect that the door lock received during the manufacturing process. Installation becomes a necessity even in cases where the system fails due to errors in the previous installation. Recommendations on the installation of such mechanisms will help protect yourself from such phenomena, but first you should familiarize yourself with the designs of lock systems.
Common door lock device
For maximum reliability, it is better to provide the front door with devices from two different systems. That is, if possible, it is more expedient to use two mechanisms in one canvas. A common combination of lever and cylinder devices, which forms a reliable locking system. For mechanical hackingthe door will take a lot of time, not to mention the fact that it will require special equipment to implement it. At the same time, the device and installation of door locks are interconnected and determine each other - the classical system is a cylindrical mechanism, the design of which includes pins, a body, a cam and a larva.
A lever lock is built on a similar principle, but it provides for a whole system of locking elements, which complicates both the design of the mechanism and its installation. And now it is worth considering separately the lever and cylinder locks from the point of view of the principle of operation.
Cylinder Models
The operation of the system is based on a rotary mechanism, as a result of which the bolt is activated and the door opens. The secret element in this case is enclosed in a cylinder and is a set of so-called pins that determine, on the basis of physical parameters, whether the key belongs to its larva. Depending on the number of cylindrical components and the accuracy of their execution, one can speak of secrecy of one level or another. According to experts, the number of combinations for models of this type can reach millions. However, it is not recommended to use a cylinder door lock in single capacity. The installation of models of this type is usually carried out in combination with the same lever mechanism or armor plates, which increases the safety of the protective system.
Level models
The basis of the lever mechanism is a complex of plates that protrudecode elements, like the cylinder components in the previous version. These are spring-loaded levers, which are usually made of steel. Such locks are devices whose massiveness is a plus. The more levers, the longer the attacker will fiddle with the opening. But, again, a door lock, the installation of which was carried out in accordance with all the rules and recommendations of the manufacturer, will not leave an ordinary robber a chance of success. Especially if this lock will be supplemented with a cylinder mechanism with additional overlays.
Installation of cylinder lock
Thanks to the simplified mechanics of this lock, it delivers less hassle during installation operations. Such models have few advantages, but they also allow you to save on consumables. So, when changing the lock, it is enough to update only the larva. In general, the instructions for installing a cylinder-type door lock look like this:
- First of all, the distance is measured at which the grooves for the working elements of the lock will be made.
- A hole of the same diameter as the lock cylinder is made using a chisel drill.
- From the outside, a cylinder is inserted into the hole, after which it should be pressed with an installation plate. Then the connecting rod is pushed through so that there is a slight indent behind the plate.
- A plate, rings and other fittings are put on the rod, which act as clamps in a particular set.
- There must be a button on the lock body - it shouldpush to release the latch and install the mechanism on the plate.
Installing a lever lock
To begin with, you should outline the places where the screws for fixing the lock will be located. After that, using an electric drill, technological holes are made for the central installation of the lock, that is, its well. Then the device is mounted on screws, after which it is necessary to check the correctness of its position. It happens that the doors have additional layers of decoration. In order not to damage them, thin drills should be used initially. True, with such equipment, installing door locks with your own hands can cause certain inconveniences - for example, a well will have to be formed in several approaches. But in the formation of the ends, you can arm yourself with a drill of the optimal size - in this case, niches for bolts are created. In the final stage, the lock is fastened with screws and linings are installed.
Possible breakdowns and repairs
Usually, door locks fail for three reasons: due to violations in the installation of the mechanism in relation to the canvas, due to wear of internal elements and as a result of mechanical breakdowns of the case. In the first case, you can correct the situation by re-installing. The larva is removed, the fixing strips are unscrewed, the position of the device is corrected, the installation is carried out again.
In case of internal malfunctions, dismantling should also be performed, but the lock itself is disassembledusing a hexagon. It is necessary to unscrew the screw for the external handle, fixing the bolt and the secret. If all elements work properly, then you should re-install. But it is important to understand that repairing and installing door locks does not guarantee that the problem will not reoccur. If the mechanism sticks and it was possible to restore it, then with a high probability this will happen again. Therefore, a full replacement is still recommended.
Do-It-Yourself Replacement
Again, it's easiest to work with cylinder mechanisms. To replace it, it is necessary to remove the armor plate from the outside, and open the lock itself with a key. Next, a metal plate is unscrewed from the end part. To release the crossbars, the locking element must again be pulled back. A screw is unscrewed in the center of the device and the larva is removed. Then the door locks can be replaced and installed from a new set. A new lock is inserted in the reverse order, after which the mounting and protective additions are twisted.
Conclusion
The process of maintenance of locks for ordinary metal doors does not cause any special difficulties. Traditional mechanics are easy to install and relatively reliable. But there are also disadvantages that a classic door lock has. The installation requires intervention in the base of the canvas, its structure is deformed. True, the latest modifications of cylinder and lever devices are distinguished by their compact size and neat entry into the door niche. But, on the otherOn the other hand, do not forget about the dependence of the level of reliability of the same lever mechanisms on the size.
