Well      06/14/2019

How to replace the locks in a metal door? How to change the lock: tips and tricks How to change the door lock

The history of mankind is, first of all, the history of its technical development. One of the areas to which much attention has been paid is the protection of private property. Various devices were used to protect their home or property. One of these inventions, which required great skill and technical perfection, was door lock. Ever since the time ancient egypt many homeowners have thought about the question of how to replace the lock on the door, which one is the most reliable, and so on. If there are no problems with the choice, there is the Internet, instructions and sales assistants for this, then it seems much more difficult to replace the lock in the door on your own. But that's not the case at all. In order to remove the old one yourself and insert a new lock into an ordinary front door at home, you do not need any special knowledge or skills at all. You just need to have the right tool, time and patience to follow a simple instruction.

Problems with the lock are not a reason for optimism

The need to change the lock is already a nuisance in itself, but it is good if the door whose lock needs to be changed is open at the same time. It is much worse if the lock fails at the moment when the door is closed and you cannot leave own house or get inside it. Some of the problems that have arisen are easily solved with a knife. For example, if the drive of the latch mechanism sticks, then it is enough to squeeze the tongue and the door will open. But in any case, if problems with the operation of the lock have begun, even minor ones, even if it is just a jamming, then it is necessary to take measures and not wait for the situation when, in order to enter or leave the house, it will be necessary to break the doors. Some of the problems are solved with the help of lubrication or checking with the master, but the most reliable way to protect yourself and the house is to completely replace the lock with a new one.

Required Tools

For the normal work of replacing the door lock, you will need some tools:

  • Phillips and flat screwdrivers;
  • clerical and ordinary knife;
  • hammer;
  • chisel;
  • electric drill and drills for wood;
  • ruler, pencil and other little things.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the lock

  1. The first step is to get the larva out of the castle. To do this, you need to unscrew a special bolt from the end that holds it in the lock, and then, inserting the key and turning it slightly, pull the larva out of the lock.
  2. The next step is to remove the decorative strips that cover the lock on both sides of the door. For this with inside we find the bolt heads on the lock and unscrew them. By the way, we note that you should not detect such hats from the outside, this is done in order to prevent hacking by intruders. Bolts fix the straps at the top and bottom of the plates.
  3. Having unscrewed the bolts, we remove them, and then remove the decorative strips from the lock along with the handles. Handles are removed each in its own direction. After that, only the fastening rod for the handle and the lock itself remain. But the rod also needs to be carefully removed.
  4. Then it is the turn to unscrew the screws from the end side of the door that hold the lock bar, and after removing them, we take out the lock body itself. The whole process is intuitive even for non-specialists.
  5. The first phase of the lock replacement operation has been completed. Next, you need to think about how to choose a lock with a similar body. This will help when replacing, since in this case you do not have to adjust it. You will need to find out if there are such models for sale and buy them.

The lock does not fit the existing parameters

But even the acquisition of a castle model similar to the one that was removed does not always guarantee its full compliance. Very often there is a problem with a mismatch of some parameters. All the most common inconsistencies are usually included in the following list:

  1. The new body is wider than the previous one.
  2. The end plate is longer or shorter.
  3. The bolts fastening the handles do not fit the diameter of the existing holes.
  4. The holes in the slats do not match with the nest of the larva.
  5. Even the bolts of the lock may not line up with the holes in the door jamb.

Each problem requires a different approach:

  1. If the case is wider than the old one and does not fit into the groove, it is necessary to apply chalk to the lock body and try to insert it again, and then see where it touched the walls of the groove. These places just need to be lightly ground with a chisel. Work carefully, just enough so that the lock just slides into place.
  2. If the end plate of the lock does not fall into its groove, then you need to stock up on a well-honed pencil. We insert the lock into the groove and very accurately draw lines in those places where it is necessary to change the parameters of the groove. Try to do everything carefully, because if the groove is wider than the plank, then it will look unaesthetic. After marking, we take out the lock and carefully cut off the excess. To do this, you need to make vertical and horizontal cuts along the marked line with a clerical knife. Since the horizontal lines run across the grain, use a hammer to lightly tap the butt of the knife to cut off the excess wood. If everything is done correctly, then the lock will fit easily and well, and the end plate will be in the same plane with the surface of the door end. Try not to get any protrusions and bumps.
  3. If the bolts for attaching the handles do not fit the diameter of the existing holes, then we drill them with an electric drill and try them on.
  4. If the lock cylinder does not fit into the hole under it, then the following must be done. Insert the lock into the groove and look at the clearance through the hole for the larvae, those protrusions of the tree that block the nest of the larvae will be easily visible, mark them with a pencil. After you remove the lock, these protrusions will be easy to cut off. The larva should easily and freely enter its nest, without clinging to the ledges of the door.

