Lock cylinders for metal and wooden doors. Lock cylinders: types, design, selection and installation Which cylinders for door locks are better

One of the most popular, in demand, reliable and constantly developing systems of locking mechanisms is the cylinder. She was born just over a hundred years ago.

This system is easy to use, does not require any extra effort when opening the lock, and if the key is lost, it is enough to replace only the cylinder without touching the entire locking mechanism. Another undoubted advantage of cylinder-type locks is that all cylinders are compatible with locks from different manufacturers. If you need to replace the cylinder, which will meet all quality standards, you should understand which cylinder is better. We’ll talk about how to really choose the best cylinder in this article.

What kind of tricky “beast” is this cylinder?

First, let's try to figure out what a cylinder is. This is a special device with which the bolts are opened - the force of the key turned in the keyhole is transmitted to the internal mechanism that ensures the movement of the shutoff valves. In addition, it is in the cylinder that all the secrecy of the lock is hidden.

The incredible accuracy and peculiarity of the cylinder structure allows only the “original” key supplied with the product to open the lock (most often there are from three to five “original” keys).

The cylinders are available in two of the most popular shades, harmonizing with locks and doors of any color:

• nickel plated;
• brass

Depending on the type of locking mechanism, cylinders come in two systems:

• key-key (a key is used to close or open the door from the outside and inside);
• key-screw (the lock is opened and closed from the outside with a key, and from the inside - with a rotary handle).

When trying to understand which cylinder is better, you should realize that no matter how reliable the mechanism is, it needs the additional protection that is provided.

How to buy the perfect cylinder

There are many types of cylinders, distributed according to the level of secrecy and reliability, resistance to force. The main parameters that you first need to pay attention to are:

• ease of operation;
• durability and wear resistance;
• reliability.

How wear-resistant the lock is directly depends on the quality of the internal components of the product, as well as the materials from which they are made. The lubricant used in the device must be taken into account.

If we add here the build quality of the components and the entire device as a whole, then we can talk about the reliability of the mechanism. The higher the reliability and wear resistance of the cylinder, the lower the likelihood that at some point it may refuse to function or will be opened with a master key.

Is there no method against scrap?

The reliability of the cylinder also depends on how effectively it can withstand forceful hacking options:

• drilling;
• knocking out;
• breaking;
• tearing out, etc.

Today there are many developments that help counter any of the above options. First of all, they relate to the raw materials from which they are made - for example, it can be hardened steel or other hard alloys that undergo hardening. Almost no drill can take such materials.

Separately, we can recall Mauer cylinders, made using a special “red line” technology, when when trying to break the mechanism, only the front part breaks off, and the cylinder itself remains inaccessible to burglars, but at the same time continues to function reliably when using the original key.

Almost all cylinder models trademark Mottura (Mottura), in turn, are equipped with a special knock-out protection system, and therefore they effectively resist any method of force, except drilling.

Most cylinder manufacturers offer consumers to purchase additional cylinders, which will significantly increase the security of the mechanism and, accordingly, the safety of the room.

Therefore, when determining which cylinder is better, do not forget about the linings, which are divided into two types depending on the installation option:

• mortise;
• invoices.

The first type of lining is mounted on the lock. The company's products are considered one of the most reliable. It is virtually impossible to tear these models away from the door leaf, and therefore their protective properties are incredibly high.

The overhead protection is mounted on the outer door leaf. Although, they are often considered more decorative, since they provide protection from drilling only until they are torn off. The most popular products are from Kale, Ritko and others.

Intelligent cylinder protection

One of the options for opening cylinders is the intelligent method, the essence of which is the selection of keys and master keys. Modern models cylinders resist this method quite effectively, but not all of them. For example, cheap devices wear out quite quickly, making them easy to open with any key.

In general, the burglary resistance of cylinders is divided into several classes and depends on the time it takes the attacker to open it. The simplest, weakly protected cylinders open in two to three minutes. It takes a burglar at least half an hour to open expensive, complex mechanisms. However, in most cases, robbers simply don’t have that much time. Therefore, if you really want to understand which cylinder is better, ask the seller for documentation accompanying the product. It must indicate the burglary resistance class of the mechanism.

To avoid opening the cylinder with a master key, manufacturers equip the internal secret part with false grooves into which the master key falls. Small wells are quite common complex design, into which it is extremely difficult to insert a master key.

Reliable cylinders must also effectively withstand the so-called automatic master keys, which operate on the principle of vibration, leading to the opening of the locking elements. In theory, even the most expensive and reliable model of cylinder can be opened in this way, however, as practice shows, in fact it only works on Not expensive models, and even then not always.

One of the most common methods of opening locks is “bumping,” when a pre-prepared model of a key is inserted into the keyhole and hit with all force with a hammer or other heavy tool. As a result of such an impact, the pins and pins diverge and turn easily. Modern expensive models of locking mechanisms easily resist this method of hacking due to several factors:

1. A small keyhole, for which it is difficult to select a workpiece.
2. Durable internal elements and components that can withstand increased power load, provided upon impact.

There are many models designed to withstand “bumping”, but in general, cylinders from many companies can withstand this method of hacking. For example, these are products from the following manufacturers:

• EVVA;
• Mul-t-lock;
• Cisa et al.

