How to properly replace locks in a metal door?

Many people know that locks are the weak point of metal doors. Even if the canvas itself is of high quality and super reliable, a poor quality lock can "outweigh" all the positive qualities, nullifying the safety of the home. That is why it is so important to correctly select these components. In addition, they need to be able to repair and change if necessary.

Many users decide to replace the lock on their own in a reliable metal door. Carrying out such work is accessible and understandable. However, before proceeding to such procedures, it is necessary to determine what type of element is present in the existing canvas. In most situations, there are lever and cylinder types of locks in metal doors.

Also, modern locks for iron doors are produced as follows:

• disk - with similar mechanisms there is a semicircular key with one-sided recesses;

• cross-shaped - in this case, keys similar to a cross-type screwdriver are suitable;

• rack and pinion - for such locks, elongated keys with notches are used.

Such options are less common than lever or cylinder ones.

Also, door locks are divided into the following types:

• electromagnetic - in such options, characteristic powerful magnets are provided;

• electromechanical - both electronic and mechanical parts are present in the content of these locks;

• electronic - these types of locks differ in power supply from electricity;

• mechanical - such options are divided into 2 subtypes (mentioned above) - cylinder and lever.

Now let's take a closer look at the most popular devices of various types.

The cylinder lock is recognized as one of the simplest. A similar version of the device is found in many metal doors, which means that it will be quite possible to encounter difficulties in replacing it.

Lever systems that are often found today are recognized as more reliable and efficient, therefore they are chosen by many consumers. However, it must be borne in mind that it will not be so easy to understand such a device than in cylinder ones.Many manufacturers supplement their products with detailed instructions with diagrams and drawings. Based on this guidance, it will be much easier to repair or replace the lock.

The most difficult thing to replace in a metal door is a lock with sliding bolts. Such devices are often used in modern metal door panels. They provide a fairly high level of security. It is very difficult to hack them. Due to the specifics of its mechanism, not only the crossbars on the side slide out of the door, but also the constituent elements in the upper and lower parts. These elements completely block the iron door in the opening.

The need to replace the lock of a metal door may appear in a number of cases. Let's consider each of them.

• When selecting a new door leaf. In most cases, they themselves go without a lock. Buy it separately. Of course, certain manufacturers offer comprehensive services to consumers. If you are pursuing the goal of saving money, then the installation of both the doors and the locking device should be done by hand. Such work should be carried out correctly in order to accurately protect your home.

• In case of loss of keys. This reason is considered one of the most common. If you have a spare key in stock, you can make a duplicate of it, but at the same time there is a risk that someone with unfavorable intentions will find the lost original. In addition, there are known situations when people lose all available keys, including spare ones. In such a situation, there is no choice but to replace the lock.

• Change of the damaged mechanism. If you use the locking devices not very carefully or purchase a low-quality mechanism, then the larva in it may soon break, and the crossbars can be deformed. You should not operate such a lock, since there will be no sense from it - it will definitely need to be replaced with a new and undamaged one.

• Replacing a not very reliable mechanism. Not in all cases, the owners manage to install a truly effective and safe lock that can protect the home from burglary. If the first time you made a mistake in choosing this device, then this problem can be resolved. In addition, it must be borne in mind that every year different manufacturers release more and more new versions of locks specifically for iron doors.

• In case of hacking. Cracking door locks is an extremely negative situation, which, unfortunately, happens quite often. In such a situation, it is often required not only to replace the lock itself with a new one (of higher quality), but also the entire door leaf.

• When transferring housing to new owners. Replacing the lock in these circumstances will serve as a precautionary measure, since it is impossible to be 100% sure of the conscientiousness and honesty of unfamiliar people, even if they previously owned a home.

If you decide to change the lock in a metal door yourself, then you should know that you need to do this using special tools. This applies to any door leaf, especially metal. You will definitely need such devices as:

• hammer;
• chisel;
• drill.

These tools are indispensable when it comes to replacing locks when keys are lost, and the core of the device must be completely removed.

As for the immediate preparatory measures, this will include the purchase of all parts required to replace the locks. At the same time, it is very important to ensure that all components are ideally suited to the existing structures. The best solution is to purchase them in the same store (possibly from the same manufacturer), where the metal doors themselves were bought. In this case, there is no doubt that all the elements are exactly suitable for carrying out all the necessary work.

Before fixing a brand new lock, you need to properly dismantle the old device. Let's consider how to do this correctly, using the example of disk, lever and cylinder mechanisms.

Suvald is part of the entire locking mechanism. It consists of plates with special curly cutouts. Before dismantling such a device, you need to make sure that the lock is completely removed from the well, all the crossbars are pushed in, and the flap itself is open. After that, you will need to remove all handles and latches. You will need to remove the self-tapping screws that allow the lock body to attach to the metal base. In the place where the previous device was, it is advisable to mount a part of a similar company and dimensions. Otherwise, you may have to spend money on expanding the existing opening for the newly selected device (this can take a lot of extra time).