If all these problems are solved, then we proceed to the assembly of the castle itself:

  1. We place the lock itself in its groove and fasten the end plate to the door leaf with screws. The screws should fit well into their sockets, the caps should not protrude beyond the mounting plate.
  2. We insert the larva and fasten it with a bolt from the end.
  3. We install the rod fastening the door handles in its place.
  4. We put the decorative plates in place and door handles, fasten everything with bolts. Remember that for safety, you need to put bolts with a smooth head on the outside.
  5. After that, it remains only to check the build quality. Move the handles, turn the key, close and open the door. If everything works fine, then you have completed the task.

But there is one more that we have not considered possible problem- this is a mismatch between the lock bolts and the holes in the door jamb. To combat this problem, do the following:

  1. At open door turn the lock to the stop and pull out the crossbars completely. Then close the door and mark with a pencil on door frame bolt parameters.
  2. Then open the door and look at the marks, compare them with the existing bolt hole in the door frame.
  3. After that, you need to remove the metal bar on the door frame, which frames the groove for the crossbars.
  4. We transfer the marked parameters to the existing hole.
  5. Correcting our actions with these marks, we expand the groove using a conventional electric drill.
  6. If you are sure that everything is done correctly, then try to close the doors without installing the steel plate back. If the lock is working properly, and the crossbars enter the groove without problems, then we proceed to the last repair point.
  7. Place the plate on the door jamb and screw it into place. Check the lock again.

All! you have accomplished this task and you can celebrate your success. As can be understood from the description, there is nothing complicated in replacing the door lock.

All that is required of you is patience and accuracy.

Neither strength nor any sacred knowledge is needed, everything is very accessible. Such repairs can be done by a teenager or a housewife, not to mention men who have the skill of working with tools.

Of course, there are locks that cannot be replaced as simply as described above, but for this you need to read the corresponding instructions. And 90% of the rest of the door locks can be replaced by anyone who has read the text.

We wish you good luck in your endeavors!

Hello readers of my blog! Today I will talk about how to change the lock on a metal front door with your own hands. The reasons for the replacement can be the same, such as loss of a key or hacking. However, the solutions are slightly different, each type is mounted with its own characteristics. About how to make a replacement, and what types of locks exist today about everything, read about it below.

1. Device and types of locks

Let's start small, let's look at what types of locking systems are. After all, the repair, its cost and the complexity of the work will differ from the type of castle. Let us first analyze the frequently used locks on metal doors.

1.1. cylinder lock

Most often, this type is installed on metal sheets. This means that the probability of encountering this species is much higher. But in terms of device, it is the simplest. Therefore, the replacement will not be a problem. Cylinder locks are made according to the standard, so that if any part is not working, it can be replaced, even with a part from another company.

1.2. Level lock

Very secure lock, almost impossible to break. For such quality, its replacement is quite difficult. It is worth talking about the companies that produce them. Domestic firms manufacture the entire system, and if something breaks, the entire mechanism will have to be replaced. There are reasons for this, for such locks are quite low prices, but they are not very convenient when replacing.

Foreign firms have foreseen this, and on their castle structures it is possible to replace the larva separately, but it is worth buying it of the same brand as the main structure. However, the price of such locks is high.

1.3. Lock with sliding bolts

This type will reliably protect against hacking and will last for many years with correct installation and use. But its replacement is very difficult, it is better to take on it for masters who know their business.

Most often it can be found on modern models metal doors. Such a system, when locking the door, fixes it not only with crossbars from the side, but also with metal elements on top and bottom of the canvas. The whole complexity of the replacement lies in the fact that this lock is located inside the canvas, so when replacing it, you will have to disassemble the doors.