The most popular hacking methods were given above, but there are others. In practice, they are not actually used, since they have long become ineffective. Such methods include the use of acid, which, according to some, corrodes the internal filling of the mechanism. However, on the metal used in locks, under the influence of acid, a salt coating is formed, which does not allow the acid to have any further effect. Negative influence. In addition, the internal parts of cylinders and locks today are most often made of hardened steel or cupronickel, which are virtually unaffected by the effects of acid.

A big secret

When trying to determine which cylinder is better, be sure to check its security rating. This concept is often used to express the amount possible combinations cylinder created by its pins. According to manufacturers, the most reliable models cannot have less than a thousand combinations, and in elite, expensive cylinders the number of combinations reaches several million.

In fact, everything is much more complicated and the concept of secrecy should include many characteristics, including:

• wear resistance;
• resistance to force;
• resistance to intellectual influence;
• number of cylinder combinations;
• the probability of opening the lock with keys similar to the “native” one, etc.

In addition to the above characteristics, the secrecy of the cylinder is directly influenced by the quality of its manufacture, which has a positive effect on its durability and reliability.

What are the prices for cylinders for the people?

The easiest way to determine which is better is to look at its cost. Thus, even a schoolchild can easily open the cheapest models in a matter of minutes by reading or watching relevant literature or videos on the Internet. Quite often, the cheapest cylinders are sold even without packaging, indicating the manufacturer. Such products not only cannot improve the protective properties of the door, but also fail very quickly, which leads to the need to buy a new product and, accordingly, additional money expenses.

Buying a cheap cylinder is only justified if it is purchased as a temporary constipation. For example, when carrying out renovation work in a newly purchased apartment, which in the future involves the purchase new door with a full, reliable lock.

For the entrance door to an apartment or house, it is recommended to purchase cylinders of the mid-price category. Models from this group of products are significantly superior to cheap products in terms of reliability and ability to withstand various options hacking Even an experienced specialist will have to spend a lot of time opening the lock, drilling or knocking it out, making a lot of noise, which will attract neighbors or just people passing by. And even then, such opening options are not always effective, since hardened steel is used to produce cylinders, which prevents the product from breaking. Considering the use of modern, reliable materials, cylinders in the mid-price category operate flawlessly for many years, do not break down and do not require replacement. Models in this price category are installed in at least 70% of doors.

The third category of cylinders, the most expensive, guarantees the maximum level of protection and safety. Only hacking geniuses, of whom there are not so many in the world, can open them. Cylinders of this type able to withstand force and intellectual hacking methods. Particularly durable materials and innovative developments used in the production of locks of this type can even completely block the device at the slightest attempt to break into it, be it drilling or selecting master keys. Naturally, the cost of such cylinders, used in conjunction with specially designed ones, is incredibly high. It is recommended to install them only if you are confident in the overall reliability of the door, which cannot be broken or cut off its hinges. Otherwise, spending on expensive cylinders is not entirely justified and it is better to limit yourself to a locking mechanism in the middle price category.

We hope you can now understand which cylinder is better and purchase a truly reliable and durable mechanism. When purchasing a product, be sure to take into account all the above parameters and characteristics of the cylinders. Do not be guided only by the promises of the seller and the fame of the brand that produces the mechanisms.

The front door lock cylinder is the most common reason its breakdowns and the most favorite target of burglars, because... locks with some types of larvae, which are generally considered reliable, actually open silently in 1-3 minutes. This article describes how to independently replace the cylinder lock cylinder with a cylinder mechanism. If the lock jams, this will save a considerable amount. If the level of secrecy of the lock is unsatisfactory, then again, increasing it can be done by replacing the cylinder, because their installation dimensions and interface patterns with the lock mechanism are standardized.

Note: from thieves-burglars critical time It takes 5-10 minutes to open the lock. The longer you fumble, the likelihood of getting caught increases sharply. In this case, it is more profitable for the villain to look for other ways of penetration or abandon the “business” altogether, unless he knows in advance that there are expensive and compact, quickly liquid assets “in the house”.

Is it possible to?

Replacing the front door lock cylinder with your own hands is possible if it has a cylinder mechanism of one type or another (see below). This can be determined by the type of key: if it is similar to those in Fig. further, an entry-level home DIYer can replace the cylinder in the lock without the use of special tools. In some cases, irreversible opening of the lock from the outside is also possible, see below. This may be necessary if the lock is jammed or the key breaks while trying to unlock the door, and there is no one inside who can open the lock from there.

Types of cylinder mechanisms

In terms of the achievable degree of secrecy, reliability and cost, only trigger locks successfully compete with cylinder locks, being somewhat inferior to cylinder locks in terms of vandal resistance. The key of the trigger lock is similar to the 2-blade key of a lever lock, but it does not activate moving plates (levers), but rather the throwing elements - mechanical triggers. Finding their positions at which the lock bolt is unlocked is extremely difficult and the most modern methods. Trigger locks are very expensive, and for a house/apartment not filled with gold, jewelry and small antiques, A cylinder lock turns out to be optimal for the front door.

The cylinder lock cylinder is also called its core or cylinder mechanism. This is a characteristic assembly unit of a cylinder lock, which is absent in locking devices of other systems. The peculiarity of a cylinder lock, firstly, is that it is possible to change the lock cylinder of this type of entrance door from the inside without touching the door itself; the work process takes no more than half an hour. Secondly, in many cases it is also possible to open a jammed lock from the outside without damaging the door.