As for the cylinder device, it is important to take into account that it consists of the following elements: the cylinder itself (that is, the larva), the handle and a special protective lining. If only the handle is damaged, then only it can be replaced without touching the rest of the parts. Even if you have lost the keys to the door, but you can use a duplicate to get into the house, it will be enough to change only the larva and keys.

In order to remove the body part of the old castle, you will need:

• open the lock by sliding the crossbars all the way;
• remove the screws of the fasteners using a screwdriver or screwdriver;
• get the mechanism itself;
• remove handles, screws and latch.

If there is an addition on the iron door leaf in the form of an upholstery material or decoration lining, then, of course, it will need to be dismantled first so as not to damage it. Nowadays, metal doors are very often decorated with canvases made of high-quality leather substitutes. If there is a similar decor on the canvas, then the door will need to be completely removed so that you can accurately get to the locking mechanism.

It is quite possible to install the disk lock yourself. The specified device is also made in the form of a cylinder, but discs are located inside it, and not standard pins, as in other versions. In most situations, it is enough only to change the larva of the mechanism. However, if the mechanism is outdated enough and has ceased to be reliable, it will need to be completely dismantled.

All elements of such a locking mechanism are attached to the door using self-tapping screws. In order to remove the lock to the end, you need to unscrew these screws. In this case, it is important to adhere to this sequence: first you need to unscrew the fasteners from the handle, then from the larva, and at the end - from the lock case itself. As you can see, the dismantling of the disc element is quite simple and quick. Everyone can handle such work.

If you have successfully dismantled the old locking mechanisms, then you can proceed to installing new ones.

All work will need to be performed in several stages.

• First, the door will need to be opened in such a way that the transom part can be fully opened. In this case, the body of the locking mechanism must be dismantled.
• Next, you will need to remove keys, bolts, armored plates and a handle from the core. In this case, you do not need to remove the decor.
• You will need to unscrew the screws. Further, the entire component of the device is removed and a new lock is installed.

In a situation when on the European model of the castle it is nevertheless necessary to recode the suvalda, it is recommended to entrust such work to professionals.

It is also possible to replace the cylinder-type lock with your own hands. It is very important to take into account that such a device is distinguished by the presence of a secrecy mechanism, which is represented by a cylindrical larva. So, if the keys are lost, it will be permissible to change only the core. In this case, it is not necessary to completely replace the lock.

This model is considered excellent in terms of repair, because even a user who does not have the relevant experience can easily cope with such work. The whole process can be divided into several main stages.

• First, the old cylinder is removed. Then, using the keys, a special locking mechanism is opened, but in the future it will need to be left in the lock itself.
• You will need to find and unscrew the screws.
• Then the locking mechanism is closed with a key.
• Now a screw is screwed in the center of the tongue.
• Next, you need to probe the location of the larva. When she gives in, she needs to be pulled up. In this case, in most cases, only one turn of the key (about 40 degrees) is enough.

If it is necessary to completely replace such a part as a larva, then all processes will proceed in the same way, but in the opposite direction.

• First of all, you need to fix the key in the cylinder and turn it so that the flag does not prevent the larva from getting into place.
• Then you need to screw in a special fastening bolt and fix a new cylinder.
• The previously removed plate is put back in its original place. After that, you need to check the entire mechanism for proper operation.

If it is not possible to remove the larva (this may be due to its damage), then first it will be necessary to drill it out. Next, this detail is usually knocked out. After that, it will be possible to proceed to the direct opening of the iron door using the good old master keys.

Many people change their own disc locks in metal doors. In these variants, as in cylindrical ones, there is a part in the form of a cylinder, and instead of pins there are disc elements. The cutouts present in them should be identical in shape to the cutouts on the keys. The key itself for such a mechanism must have a characteristic semicircular section.

If you are going to replace the disc-type lock on your own, then you will need to take into account the following features.

• If the disk lock is issued by a Russian manufacturer, then in case of any breakdown it will have to be completely replaced. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that it is optimal to replace it with a foreign mechanism, which is considered the most wear-resistant and durable.
• In the event of a breakdown of an imported lock, you only need to replace the larva.
• The more disc parts are present in the locking mechanism, and also the more complex the grooves are scattered on the sides of these discs, the more reliable the lock will be. But keep in mind that high reliability will be useless if the mechanism itself cannot boast of sufficient strength characteristics. In any case, he will need additional protection against mechanical damage.

If you have completed all the work on replacing the old lock in the metal door, then you will definitely need to check the serviceability of the newly installed mechanisms. You will need to make sure that the latches, handles, and the transom structure are working correctly. Moreover, this must be done on both sides of the door leaf. All testing procedures are carried out first with the open and then closed position of the door.