2. Causes of malfunctions of locks

Locks on entrance metal doors can serve for many years, or they can fail without any reason. The reasons may be different, and it is worth paying special attention to some details and not waiting for the lock to “get up”.

  1. The lock system serves you for many years, its parts get old and may fail;
  2. Timely care for the larva was not carried out, that is, it was not cleaned of dust and dirt, nor was it treated with oil. In this case, the mechanism fails and breaks. Failure of the mechanism may result from correct operation lock, as well as low-quality parts;
  3. If your canvas has been hacked, which means that the larva has been spoiled. Perhaps garbage got inside the larva (the kids messed up), then it will soon break;
  4. If from the very beginning a low-quality cheap design was installed, then it is better to replace it in a timely manner, and not wait for it to break.

3. How to replace the lock in a metal door

Replacement is made not only due to a breakdown of the mechanism, but also for other reasons, for example, the loss of a key. Replacement should be done with high quality, because the service life of the mechanism directly depends on the installation.

3.1. Lever lock replacement

Replacing such a system is quite difficult, but if you do everything right and show patience, then everything will be fine.

Let's get to work. We open the doors and see that the crossbars are pushed inward to the maximum. We take out the key and remove the door handle, lining and bolt. On the end part, we unscrew the screws that perform the function of attaching the plate to the canvas. We take out the mechanism (we hook the plate on the end side). We insert a new lock, it should be the same size as the old one, and it would be better if it were the same brand so that the locking screw gets into its hole. Installation is in the reverse order.

3.2. Replacing a cylinder lock in a metal door

For this type of replacement is very easy, so even an inexperienced master can handle it.

Consider two types of replacement, the first is the replacement of the cylinder, the second is the replacement of the entire mechanism.

Cylinder replacement. Unscrew the locking screw from the end side, insert the key into the lock from the inside of the door (the side that is in the house) and turn it a little by about 10-15 degrees. This is done in order to push the tongue inside the mechanism, and then pull out the larva by pulling the key. Job done, now insert the new cylinder in reverse order. If the locking screw does not line up with the hole, then move the larva until the screw enters the hole and secure it (this works if the purchased larva matches the parameters of the old one).

Mechanism replacement. To replace, we take out the larva. You already know how to do this, then remove the door handle and protective plates. If the mechanism has a valve, we also remove it. We unscrew the screws from the end of the door that hold the entire structure. We take out the mechanism from the canvas, for this we hook the end plate. We install a new door lock, just like we took it out, only in the opposite direction.

3.3. Replacing a lock with sliding bolts

A very difficult replacement, here you have to remove the canvas from the hinges and open it. Since the whole mechanism is completed in the door. After the door is opened, the same steps are performed as when replacing the lever structure. Only before work, the upper and lower crossbars are unhooked with a wrench. After replacing the lock, we attach the crossbars again. In words, this work is simple, but in practice everything is much more difficult. Calculate your strengths in advance, and decide whether you can handle it on your own.

4. How to extend the life of the lock

You already know how to change the locks in a metal front door, but now we’ll figure out how to extend their service life.

  1. Cylinder cleaning. used special remedy, which cleans and protects the structure from moisture. The agent is poured into the lock cylinder (within reason, a few good drops are needed) and the key is inserted, then it is pulled out (we do not turn the key). Such manipulations are carried out to clean the cylinder from contamination. At the end of cleaning, wipe with a dry cloth;
  2. System lubrication. Machine oil is excellent for this procedure, it is also used for lubrication door hinges, you can read about how to lubricate the hinges here. You can also buy a special lubricant. We put it in the door well, insert and remove the key. At the end of work, wipe with a dry cloth;
  3. We clean the crossbars. Open the canvas, and extend the crossbars to the maximum, then we clean and lubricate them. In order for the lubricant to get on all parts of the mechanism, it is worth extending and retracting the crossbars several times with a key.

If these manipulations did not help your locking system in any way, then the problem here is different, to find out the reason, you will have to call a specialist or replace the lock yourself.