Keys in Fig. higher from the castles with the trail. types of cylinder mechanisms:

• Pos. 1 and 2 – classic English with a single-row needle (pin) mechanism.
• Pos. 3 – with a 2-4 row cylinder (pin or disk) with a cross key.
• Pos. 4 – with a disk mechanism.
• Pos. 5 – “punched card” from a larva with counterpins (counterpins).

The lock cylinder is unlocked by inserting it into the hole and, possibly, by initially turning the key. Its complete rotation through the driving element of the cylinder (see below) and (in some types of locks) transmission parts pushes the lock bolt, which extends/retracts its tongue (tongues). Cylinder cylinders for overhead and mortise door locks with cylinder mechanisms different types are arranged differently; resp. The procedures for replacing them also differ.

Note: It would be more correct to call the key hole in the cylinder lock a socket, because a well, by definition, is something through.

Needle-shaped

The operating principle of a cylinder lock with a simple 1-row (English) cylinder is shown at the top left in Fig. The cutouts of the standard inserted key move the spring-loaded split needles (pins) so that their connector lines coincide with the line between the cylinder (rotor) and the body (clip). The cylinder can now be turned with the key. The cylinder mustache will then turn the leash with the cam (the link with the finger). The cam (finger) will push the bolt and the lock will open/close.

Cylinder mechanisms of any degree of complexity are produced as follows. design:

• A handle key (pos. a in the figure) is the most convenient and common type.
• Key key (pos. b) - used when the door must also be locked from the inside. For example, in the doors of the common lobby of several apartments.
• Half-cylinder (half-cylinder, half-core, pos. c) – is usually placed on the entrance doors of non-residential and utility rooms.
• Pos. d – with a cross key. It is considered a mechanism of increased secrecy, but we will talk about this later.

More reliable

High-reliability pin cylinders are equipped with an anti-burglary rod made of hard alloy (from drilling, indicated by a green arrow in position I of the figure) and additional rods (blue and purple arrows) that prevent the use of a thin thief's tool. But the degree of its secrecy remains low, so honest locksmiths, at the request of the owners, prefer to open such locks from the outside by selecting keys.

In larvae with counterpins moving under the influence of gravity (position II), secrecy increases by orders of magnitude: if one row has only 100 combinations, then together there will be 100x100 = 10,000. A drilling rod is placed in such larvae, but in “anti-pick” “There is no need: the counter pins get in the way of taking the lock with a tool. It is possible to quickly open such a lock from the outside only by drilling it with a diamond drill. Keys to locks with counterpins (pos. IIa) were called punched card or computer keys for their external resemblance to antediluvian storage media. The disadvantage of larvae for punched card keys is the small travel of the pins. Increased precision in the manufacture of the mechanism is required, which makes it more sensitive to contamination. Therefore, in country houses with such locks, cylinders are used on the same principle, but with a comb key, see at the end about choosing a new cylinder.

Disk

Lock cylinders with a cylinder-disc mechanism (item A in the next figure) are most often used in overhead apartment locks, but sometimes also in inexpensive mortise locks.

The principle of its operation is illustrated by position B:

1. The angles α between the symmetry axes of the borehole and the selecting holes of each of the discs that make up the code package are different;
2. The angles α of each disk correspond to the bevels on the key shaft;
3. The inserted key is turned slightly;
4. The selecting holes converge into a groove (pos. B);
5. As the key is turned further, the finger falls into the groove so that its middle falls at the junction of the rotor and the cage;
6. Then, when you turn the key, your finger pushes the clip, which activates the bolt.

The real advantage of a disc lock cylinder is one: it is very difficult to break the key. The disk mechanism is little sensitive to contamination, and with a non-standard key the code package can be turned indefinitely. Therefore, it is advisable to equip the doors of premises that are unattended for a long time and unattractive for burglars with disc locks: country houses, sheds, garages. The relative ease of recoding a disk lock with your own hands may also be useful to an amateur craftsman. For example, if the key is lost under suspicious circumstances or the keys were transferred by the previous owners. Instead of spending money on a new lock, you can go through the package and make new keys from the blanks. How to recode a disk lock at home, see next. video.

Video: recoding the disk lock yourself

The disadvantages of a disc lock when storing valuables are more than serious. The first is the same low degree of secrecy as in simple English. There are disk locks for sale with a cross key (see figure), but they are just as unreliable as pin locks (see below), but they are more susceptible to contamination than punched card locks. Secondly, the hole in the disc lock is wider than the English one, and it’s even easier to insert special tools into it. A “clean” opening of a disk lock for the purpose of a covert search (so that the owner does not guess about the secret visit) takes no more than 5 minutes, and a thief’s – 2-3 minutes.

Third, the locking and unlocking mechanisms of the disc lock are separated, because It is impossible to lock it by turning the key back. The locking mechanism is activated by a spring-loaded flag protruding under the tongue. When the door is closed, the flag is recessed and releases the latch (pawl) of the bolt, which is pressed by a stronger spring. Therefore, the owners of an apartment with a disk lock at the entrance have a very good chance of finding themselves in the position of engineer Shchukin before meeting with Ostap Bender.

