How to change the larva in the iron entrance lock. Entrance door lock cylinder: types, possible problems, how to choose and replace with your own hands. Time to replace the lock cylinder


The door in most cases is a reliable barrier to the entry of strangers into your home. And the castle gives special reliability to this protection, tightly locking it in front of the nose of potential intruders. However, the lock is a rather complicated mechanism, subjected to regular loads. And if the door goes directly to the street, then the effects of weather conditions. So over time, it will certainly fail, often blocking the entrance to the apartment not only to "enemies", but also to the owners. And here it is important to know how to change the larva in the door lock, so as not to rush about in vain in search of a way out of this situation. I am glad that any handy man who knows from which side they take the screwdriver can do this.

When to change

There may be several signs that your lock is acting up:

  1. The key does not turn. In some cases, it jams half a turn, after which it is no longer possible to pull out the tool.
  2. The key rotates, but in vain, without affecting the locking mechanism.
  3. The key is stuck. As an option - the door unlocks, but you can pull it out only in an intermediate position.

The last case can be considered the easiest. This is a "warning shot", followed by trouble. So you have time to think about how to change the larva in the door lock, pick up a new one in size and do repair work in your free time, and not in a hurry.

Causes of problems

If you do not take into account the natural wear and tear of the lock, unforeseen troubles may arise under such circumstances:

  1. The integrity of the structure was violated as a result of attempts to disassemble it. The purpose of such attempts may be an illiterately embodied desire to simply lubricate constipation.
  2. A blow to the lock, accidental or intentional (in an effort to slam the door tighter), at an angle that is unsuccessful for the larva.
  3. Trying to open the lock without a key if you forgot it at home.
  4. Hacking or its failed attempt.
  5. Key loss - if none of your relatives or friends has a duplicate.

In all cases of incapacitation of constipation, one has to decide what is in the iron door or the larva. In most cases, the latter option is more profitable, since it can be carried out independently, and costs will be minimal. Most doors are on which changing the "secret" does not cause difficulties. And it is especially relevant for crab-type locks, since changing the larva in the door lock will be much cheaper than the entire system: only a professional can handle it, plus the price of work and spare parts is very high, and replacement will take a lot of time.

There are also complex locks of increased reliability: it is generally not recommended for a non-professional to climb there, although replacement of the larva is possible. It is better to call the master: pay for the work, but do not spend money on the castle as a whole.

When the larva cannot be replaced

In some cases, you still have to change the lock entirely. These primarily include disk ones: it is often simply impossible to pick up a related cylinder.

In addition, there is a type of lock that is popular because of its reliability, but requires a complete replacement. This is due to the fact that the code mechanism that provides the opening secret is built right into the design of the lock. There are no larvae as such in it. It's easy to tell that you're dealing with such a locking device by looking at the key: it has an "antique" look, with wings on either side of the stem and intricate patterns on both. Here you can not even try to get by with little bloodshed, but immediately prepare to replace the entire castle.

Instructions on how to change the lock cylinder of the front door

The first step in the action will be the removal of the failed mechanism. It is not necessary to completely disassemble and pull out the entire structure. It is enough to unscrew the screw at the end of the lock (sometimes there are 2 of them), press on the exposed part and pull the cylinder towards you. It will easily come out of the nest.

The second step: a trip to the hardware store with a larva and the exact selection of the cylinder. It must exactly match the old one, not only in size, but also in the method of attachment.

The third stage is the installation of a new cylinder. To change the lock cylinder in a metal door, you need to put it into the socket in the same position as the old one, fix it there and fix the removed screws. It remains only to make sure that the lock is working properly again.

The most severe case

The worst thing is for someone who discovers a breakdown, being outside and not being able to prepare for a replacement. First you need to try to get inside in alternative ways (for example, through the window) and try to open the entrance from the inside. If this is not possible, the larva will have to be drilled. The drill can be borrowed from neighbors or rented at the nearest rental, because before changing the larva in the door lock, it must be removed from there. It is placed in a drill, it is guided by the location of the flag, and a hole is drilled to the middle of the lock. A screwdriver is inserted into the hole, with which the flag is turned. When the door is opened, the fixing bolt is unscrewed and the larva is pushed out of the nest. Then everything is as described above: a new cylinder is bought and installed in place of the old one.

car lock

Locks fail on cars too, often even faster than on front doors. Owners of domestic transport suffer most often. Owners of classic models need to know exactly how to change the lock cylinder on the VAZ door, so as not to wander to the service station once again. The procedure is simple and easy to perform.