Most often, the question of how to change the lock on the front door arises when it breaks, or the keys are lost. Sometimes they replace the old system with a new, more reliable one. But in order to do everything qualitatively, knowledge of the technology for changing door locks for metal doors or their parts, lock cylinders or tongues is required.
Of course, you can contact the master, who will come and do all the work in a short time. But, having dealt with the system, self-replacement will not become a problem, and will save money, do the entire installation with your own hands

Situations requiring the replacement of one locking mechanism with another may be different, and the change of the entire lock, or part of the mechanism, sometimes needs to be carried out very quickly.

Door lock replacement process

In what situations may it be necessary to change the lock?


So, in the event of the above situations, you need to go to choose a new, more advanced castle. What nuances and rules should be followed when choosing a mechanism?

Choice of locking mechanism

There are a lot of locking systems today, they have different schemes and mechanisms. It is worth understanding the devices of various locks. They can be classified according to the type of installation into mounted, as well as overhead and internal (mortise).

Scheme of the device of the mortise lock

Let's take a look at each type:


After acquiring a suitable type of lock, you can proceed with its installation, or replacement. However, if you are not sure that you can self-installation, then it is better to turn to specialists.

Technology for replacing various types of locks

The technology of mounting the locking mechanism is determined by two factors: the type of lock, and the type of door leaf. If everything is clear with the design of the locking system (mortise / invoice), then you should figure out how to mount it on a wooden or armored sheet.
So, how can you change the locks on the entrance metal and other types of entrance doors.

Installation of the cylinder mechanism

Installation of the English lock is simple, only the overhead disk mechanism is simpler. positive quality system consists in the optional replacement of the entire mechanism, but only in changing its core. The second good news is that the larvae of cylinder locks are almost universal, and you can purchase a core from any manufacturer for your lock. It is more difficult to change the entire system, but you can deal with such technology.
So, how to install such a system, or replace such a lock in metal doors?


By completely changing all the mechanisms, the cylinder lock is disassembled, removing the core. Then, unscrewing the fasteners at the end, pry with a screwdriver and remove from the socket. The structure to be mounted is installed in the same way by inserting the body of the mechanism, fixing it with screws, and mounting the core according to the specified technology.

Installing a lever lock

The more reliable the system, the more complex the lock installation technology. This rule is observed for security reasons, because no one will interfere with disassembling simple design thieves. Lever mechanisms are not easy to replace, and without experience, most likely it will not be possible to make a replacement, recoding will be the best option.
Some foreign manufacturers offer designs in which you can simply recode the mechanism, that is, change the core of the lock to metal door. In this case, one part is purchased with a new set of keys. However, it is best to buy a larva by taking it from the same manufacturer as the lock.
How to make a replacement for such a device with your own hands? In the technological order, the replacement steps are as follows.


Despite the complexity, the main thing is to understand the sequence of each stage, and not to lose any details and fasteners. Having figured it out, you can make a replacement with your own hands.

Installation of overhead disc locks

Replacing or inserting a disc locking mechanism is probably the easiest. All fasteners are on top at accessible points. How is the installation and disassembly of such a system done? It is necessary to completely disassemble, or rather remove the mechanism.


In the case of the initial installation of the mechanism, you need to prepare a hole for the lock disk. To do this, it is best to use an electric drill with a feather drill or a wood crown of the appropriate diameter. Next, a loop is mounted, which is located on the jamb.
Disc locks are automatic (can be closed without a key), and semi-automatic, which one to choose depends on preferences, but automation can play a cruel joke by slamming the door behind the owner without keys.

Mechanisms with sliding bolts

These systems have been installed in modern systems, such as Torex doors.
Locking bolts in such designs are available not only on the side (or above and below in the end part), but also at the top and bottom, after they are extended, the canvas is much more securely fixed in the doorway.
It is not possible to replace such a lock or repair, leave the canvas in the opening in order to disassemble the locking system. The door needs to be removed, and this is not always possible to do alone, because its weight can reach 150 kg. The best option will contact the system installer company.


It is possible to make repairs or replacements on your own using a similar technology with lever structures, but first using wrench, you need to set the traction to open.
In any case, if there is no experience in working with locks, then it is best to turn to specialists who will do everything quickly and efficiently, unlike an amateur. This is especially true for complex locking structures, the principle of operation of which is difficult to understand when disassembling it yourself.