Fastening and opening

The fastening of overhead cylinders and parts of inexpensive mortise locks is often done longitudinally (longitudinal, axial, positions 1 and 2 in the figure). The bolt driver rotates with a freely suspended lamella (black arrows). To remove the lock cylinder with axial fastening from the inside, you must first remove the lock body and unscrew the fastening screws, after which the cylinder is pulled out. From the outside, the cylinder with axial fastening is torn out without a key using a crowbar or a pry bar with a sharp end. If the opening is the owner’s, but the door is not steel and you don’t want to tamper with it, then you will have to drill it out. The axial cylinder of the disc lock must be drilled on both sides of the hole (red arrow in pos. 1), and the pin cylinder in the places marked in purple in pos. 2. They are located symmetrically on both sides of the rotor at the level of the upper edge of the well (2-sided red arrow).

Lock cylinders with side fastening are more reliable against hacking, pos. 3. When opening from the outside, it is useless to drill a bolt or try to knock out the cylinder inside to push the bolt with a screwdriver: the driver cam will interfere (green arrow on item 3). In this case, the only way out is to drill out the pins (see below). From the inside, you can pull out the cylinder from the side-mounted lock for replacement without much difficulty:

• Filming internal handle locking latch (see below);
• The outer lock handle is pulled out together with the square axis;
• Remove the inner lining of the lock;
• Find the head of the fastening screw under the tongues (green arrows on positions 4 and 5);
• Remove the screw;
• Take the larva inside.

How to remove the handle

Difficulties in this process can only be caused by removing the lock handle (if the key is not broken in the lock, see below). Its mounting on the axis is possible as follows:

1. On both sides of the neck of the handle, the ends of some kind of steel rod are visible, ground flush. The upper end, when viewed under a magnifying glass, is wider than the lower end - a through conical pin.
2. A round head without a slot is visible - a blind pin or shaped bolt.
3. The head of the screw with a slot is visible - a simple bolt.
4. One protruding end of the pin is visible - an old style blind pin.

A simple bolt can be easily removed. The old blind pin is pulled out with small end pliers (something like small blacksmith pliers) or side cutters with one-sided sharpening (without bevels on the smooth sides of the jaws). The conical pin is carefully knocked out from the narrow end light hammer and a spacer made of a thin hard steel rod; e.g. a nail with the end cut off. You can’t hit it with a sharp one: the end of the pin may come unraveled, and then you’ll have to drill it out!

A head without a slot must first be checked: the pin behind it or the bolt. To do this, pull a rubber or PVC tube tightly onto the head (so as not to spoil the look) and try to turn it back and forth with small pliers. Rotates in both directions - pin; they take him out like the old deaf one, but with in this case You can also pry off the head with nail clippers. If there is a shaped bolt behind the head (in this case it will most likely be at the bottom), then it will turn on one side and it will be noticeable that it is turning out. Well, they turn it out.

If the lock jams

It is better to try to open a faulty lock from the outside with a key, because... a rusted larva can most often be repaired. The best way Unlock a jammed lock as it should - 2-3 drops of brake fluid into the well. After waiting for 1-2 minutes, the rustiest lock, but not yet completely broken, most often opens. Further, if the larva is satisfied with its secrecy, it can be sorted out and repaired, see video guide:

Video: disassembling and assembling the lock cylinder

If the key is broken

It is unlikely that you will be able to remove the cylinder from the lock without drilling if a broken key is stuck in the hole. The simplest way remove its remainder - a small black (phosphated) metal screw. White galvanized and wood screws are not hard enough. The hardware is wrapped in the gap between the rest of the key and the well; According to the principle of recoil, the broken piece will come out. If there are other methods, for locks with a very narrow borehole, see for example. track. video clip.

Video: how to remove a broken key from a lock

How to drill

Since the average citizen does not keep a set of tools for opening locks (let’s consider it a locksmith’s, not a thief’s) with him, and a jammed cylinder will still have to be changed, then the most affordable way– drill out the pins. To do this you will need a drill of 3-4 mm; where to drill is shown in Fig. below. Drilled needles will not fall down on their own; burrs and remnants of springs will interfere. Therefore, after drilling, insert any key suitable for the profile (location of longitudinal grooves) or (worse) a flat screwdriver and turn, shaking, until the cylinder is unlocked.

Further, since the owner is not a thief or a secret agent, then the time factor does not threaten him with prison. Therefore, anti-burglary pins can be drilled with a Pobedit drill. It will take a long time to navigate: there are locks that can be broken through in an hour or more. You need to drill with the lightest pressure so that the drill does not crumble. The larvae with counterpins for a punched card or comb key will have to be drilled twice, at the top and bottom.

Replacement

Well, finally, I got out, damn it! Now, what kind of cylinder should you buy for the lock so that it fits and is more reliable than the previous one? The dimensions at the end are simple: we take with us to the store a door trim with a window for the cylinder. If the lock with a cylinder is on an axial fastening, you will also need to remove the dimensions of the lamella in order to reach the bolt leash and fit into it.

For locks with side fastening, the asymmetry of the mounting hole, pos. 1 in Fig. The standard installation dimensions of the lock cylinder for a steel door are given in pos. 2, but there may be others. And lastly, the type of crossbar drive: cam or gear, pos. 3. Cam configuration and gear module are also different. So it’s better to take the old larva with you.

Which is better?