  1. The outer handle is dismantled.
  2. With an awl, or a thin Phillips screwdriver, or a strong wire, the stopper pin is pushed out.
  3. With inside the lock leash is removed.
  4. The spring on the larva is hooked with a screwdriver and removed.
  5. The key is inserted into the lock and turned half a turn to lock it. The larva put on the key is removed.

Replacement is in reverse order.

The lock cylinder of the front door breaks very often. In addition, intruders in many cases enter homes by breaking into this element of the castle structure. It is quite possible to replace the larva with your own hands. At the same time, it is very important to follow the instructions so that the result is a reliable and safe system. Today we will analyze in detail how to properly install the larva in the lock of the front door.

When is a replacement needed?

Many users are interested in in what situations it will not be possible to do without installing a new lock larva. Let's look at all the cases in which the specified work is required.

  • The locks and the front door cylinder must be changed if you have purchased a more modern and improved canvas. In many cases, the box and the sash itself are made without a locking mechanism, so you will need to select all the components yourself.

  • If you have lost the keys, then the cylinder and the lock as a whole will need to be replaced, and as soon as possible. Even if you have duplicates, the working mechanism will still need to be dismantled and replaced. You should act in the same way if you have lost all the keys you have in stock, but in this case you need to act even faster - your home will be in danger as long as the old lock remains in the front door.

  • If the entire locking system was broken, then it will need to be subject to mandatory replacement. Such problems are usually caused by the use of low-quality materials in the manufacture of the lock, as well as its improper operation.

  • If the existing lock and larva are not the most reliable and cannot provide your home with an adequate level of security, then it is better to replace them with more advanced designs. Thus, you will more effectively protect an apartment or a private house from intruders.

  • If you try to hack, the larva will also need to be replaced, and as soon as possible. Sometimes not only the components of the locking device are changed, but also the handles on the bar, as well as the door frame. If the repair of the door lock turns out to be too complicated, then it is better to entrust it to specialists.

  • When transferring an apartment to new owners, it is also better to change the lock cylinder in order to provide housing with good protection against possible burglary.

How to choose?

Before you go to the store to buy a suitable lock larva, you should figure out what varieties of these elements exist in order to choose the best product as a result.

The secret of the locking device differs in the class of complexity. There are one-sided and two-sided options. If we are talking about one-sided products, then in them the larva is located in the door lock itself. It can only be opened in one-sided mode. If there is a double-sided lock in your front door, then the larva will be unlocked in it both from the inside and from the outside. These processes are performed using a key and a handle.

In such locking mechanisms, there is usually a certain number of return springs. The pins under them are also divided into several types:

  • code, which is affected by the key;
  • locking, which are equipped with special locking mechanisms.

Based on the location of the lock larva, the following types of mechanisms are distinguished:

  • single row and double row;
  • three-row;
  • four-row;
  • arranged conically;
  • equipped with rotating pins.

Based on the type of mechanism, the lock cylinder can be divided into the following subspecies:

  • secrets with disc-type mechanisms;
  • secrets with cross-type pins;
  • larvae with a special pin mechanism.

The most popular and common options for locking mechanisms are produced with larvae, the size of which does not exceed 60 cm. If we are talking about high-quality Italian products, then in them this part reaches the mark of 70 cm.

Castle larvae can vary in the level of secrecy:

  • low - in such models, the castle has no more than 10 thousand options;
  • medium - when about 50 thousand options are provided;
  • high - when the lock design has over 100 thousand options.

Knowing about the varieties of larvae and their mechanisms, you will need to take into account the following important criteria when choosing the right product.

  • The size. When choosing a secret, it is very important to pay attention to its dimensional parameters. The new mechanism must necessarily correspond to the old one, otherwise it will most likely be impossible to install it. If you decide not just to replace the larva, but to completely change the lock, then you will need to find out about the door leaf thickness parameter. The length of the larva will depend on this value.
  • Price, manufacturer. Do not buy too cheap parts. It is advisable to turn to foreign products of high quality. Of course, they will cost more, but they will last longer and will not fail in the first months of regular use.
  • Model and modification. It is extremely important to consider that the gap between the end and the hole should not differ from the previous device of the lock's secret.
  • Key. Usually standard larvae come with a set of keys. Experts recommend purchasing options that come with the optimal number of unlocking devices (so that they are enough for all family members).
  • Product color. In most situations, they buy larvae that match the color of the castle itself.