We use the front door every day, and more than once. The lock with which it is equipped is also subjected to intensive use, which over time cannot but affect the operation of its mechanism. This is one of the reasons why the replacement of locks in a metal door becomes a necessity, from which no owner is immune. After all, a door lock is a guarantee of the safety of you and your property from malicious intrusion.

When choosing a security device for the front door, do not expect that by saving, the mechanism will provide you high level protection.

Of course, an expensive and high-quality product will not save you from the process of replacing the lock, but in this case, the maintenance of the mechanism - replacing locks in metal doors will not be such a frequent and difficult phenomenon, both for a professional and for an owner who can change the lock with his own hands .

One of the objective reasons when the mandatory replacement of the lock is necessary is the loss of the key and the absence of its duplicates. But, nevertheless, if the key has been lost, and you are worried that it can be found by ill-wishers, you should take care to change the front door, if only to be sure that your home is safe.

Also, the reason to quickly change the lock may be an unforeseen breakdown or other failure that makes the subsequent operation of the mechanism simply impossible.

Depending on the type of locking device that your door structure is equipped with, it happens that replacing an internal part (for example, a larva) is more than enough, and sometimes only changing the entire body can solve the problem.

Some tips that will reduce the chances of your device breaking down and help you avoid buying a new one:

  • do not force the parts of the mechanism during its installation and when turning the key;
  • do not insert two keys at the same time on both sides of the door;
  • do not insert damaged and foreign keys into the keyhole;
  • do not turn the inserted key until it reaches the stop;
  • do not forget to periodically clean the device from dust and dirt, use lubricant.

In such situations, you can take the help of a specialist, or, having the necessary skills, change the locking device with your own hands.

Types of door locks

The technology for installing and replacing door locks directly depends on their types. According to the type of constipation, there are overhead and mortise mechanisms. On a metal door, overhead locks are mounted extremely rarely, unlike mortise ones. The consumer can choose from several types of locking mechanism to install a lock on metal doors.

But the most commonly used and easy to maintain and replace with your own hands are the following mechanisms:

  1. Suvaldny is a reliable and proven option for protecting housing.
    It has a high degree of protection against hacking. The mechanism performs work due to the presence of metal plates called levers. The more their number - the less chance of hacking.
  2. Cylinder is a cylinder (larva) and a system of pins with springs.
    The mechanism is quite popular and convenient for installation in metal doors, along with other types (coded and disk).

How to choose a new lock?

When purchasing a new mechanism to replace an old one, factors such as the thickness of the doors and the gap between the door and the frame must be taken into account. Very important point make up the dimensions of the old device (case height and depth of the well), the position of the cut-out mate in the door jamb under the lock bolts, the thickness and number of bolts in the old mechanism, otherwise the device will hang out or not fit in door leaf.

Do not forget about the dimensions of the key (if it is a lever lock), the length and offset of the larva. Knowing each of these values, you can choose the right model that will ideally replace the old mechanism.

Cylinder lock replacement

When it comes to changing a cylinder lock, you need to know how it works. Such a locking device is based on a secrecy mechanism. cylindrical shape which is in the core. Turning the key provokes the movement of the pins of the mechanism, and they move into the designated slots.

Everyone who decides to replace the lock in a metal door with their own hands must know its components:

  • cylinder or larva;
  • protective overlay;
  • door knob.

Impressive dignity cylinder mechanism, which really captivates is the ability to change only the lock cylinder, without using the entire device. Thus, if the key is broken or lost, only the core of the device, the larva, will need to be replaced.

Before you start replacing the lock on a metal door with your own hands, you should find out and understand that there are different methods installation of the larva (from the end, through the insert or screw for fasteners, inside the web). The same applies to the type of cylinder (disc, overhead, cruciform, etc.).

The process of replacing the larva in the castle

First, unscrew the locking screw located on the end plate of the metal door. Insert the key into the keyhole inside the room, and holding on to the turntables with reverse side, pull out the larva towards the inside of the door. Now you should buy a new cylinder.

The dimensions of the larva and the distance from the outer edge of the core to the dog must necessarily match the old part. Carry out the same steps as at the beginning of the process, only in reverse order - insert the cylinder into the canvas from the inside and secure it with a locking screw through a special hole. The replacement of the larva was successfully carried out.