Let us reveal to the reader a secret that is well known in certain (and by no means only criminal) circles: “top-secret” Phillips key locks are opened instantly with a strong sharp turn of a durable Phillips screwdriver. The code elements (pins, disks) and the metal spaces between them are very thin. Simple English and disc lock cylinders, as stated, can be opened with a special tool in 2-5 minutes, which is less than the critical thief time.

The conclusion is simple: it would be best to buy a new lock cylinder for a punched card key for a city apartment, and for country house– also a counter pin for a comb key, see figure. If other possible ways unauthorized entry into the house was stopped (good outdoor lighting, local security alarm, bars on the windows, a guard dog in a kennel or enclosure; perhaps the registration system) then you can sleep peacefully behind doors with such locks. How realistic is this in our time?

How to choose a device and core

A mechanism called the core, secret or cylinder is responsible for the secrecy of the lock. Its main purpose is to ensure the safety of the home from possible unauthorized opening and entry of uninvited guests into the premises. Keys are inserted into the cylinders, which, when turned, open and close the locks.

Larvae can be very different.

The most common ones are:

• Cylinder. They have a good degree of protection against unauthorized opening.

Such locking mechanisms are manufactured to the RIM standard, in limited quantities, or the European DIN standard, the cylinders of which from different manufacturers are practically interchangeable. Cores are selected depending on the thickness of the web and the location of the fastening element relative to the internal and external planes.

The table shows the types and features of cylinders:

• Disk. Their difference from other mechanisms lies in the presence of rotating disks instead of pins, which, when opened, locking device line up at a certain angle. The shape of the key is a semicircular section, with cuts placed on it, in accordance with the position of the disks.

Replacing the larvae is more difficult; their components are not as universal as those of other types of mechanisms. In this case, it is more advisable to replace it completely.

With disk cylinder

• Cross-shaped. This is not a particularly reliable option. The pins located inside can sometimes even be turned with a regular screwdriver. To get to the cylinder, you will need to completely disassemble the lock.

The designs use pins that are lined up inside the cylinder along four edges when the key is turned. With many security options, the cross-shaped cylinders in the lock can easily be opened using a screwdriver.

Advice: You should not change the larvae on such mechanisms; you should replace the element completely. But in any case, it will need to be completely disassembled.

• Pin or English.

Such a door cylinder can be:

1. English This is not a very reliable design;
2. perforated, it is opened only when knocking out or drilling the cylinder, which is quite difficult and time-consuming.

• Advanced difficulty. They are very difficult to hack; manufacturers make the structures reliable and durable. Their price is higher than usual, and it’s not worth changing the mechanisms yourself.

By purchasing high-quality products from well-known brands, you can not change the larvae for a long time. This most often occurs when the key is lost.

Abloy Protec high reliability element

The most complex locking mechanisms use:

1. titanium case;
2. armor inserts;
3. a large number of combinations;
4. pins are made of refractory metal;
5. There are floating elements on the key.

It is impossible to find a key for such a lock, but it is quite possible to replace the cylinder.

The secrecy of the larva

For entrance doors locks can be:

• Invoices.

Overhead

• Mortise, more reliable, lockable on both sides with a key.

• Top.

• Lower, having only a locking function and additional fixation with a latch.

With additional latch

The material used to make the mechanism and the number of lock combinations determine its properties:

• Reliability and likelihood of resistance to mechanical stress.
• Wear resistance.
• Probability of key mismatch.

Larvae can have three levels of privacy:

• Low, with a number of combinations from 100 to 10,000. Made from low strength materials and a simple key profile.
• Medium, with a number of combinations ranging from 5,000 to 50,000. It has a complex opening mechanism, but is not very high quality.
• Highest, the number of secrets exceeds 100,000. They are distinguished by the quality of materials used for manufacturing and high precision of assembly.

Each larva has only its own characteristics design features, defining the process and the possibility of its replacement.

Choosing a new secret

The safety of property and the service life of the structure depend on the quality of the lock's secret assembly.

When installing the product from famous manufacturer, it won’t be difficult to find the right node.

For this you will need:

• Check the compliance of the new mechanism with the dimensions and connecting dimensions.
• Pay attention to the quality of the material from which the larva is made.

Advice: You should not purchase a product made of silumin. This is a very fragile and short-lived material.

• Brass, steel, aluminum or its alloy with zinc are best suited for the secret.
• Savings are not always justified. A cheap mechanism can quickly break down, which will ruin your mood and lead to additional expenses. It is known that the miser pays twice.

Reasons for replacing the larva

It is clear that nothing lasts forever. The components of the mechanism and its rotating parts gradually wear out. This process can happen smoothly, but sometimes a normally working lock suddenly becomes difficult to open the doors. There are several objective reasons that lead to the replacement of secrets.

It can be:

• Failure of a unit due to wear of parts during operation.

• Defects from an incorrect attempt to disassemble the mechanism.

• Due to a mechanical impact on the door leaf.
• After opening the lock with improvised tools, when the key was forgotten at home (see).

• In case of hacking by unauthorized persons.
• If you lose the key.

Disassembling and replacing the secret

Before removing the larva from door lock, if it starts to work poorly, you first need to try to lubricate it internal nodes, including secret. In this case, WD-40 liquid or regular machine oil is used. If after this the lock works just as poorly, the cylinder will have to be removed and disassembled, as in the photo.