Required Tools

Having picked up the parts suitable for the lock, you should prepare for their installation. To do this, you need to stock up on a number of tools and devices that will simplify the task and allow you to get a good result in the end.

You will need:

  • roulette;
  • screwdrivers;
  • new larva.

Try to use only high-quality tools and functional parts. Only with such components, the implementation of all procedures will be as simple and hassle-free as possible.

Mounting diagram

As mentioned above, it is quite possible to install the lock cylinder, like the lock itself, in the front door with your own hands. Carrying out such work cannot be called too difficult - even a beginner who has not previously encountered such cases can handle it on his own. However, it is better to act in accordance with the guidelines and not neglect any of the steps. Otherwise, your home will not be protected well enough.

Now let's take a closer look at the main stages of installing a new closed lock, and then a brand new larva.

  • First you need to determine which lock is on your front door. In addition, it will be necessary to find out if it has a deadbolt, how many turns it is fixed and how it closes from the inside.
  • The next step is markup. Measure 1 meter from the floor surface. Mark it from the side of the front door that meets the jamb.
  • Next, try on the body of the product to the exposed strip and set the corresponding mark in the lower part. It is recommended to use a thicknesser for this, placing its strips in accordance with the distance corresponding to the level of thickness of the mechanism that you are going to install.
  • Now apply a certain number of perpendicular strips running in the central part of the end base. At the same time, the thickness gauge should be tightly applied to the end part when you make the markup. Do not forget about the location of the well.
  • Select a suitable drill (to drill a suitable hole). It should be of such a size that the spindle enters the prepared hole without hindrance.
  • Then proceed to drilling in accordance with the mark on the front side. In the same way, a hole is made for the keyhole. Try to do everything as carefully as possible so as not to damage the front door.

  • The place for the body component is made using a drill of the same thickness. So that it does not turn out to be too deep, it is recommended to wrap the drill with electrical tape. Thus, you will make a kind of depth mark.
  • Having drilled all the necessary holes, clear with your own hands what will be allocated under the nest, using a chisel and a hammer.
  • Now you can insert the body. Fix it using screws. Install the spindle and handles.

The next step is to attach the lining.

  • Set a dot on the jamb in the area where the door tongue will be located. This should be done with a slightly ajar canvas.
  • Then fix the pads. Transfer their values ​​to the jamb.
  • Build a niche with a chisel, as well as recesses for screws. Then you can fix the lining itself.

Now consider how to replace the larva. If your home is protected by a cylindrical lock, then you should know that it is almost impossible to invent a master key for it, but you can repair it without problems if necessary. If such systems break down, there is no need to immediately run for new ones. It is enough to replace the larva in them. To do this, you first need to pull it out of the structure:

  • first you need to remove the end plate of the system;
  • you will need to remove the screw in the center, and with it the fixing cylinder (the second part is removed using a key);
  • if you lost the key, then you won’t be able to do without a drill;
  • with the dismantled larva, you should go to outlet where the sales assistant can pick up a similar model for you;
  • fix the acquired core in the lock of the iron entrance door, using the key;
  • fix the core with the central screw;
  • on top of this design, the end plate of the lock is installed.

Each of us uses locks every day. Starting with the fact that we leave the house and close the door behind us, and ending with locking the car doors, and simply locking bags and briefcases with code mechanisms. Our life is completely intertwined with doors and secret locks. And, of course, sooner or later we are faced with a situation where the lock fails. This is a natural process because everything in this world grows old and begins to break down. And if this happens, repair or a complete replacement of the mechanism is necessary.

Of course, there are completely different cases, but which are also associated with the locks of the front doors. So, for example, very often the question arises of replacing keys with an already existing secret mechanism. This may be due to the loss of keys by one of the family members, the need to restrict access to the premises to people who already have keys, and simply to the reason for the poor performance of their functions by the lock cylinder (jamming, poor rotation, etc.).

It is precisely in this case that the need arises for lock cylinder replacement , which we will now consider.

What is a lock larva?

This is exactly the part with a secret mechanism into which the key is inserted, and which checks the compliance of our key with this mechanism.