After carrying out such modifications, it is necessary to make a final assessment of the functioning of the lock device. You will also need to check the working order of the web handle for possible jamming. Any shortcomings and errors must be corrected after completing all installation work. Otherwise, the door will not be sufficiently reliable and safe, and the new lock itself can quickly fail.

If you decide to change the locks in iron doors yourself, then you should heed some advice from experts, to avoid many problems and inconsistencies during the work.

• Cylinder-type locks are installed in the same way on all types of door leaves. It can be both plastic interior options or cheap Chinese canvases, as well as the Guardian or Torex models.
• Replacement and installation of lever type locks is simple and straightforward. The main thing that you need to observe is to choose exactly the same device as it was before.
• The door lock must be chosen correctly. The selection of this part is influenced by many different factors, the main of which is the method of direct installation. Experts do not recommend purchasing low-quality Chinese products, because they will not last long.
• Do not rush to immediately change the old lock to a new one. First, you should determine the scale of problems and damage to the previous mechanism. It may be enough to just replace one of the damaged parts, and not install a new device.
• When working on installing a new lock, it is recommended to use electric tools with the ability to adjust the speed. In particular, this applies to angle grinders, because with its use the most delicate and painstaking work will be carried out.
• If you have lost the main key, but have a duplicate in stock, it is still better to change the locks in the iron door. It is not worth the risk, because the lost thing can be found by unscrupulous people who will have access to your house or apartment.

• Consider the fact that the installation of mortise mechanisms negatively affects the door structure itself, weakening it. Because of this, the canvas will be less strong and reliable.
• Experts advise purchasing locking mechanisms and doors from some manufacturers. Thus, when installing a brand new lock, you most likely will not have problems and mismatches.
• If you decide to install a cylinder-type lock, then you need to keep in mind that such devices have one serious drawback - they have not the most reliable jumper. Any loads that fall on such a mechanism will inevitably lead to wear of such a part. That is why the cylinder device must be treated very carefully and carefully.
• When choosing a new lock, experts strongly advise against using discounts and discounted items. As a rule, these locks are outdated and are characterized by a large number of burglaries. They will not be able to provide good protection for your home. Better to overpay a little and get a quality device that you can trust.
• Having installed a new lock in an iron door, be sure to make sure that it is fixed securely and correctly. It shouldn't dangle in the dedicated slot.
• At all stages of installation, it is necessary to check the correct operation of the new iron door lock. This will allow you to solve any problems on time, before they finish all the work.
• When installing a new locking mechanism yourself, you must use only high quality tools. It is advisable to refer to branded devices that will not fail during operation.
• If a new lock requires re-coding, then it is better to entrust the implementation of such work to specialists. It is not recommended to start such processes on your own.
• If there are large decorative details on the metal door leaf that can interfere with the installation of a new lock, then it is better to remove them during installation. Thus, you get rid of unnecessary obstacles and do not damage the scenery.

• If there is a reason to replace the old lock with a new one, experienced users advise not to waste time. It is better to start such work as early as possible in order to quickly protect your home from unpleasant consequences.
• Based on different hacking options, different types of larvae are released. Hacks are of the following types: drilling, using a duplicate keys, knocking out, breaking with a master key.
• Dismantle the old lock and install the new one as carefully as possible. Be careful not to damage the parts of the devices, otherwise they may become less effective after installation.
• Experienced consumers are advised to take a closer look at high quality products from Cisa. The locks from this manufacturer boast a very useful re-encoding function. You do not have to carry out unnecessary manipulations in this case. All that is required of you is to stock up on brand new keys and code the lock for them.
• Do not forget that the level of thickness of a metal door leaf can become a serious obstacle to the installation of a new lock, for which a wider seat must be prepared. Sometimes it is worth abandoning such processes, since this can provoke a weakening of the strength of the entire door in the section of the insert of the device.
• Buy only high quality branded locks. It is advisable to refer to the products of foreign manufacturers (but not Chinese). Such systems work for a long time and without problems, and their repair is quick and easy. Domestic structures are also maintainable, but more capricious and difficult to carry out such work. And in terms of quality, as a rule, they are inferior to the same European models.
• When choosing a suitable lock of proper quality, you should ask the seller for all the necessary documentation and quality certificates that come with the product. If they refuse to show you the documents, then it is also better to refuse to buy such products, since they are most likely of dubious quality and will not be able to protect your home from intruders.
• Experts do not recommend starting such work on your own if you doubt your abilities or do not understand the structure of the locking mechanism. In this case, the result of the work may disappoint you, and the lock itself will not be the most reliable and safe. In such situations, it is better to turn to professionals.

In the next video, see how to replace a lock in a metal door.