To remove and open door cylinder, you will need: a Phillips screwdriver and a tape measure.

If the door is inserted mortise lock, the work instructions suggest:

• Remove the middle screw of the mechanism.
• Insert the key into the hole.
• Turn the key so that the cylinder can be pulled out freely.
• Save the screw.

The locks on the doors are completely removable. For this:

• The fasteners that hold the lock on are unscrewed. door leaf.
• The two screws securing the cylinder in place are unscrewed.
• The screws are placed carefully to the side.

The entire process of removing and disassembling the larva is shown in more detail in the video in this article.

Installation of a new larva

Before you change the cylinder in the door lock, you need to purchase it correctly.

For this:

• The total thickness of the door leaf with upholstery or insulation, if any, is measured.
• If there are no changes, you can focus on the dimensions of the dismantled cylinder, which is much simpler.
• The diameter of the removed larva is measured.

Tip: When purchasing a security lock for an existing lock, you should take the removed cylinder with you. If this is not possible, you need to focus on accurate measurements.

• The new mechanism is selected in accordance with the color of the doors, otherwise it will not look very aesthetically pleasing.

To install the cylinder you need:

• Install the purchased larva in place of the previous one.
• Secure with a screw, clearly hitting the hole that is intended for fastening it.
• A slight movement of the core in the plane of the lock will help attach it to the fastening element.
• The key is locked in the closed position.
• The lock is tested for functionality with the door open and then closed.
• The lock should open and close smoothly and silently.

Only a high-quality door lock cylinder will provide reliable protection against burglary and unauthorized entry.

The reliability of any entrance door is largely determined by the reliability of its locks. And it is directly related to his secrecy. The degree of secrecy is determined by the quality, design and reliability of the heart of the entire mechanism, the role of which is played by the lock cylinder.

True, it is not found in lever door locks. But the cylinder and all its varieties without this structural element It’s simply impossible to imagine. Due to their ease of use and compactness, they have gained great popularity.

In addition, if necessary, this element can always be replaced without removing the lock itself.

This convenience has long been appreciated by many homeowners.

General description of the lock cylinder

This is a mechanism, usually cylindrical in shape, that controls the movement of bolts, locks, etc. to open and close the door. That is, when the cylinder accepts the key for the lock, the spring-loaded pins or pins present in the structure are aligned in the required combination, ensuring the rotation of the mechanism. In more modern products, pins are replaced with washers or probes.

If at least one of the pins is not in the desired position, the lock will not open. The complexity of the combinations and their number determine the degree of secrecy. In addition, there are mechanical methods burglary protection. The cylinder and its lock are protected by linings, false cutouts, etc. Regardless of the design, the secrecy of the larva greatly depends on the technology, accuracy and quality of manufacturing materials. Although, in the factory version, the cylinder and its lock have the same burglary resistance class.

Variety of larvae

The design of the front door lock secret varies in complexity. They are divided into one- and two-sided. In the first case, the cylinder in the door lock opens only on one side. On the other side, the larva is equipped with a plug or handle.

There can be several pairs of return springs. There are two types of spring-loaded pins in a door lock: code pins, with which the key is in contact, and locking pins, which block the mechanism.

Depending on their location, secrets are divided into:

• Single-row and double-row. In the first, pins made of steel or brass are installed in one row. The key has notches on one side only. Secondly, two rows of pins are controlled by a key that has notches on both sides.
• Three- and four-row. These have several pins in each row (at least two). The rows are usually arranged crosswise.
• With conical arrangement. From two to four rows of pins are located in different planes, which significantly increases the secrecy of the larva.
• With turning pins. There is one row of pins, but they are of the rotating type. It is used very rarely in everyday life.

In common parlance, for convenience, they are divided into the following types:

• Cylinder.
• Pinned.
• Disk.
• Cross-shaped.

Well, there are also so-called special difficulties. The cylinder in the door lock of the front door has three gradations of secrecy:

• Low. The castle has about 10 thousand combinations. The mechanism is made from low strength materials. The key has a simple profile.
• Average. Up to 50 thousand secret combinations are provided. The mechanism is difficult to hack, but not always of high quality.
• Highest. The castle has over 100 thousand combinations. Made only from quality materials. The assembly accuracy is the highest.

Features of cylinder locks

The cylinder type lock is available in two standards - DIN or RIM. The second one is more difficult to find today, but the first one is accepted as the main one in Europe, therefore it is widespread.

Secrets even from different manufacturers are interchangeable. You can always choose a mechanism that meets your specific requirements.

Secrets are selected taking into account the thickness of the door leaf and the location of the fastening screw relative to the outer and inner planes. Cylinders are divided into the following types:

• Single-sided with a latch (spinner key). Larva (lock) with outside The doors are opened with a key, and on the inside - by turning the handle (turntable). The device is equipped with a cam mechanism that transmits movement to the crossbars.
• Double-sided (key-key). The lock is opened with a key, both from the outside and from the inside of the door. The secret is convenient because it allows you to close the door from the inside with a key, which, by removing it from the hole, you can be sure that small children will not go outside. If the key is inserted into the hole from the inside, then it is impossible to open the door from the outside with another key or master key.
• Single-sided (half-cylinder). The door can only be opened from the outside and only with a key. These are used on door locks to rooms where people should not be present when the lock is closed. This could be a utility room, storage room, weapons room, etc.
• Gear mechanism. In this type, the transmission of movement from the key to the bolt is carried out through a gear. Everything happens much more smoothly, but this depends on the number of teeth, model and manufacturer. Replacing such a lock has certain difficulties (you have to remove the entire lock) and must be done by a specialist.

