Changing the cylinder (cylinder or light bulb) of a lock can be the key to achieving a safer home and, in this article, we are going to tell you how you can make the change yourself, step by step, so that you do not have any kind of difficulty.
Often, the change of the lock cylinder is associated with the loss of keys, theft of them or with the purchase of a home, but there are many more:
When purchasing a cylinders, it is advisable to bear in mind that there is an increase in the number of high security cylinders on the market right now. These locks are reinforced as well as shockproof, anti-drill, anti-lock picks, among other options. Therefore, it is important that you value and invest in a quality cylinders.
We are going to show you how to change the cylinder of the lock. However, it is always best to hire the service of perfectly trained locksmith for any type of service related to locksmithing. In addition, you can count on a trusted 24-hour locksmith much better since at any time of the day or night they will be at your disposal to help you with any complicated situation that may arise with your locks and keys.
The first thing you have to know is that there are three types of combines for domestic locks, which are the European (they are pear-shaped and are the most common), the round and the oval (very rare). Before starting to buy the cylinder you have to measure the thickness of the door, at the same time that you have to observe the distance from the center of the cylinder to the ends, which will allow you to know if it is a centered or off-center cylinder. .
A fundamental rule: The cylinder must not protrude from the outside more than 2 mm. It must be compatible in all its measurements and shapes with the lock (thickness, type, length, slot, shape, among others) so that it fits the door correctly.
Ideally, you should be able to opt for high-security bowlers that have the most up-to-date theft protection systems: anti-copy, anti-bumping, anti-pinch and anti-pick. They are very easy to find, both in neighborhood hardware stores and in large supermarkets that have a DIY section, and their prices are not prohibitive since we are talking about the security of your home.
We tell you what are the steps to remove the cylinder and install the new one:
To know if you can change the cylinder, you have to check if there is a screw under the pin in the lock. If so, you have to use the screwdriver to remove it.
Insert the key and turn less than 30ยบ to the left and right, you will see how the bowler comes out. In the event that this is not the case, you have to loosen the handle and turn the key again. If it still does not come out, remove the handle (it is only to continue unscrewing and its subsequent installation is just as simple) as it may be this one that is interrupting its output. Then make the turn with the key again so that the bowler comes out.
After removing the cylinder, it is time to install the new one in the lock. Now is the time to screw them with the screwdriver so that it is fixed.
Turn the key to the new cylinder and it is fully installed.