The procedure itself lock cylinder replacement it is much easier to replace the entire lock in the door, because this is practically the first operation in the complete replacement of the locking mechanism. And in total it will not take more than 10 minutes.

Replacing the mortise lock in the door

We arm ourselves with a Phillips screwdriver and begin the repair procedure. First of all, we open the door and from the end we find a bolt in the end plate, which secures larva(it is located approximately in the middle of the bar). Inserting a screwdriver into it and turning it counterclockwise, unscrew it, as shown in the photo below.

Completely remove the bolt from the hole. The larva, which we are changing, has begun to move, but is not pulled out of its nest. To understand why this happens, look at the photo below.

The photo on the left shows the secret mechanism with the flag extended, as it is located in the locking mechanism in the normal state with the keys removed. The right photo shows an already recessed flag. So this extended flag does not allow our larva to leave the nest when the mounting bolt is unscrewed.

You can remove the flag inside only by inserting the key and turning it in the larva by 10-15 degrees clockwise. Thus, we insert the key, turn it 10-15 degrees and, pulling it away from the door (as shown in the photo below), or pressing with reverse side doors on secret mechanism, take it out of its nest.

That's it, this is the first stage of the operation for lock cylinder replacement completed. The larva is in your hands, i.e. now you have a sample that you need to buy.

We go to the store and buy a new one. larva.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to:

  1. To choose the right size larvae both in length and diameter. They come in different lengths (since the thickness of the doors is different for everyone). The diameter may also differ if it is an imported manufacturer.
  2. According to the configuration of the larva, you need to look at the location of the mounting hole (where we unscrewed the mounting bolt from). The distance from the end of the larva to the hole on the new larva should not be less than the same distance on the old locking larva, both on one side and on the other. (It can only be equal to or greater than. More is allowed, but then secret mechanism you will have a little more peeking out of the castle than the old model).
  3. Larvae are equipped with a different number of keys (choose as many as you need, no matter what happens after the purchase, that someone from the family members will not get the key).
  4. They come with key grooves on both sides (as in our example), and there are: on the one hand, the key groove is the street side of the lock, and on the other side there can be a “turntable lamb” - to open the lock from the inside without a key.
  5. They also differ in the shape of the keys (because there are a huge variety of keys: from simple flat "English" keys to complex perforated or laser ones.

And the last:

6. Pay attention to the color of the selected larva, it should be in harmony with the color of your castle.

If a situation arises that it is not possible to take the mechanism with you (for example, because it is at the front door and it is undesirable to leave the house open), then we simply take the dimensions from our larva (mainly the length, diameter, distance from the end to the mounting hole and manufacturer's firm (in our case, "Bulat")). We visually remember its color and insert it back before acquiring a new part.

After we decided and bought a new larva All that remains is to put it back in its place.

Installation operations are carried out in the reverse order of extraction. The biggest difficulty can only arise with the fixing bolt getting into the hole. A slight movement of the larva across the plane of the lock with the simultaneous baiting of the fixing bolt will help to cope with this problem.

Health check

After lock cylinder replacement be sure to test the operation of the lock on the open door both from the inside and from the outside of the door. If everything is done correctly, the key should turn freely in the lock. The lock should open and close freely, the crossbar should be free to leave the lock and return back. The lock should not make any squeaking and creaking sounds.

If everything works well, you can try opening and closing the locking mechanism in the closed door position.

That's the way door lock replacement do-it-yourself is simple and easy.

Good luck to everyone and less troublesome repairs.

Some locks require the replacement of the entire locking device when the mask breaks, but there are also mechanisms where only a broken element can be changed. This mainly applies to devices with cylinder locking mechanisms. The replacement of the door lock cylinder is carried out as soon as possible, while the cost of work is significantly reduced.

Possible causes of a malfunction of the lock cylinder

The replacement of the front door lock cylinder is carried out in a situation where the device ceases to function correctly. This may be due to the following reasons:

  • natural wear of the part, which occurs after a long time of using the lock. Each lock, in addition to the warranty period, during which there is an unpaid repair of the product, has a certain period of operation. After the expiration of the specified period, it is recommended to replace the device completely or change the main operating mechanism;
  • a defective element is installed;

In order to protect yourself as much as possible from low-quality locks, it is recommended to purchase devices from well-known manufacturers, and only in specialized stores.