Disc lock secrets

In devices of this type, instead of pins and pins, movable disks are used. When you turn the key, they align at certain angles, allowing the locking mechanism to rotate and release.

The key of such locks has a semicircular cross-section, on which special recesses are cut, corresponding to the required position of the disks in the cylinder. Most main feature The problem with such a larva is that it can only be replaced with a disk one of the same type.

There are not many of them on sale now, so if necessary, you will have to change the entire lock.

Cross-shaped, pin and special complexity secrets

Cross-type cylinders use pins that line up along four edges when the key is turned. Typically they differ a large number code combinations, but the bulk of inexpensive products can be hacked with a regular cross-head screwdriver.

The cylinder is difficult to change and requires dismantling the lock. In this regard, experts do not recommend doing this, but advise changing the lock immediately. Pin cylinder lock cylinders are produced for two types of keys:

• English.
• Perforated.

The first is neither reliable nor confidential. To open the second type, you will have to drill or knock out the cylinder. This requires tools, time and creates quite a lot of noise. It is perforated cylinders that are most often found on entrance door locks.

The mechanisms of the larvae become more complex every year. Lock manufacturers spare no effort and money spent on increasing the security of their products. Modern technologies, new materials and high-precision processing methods make it possible to create unique mechanisms that are reliable and durable. The larvae of modern expensive high-quality products have the following protective arsenal in their design:

• Armor inserts.
• Titanium case.
• Secrecy - more than a million combinations.
• Pins made of refractory metal.
• Floating elements on the key.

It is possible to find a key to such a lock, but it will require a lot of time, effort and skills. Replacing the larva is also quite possible. However, given its high cost, this may become a problem for many.

Larva selection

If a decision is made to purchase a cylinder door lock, or there is simply a need to replace the cylinder, then its choice must be taken seriously.

In the video you can see the selection rules:

The choice is made in compliance with the following recommendations:

• Care must be taken to determine the required size. The length and diameter of the new larva must exactly match the dimensions of the original. If a new lock is purchased, then attention is paid to the thickness of the door leaf. The length of the larva should be greater.
• Manufacturer and cost, brand and ratings - everything matters. It's not worth saving on the larva.
• The configuration of the cylinder and the position of the mounting hole are important. The distance between the end and the hole on the new lock cylinder should not be less than that on the old lock cylinder. More is allowed. Moreover, on both sides.
• The larva must come complete with several keys (from 4 to 6). The one that comes with a sufficient quantity for each family member is selected.
• Pay attention to the color design. The color of the metal from which the lock is made should match your lock.

The simplest option is to purchase a copy or analogue of an existing larva. Lock models are usually standard, although there are options. The main thing is that the key moves well, enters and exits without difficulty.

The question of replacing a lock sooner or later arises for almost any owner of an apartment or office. This happens when it fails due to a breakdown or loss of the key, due to the end of its service life, or when the tenant changes. In most cases, the door lock cylinder is replaced, which is much easier than installing a new locking mechanism.

What is a lock cylinder?

The mechanism responsible for the secrecy of the lock is called the cylinder, core or secret. It is she who is responsible for security, the possibility of unauthorized opening and penetration of uninvited guests into the premises. A key is inserted into the cylinder and turned. At the same time, the pins inside it line up in a certain combination, and the lock opens. Incorrectly aligned pins, or pins, will not allow the locking bolt to move, and the door, in this case, will remain closed.

In modern cylinder designs, pins are replaced with washers, rotating blocks or movable probes. But regardless of the filling, the secrecy of the lock cylinder will depend on the number of components and the accuracy of their manufacture.

Not all existing locking mechanisms installed on entrance doors have the ability to partial replacement, some locks have to be removed entirely. For example, code (lever) mechanisms are integrated directly into the lock body, so replacing the door lock cylinder in this case is impossible; you will have to remove it and insert a new one.

There are several types of the most popular locks for entrance doors:

• cylinder;
• disk;
• cruciform;
• pin;
• especially complex.

Locks for entrance doors can be overhead or more reliable - mortise, with a locking system with a key on both sides or having a turntable on the inside instead of a key. They are also divided into upper and lower, only with a locking function and with additional fixation using a latch. The material and number of combinations of the secret depends on:

• reliability and ability to resist mechanical stress;
• wear resistance;
• inadmissibility of key matching.

The door lock cylinder is manufactured in three security levels:

• low – from 100 to 10 thousand combinations. Made from low-strength materials with a simple key profile;
• average – from 5 to 50 thousand combinations. It has a complex opening mechanism, but the quality of workmanship is not always the best;
• the highest - from 100 thousand combinations to infinity. The manufacturing materials are of high quality, and the assembly accuracy is high.

Each of the locking mechanisms has its own design features, which determine the process and the possibility of replacing its cylinder.

Cylinder locks

A similar design of locks appeared in the mid-19th century. Due to their simplicity and ease of use, cylinder mechanisms quickly became widespread and are still the most popular today.

Cylinder locking mechanisms are manufactured to the European DIN standard or the RIM standard, which is now produced in small quantities. DIN cylinders from different manufacturers are practically interchangeable. Their choice depends on the thickness of the door leaf and the location of the fastening screw in relation to the inner and outer plane of the door.

Cylinders can be divided:

• to the "key-turn" system. From the inside, the door opens using a rotary handle (turntable), which can be easily felt in the dark in case of an emergency or if the room is filled with smoke during a fire. This type of door lock cylinder has a movable cam that transmits movement to the bolts. As a rule, its position requires adjustment to the site;
• to the key-key system. The door leaf opens on both sides using a key. Such a secret is convenient when it is necessary to lock the door so that children or sick elderly people do not open it from the inside. In addition, the internal key inserted into the keyhole can be used as additional protection. It will be impossible to open the door from the outside;
• per half cylinder. The door can only be opened from the outside. A half-cylinder is installed on doors in rooms where there is no likelihood of people being present. These could be small utility rooms or special buildings, for example, a weapons room;
• on a mechanism with a gear. The transmission of movement from the key to the bolt occurs more smoothly through a gear, the number of teeth of which depends on the model and manufacturer.

It should be noted that the process of replacing such a cylinder with a gear is complex, and only a specialist can help in this matter. To install a new cylinder, it is necessary to dismantle the entire lock with a similar mechanism.

RIM standard cylinders are not found on sale as often as in Soviet time, and modern mechanisms from European manufacturers are not particularly popular. In this regard, secrets for them are quite difficult to find. Their design resembles a half-cylinder of the DIN standard, with a difference in the method of fastening - the models in question are overhead.

DIY cylinder replacement

You can remove the unnecessary door lock cylinder and then put a new one in its place yourself. The process itself will take 15-20 minutes, no more. And the tools you will need:

• construction tape;
• crosshead screwdriver.

First you need to find a screw that serves as a fastener for the cylinder in the overall lock mechanism. As a rule, it is located on the lock plate at the end of the door leaf. Its location can be symmetrical or asymmetrical relative to the thickness of the door, which depends on the model and manufacturer of the locking mechanism. By rotating the screwdriver counterclockwise, the screw is completely unscrewed and the cylinder is removed.

If the cylinder begins to move, but continues to “sit” in the socket, you need to insert the key into the cylinder and turn it a few degrees in a clockwise direction.

Now you should pull the mechanism towards you or press on it from the opposite side. The cylinder will easily come out of its socket. The fact is that a movable cam or a flag present in its design can interfere with the release of the cylinder, and turning the key will hide the cam in the cylinder body.

It is necessary to measure the total thickness of the door leaf along with the upholstery or insulation, if additional door cladding was performed. In the absence of any changes, you can focus on the dimensions of the removed cylinder, which, of course, is easier. In order to determine which door lock cylinder you need to purchase, you also need to measure the diameter of the removed cylinder.

Don't forget about the location of the fixing screw! It can be located either in the middle of the end or located closer to one of its sides. Moreover, in an asymmetrical position, you should remember which of the distances is smaller - to the outer or to inner surface doors.

It would be more correct to take the removed cylinder with you when purchasing a lock cylinder. But if this is not possible, you should focus on accurate measurements. The color of the new mechanism will also play an important role in the choice, otherwise it will not look aesthetically pleasing on the door leaf.

The purchased cylinder is installed in place of the previous cylinder and secured with a screw. The main thing here is to clearly get into the hole intended for fastening it. Slightly moving the lock in the plane of the lock and simultaneously attaching it to the lock will help you cope with this task. fastener. The key must be locked in the closed position. After this, the lock is checked for functionality, first when open door, and then - with it closed.

The opening and closing of the lock should be smooth and silent.

Disc locks

The main difference between these mechanisms and other cylinder locks is their design: instead of pins or pins, there are movable disks that align when the locking mechanism is opened at a certain angle. The key has a semicircular cross-section with cuts located on it corresponding to the position of the disks.

A design feature of the disc lock cylinder is the possibility of replacing it only with a “related” cylinder. But purchasing it is currently difficult due to the fact that finding a cylinder for a disc lock is quite difficult. Therefore, the best option would be to completely replace the locking mechanism.

Cross locks

Such lock designs use pins that line up along four edges inside the cylinder when the key is turned. Phillips cylinders have many combinations, but the lock can be easily opened using a Phillips screwdriver.

Pin locks

Pin cylinder lock cylinders are produced for two types of keys:

• English;
• perforated.

In the first case, the lock is not particularly reliable, and the second can only be opened by drilling the cylinder or knocking it out, which is quite difficult and time-consuming. The lock core is replaced using the technology described above.

Particularly complex locks

Manufacturers are constantly working to improve locks, primarily their secrets. Modern technologies make it possible to make unique mechanisms that are quite reliable and durable. By purchasing high-quality products from world-famous brands, you can avoid the procedure of replacing the door lock cylinder. But this need may arise if one of the household or office workers loses the key.

Particularly complex locking mechanisms use:

• armor inserts;
• titanium case;
• more than a million combinations;
• pins made of refractory metal;
• floating elements on the key.

It is impossible to find a key for such a lock, but replacing the cylinder is quite possible. True, it will be quite expensive.