  • the larva is not installed correctly, that is, when installing the lock, the installation technology was violated. How to change the larva in the castle in this case? You just need to carry out all the installation work again, taking into account previous errors;
  • unsuccessful attempt to open the lock with a non-native key. The used lockpick may break or simply get stuck in the lock. The correct operation of the locking mechanism may also be disrupted;
  • the door leaf warped from moisture or other reasons. This situation may lead to the need to replace the door, lock or cylinder. It all depends on the size and shape of the deformation. How to replace the lock cylinder in the current situation, and under what circumstances can this be done? Replacing the core of the locking device can only help with minor distortion caused by strong impacts or other means of mechanical impact on the door. In other situations, more drastic troubleshooting measures will be required, such as.

How to choose a face

Replacing the core of the lock is not a difficult task, but at the first stage you need to decide on the selection of a new mechanism. The main selection options are:

  • mask length;
  • device width;
  • diameter;
  • view of the castle

The length of the larva depends on the size of the lock used and the dimensions of the door, that is, this parameter must correspond to the distance from the outer to the inner part of the door. In the case of using an overhead lock, the calculated distance must be increased by the width of the lock. The maximum distance from the door leaf to the end of the mask is 3 mm. If you neglect this parameter, then the lock can be easily opened.

You should also pay attention to the length of the mask relative to the central rotary cam. It may be the same or different. If the lock uses a core with different sizes sides relative to the central part, then larvae having the same dimensions cannot be installed in the castle.

The width and diameter of the locking mechanism depend on the dimensions of the lock used and are determined by its manufacturer.

The type of mask depends on the type of castle. If the lock is mortise, then the device must have holes for the key on both sides. If a padlock is used, then on one side there should be a turnkey well, and on the other a rotary handle.

Not the last role in the selection of the core of the lock is played by the manufacturer of the locking device, who made the lock. Many companies produce standard masks that have certain parameters (the generally accepted European DIN standard has parameters: length - 34 mm, width - 10 mm, diameter - 17 mm). However, there are also non-standard devices. For example, locks manufactured by SuperLock and Mul-t-lock differ in length and diameter.

Replacing the mask on your own

How to change the door lock cylinder? This will require:

  • remove the faulty device;
  • pick up a new core (selection options are described above);
  • install a new hatch.

Removal of the mask

How to change the core in the lock without removing the entire mechanism? The main tool needed for the operation is a screwdriver (you can use a screwdriver). To take out the mask, you will need:

  1. on the front plate of the lock, find and unscrew the screw that fixes the locking device. As a rule, it is located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mechanism itself;

  1. Use the key to move the lock to the "open" position. In this case, the locking crossbars will not interfere with the removal of the larva;
  2. then you should turn the key a little to make it come into contact with the core and pull it towards you. The core of the castle should move from its place. If this does not happen, then you can twist or just pull the key. The main thing is to provide the larva with free running;
  3. take out the mask. If a handle is located on one side of the lock core, then the mask is removed towards the locking handle. In another situation, the core can be removed in any direction.

Sometimes there are situations that the installed additional handles or decorative overlays interfere with the removal of the larva. In these cases, additional work will be required to remove interfering elements. As a rule, they are all held on by fixing bolts, which are easy to find and unscrew.

If the lock cylinder does not lend itself, then a screwdriver can be used to remove it (any other device to facilitate the operation). In rare cases, it is necessary to apply additional lubricant, which can be used as WD-40.

Installing a new larva

Now let's look at how to change the larva in the castle after removing it. Of course, you need to purchase a new device that is fully consistent with the basic parameters. After that, all the operations described above must be carried out in the reverse order. This process is done like this:

  1. install the mask inside the castle. At this stage, it is recommended to check the compliance of the core with the lock and the operability of the new locking device;
  2. fix the larva with a bolt.

The fixing bolt must not be overtightened and left in a relaxed position. All defects can lead to incorrect operation of the device.

  1. install decorative elements and a door handle (if they were previously removed).

You can watch the video on how to change the core of the lock yourself. It visually shows the entire process of independent operation.

The replacement of the lock cylinder is carried out without the help of specialists. However, to ensure the correct operation of the locking device, it is necessary to select a core that completely matches the parameters of the previously installed one, and perform all necessary work as accurately as possible. Otherwise, you can damage the rest of the elements of the lock and the work done will be useless, as it will require a second procedure or replacement of the locking device.

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