Body replacement

In the case when it is impossible to confine oneself only to changing the larva, the sequence of changing the lock is as follows:

  1. Slide all the bolts inside the case (simply open the lock);
  2. Carefully pull the larva out of the well;
  3. Don't forget to remove (if any) the door handles, protective trim and all latches. There is a decorative lining around the well, there is no need to remove it;
  4. Unscrew two or four (depending on the type of mechanism) end screws for fasteners. After that, pull out the body of the mechanism by prying the end plate.

Ideally, you should buy a new mechanism from the manufacturer of the used doors. Carry out the steps completely reverse disassembly, and you can easily replace the lock in a cylinder-type metal door.

Lever lock replacement

The process of changing the lever locking system has some specifics. For example, if the door is equipped with a domestic device, in case of problems with the key, you will have to change the entire system, because. conversion will be impossible.

And, conversely, in the case of an imported device, it is possible to change only the secret part and the corresponding recoding for a new set of keys. Changing the locks of the level type yourself is quite difficult and time consuming, it can take a large number of time and effort.

The process of replacing the lever system

In analogy with the replacement of the cylinder mechanism, move the lock bolts completely, that is, the door must be open. Pull the key out of the well.

Don't forget to remove (if any) the door handles, protective trim and all latches.

Unscrew all fixing end screws. Pull out the body of the door unit by prying on the end plate. Further, the replacement of the lock comes down to installing a new product in the door leaf. Some manufacturers exclude all of the above actions, it is enough to insert the key into the well and automatically recode the levers.

Sections of the article:

Metal doors are most commonly used to form input structures, because they are highly durable, beautiful view and good reliability. Most often they are equipped with burglar-resistant mortise locks. But even the highest quality and most expensive products can break or deform, after which you will need to replace the locks in a metal door. This process can be entrusted to specialists, however, with a preliminary study of the instructions, it is quite possible to do the work on your own, saving money.

The stages of work depend on which lock is installed in door structure, so each option uses its own, unique technology.

Cylinder Lock Replacement Procedure

Changing a cylinder lock mounted on a metal door is quite difficult. Initially, the design of the product, consisting of a special, secret mechanism, is studied. It is enclosed in a core that has the shape of a cylinder. When the key is turned, the pins move into special recesses.

Such a lock is installed in two different places:

  • Under the handle, therefore, is the main;
  • Without a handle, acting as an additional element.

Design features

The design of the cylinder lock includes:

  • Cylinder, which is a larva;
  • Overlay with good armor protection;
  • Handle for convenient use of the door.

The simplest is the breakage of the handle, because in this case it is simply replaced with a new product. If the key breaks or is completely lost, then the lock cylinder, which is the main element of the lock, changes.

How to replace a cylinder?

Replacing locks in a similar design may consist in replacing the cylinder.

The work consists of the following steps.

A locking screw is unscrewed from the end of the structure. A key is inserted into the well from the inside, after which the cylinder is pulled out while holding the key. The same cylinder is purchased, having similar dimensions and shape.


New cylinder.

A new cylinder is inserted from the inside and fixed with a locking screw using a special hole in the structure.

How to replace the lock case?

Often the problem in the performance of the product is a malfunction of the mechanism. In this case, the process of replacing locks in metal doors is as follows:

  • The bolts are retracted, which ensures the opening of the lock;
  • The cylinder is removed from the well;
  • The handle is removed from the door, as well as the valves and lining;
  • Mounting screws are unscrewed from the end of the structure, and their number can vary from two to four;
  • The lock itself is pulled out, for which the right tool the corresponding bar is attached;
  • The exact same product is purchased in size, shape and parameters, and best of all, so that the design is made by the same manufacturer;
  • The same steps are performed as before, only in reverse order.

Thus, replacing a lock in a metal door that is a cylinder is not too difficult, and the work can be implemented in different ways, depending on what problems were found in the design.

Lever lock replacement technology

The lever design is presented in the form of a special mechanism, the secret part of which is a special set of plates with different shapes.

Replacing the lock in metal doors of this type has certain features.

The nuances of working with lever products

If a domestic-made mechanism is installed in the door structure, then regardless of the causes of the problem with opening or closing, the entire mechanism will have to be completely changed. This is due to the impossibility of recoding.

If you have to work with an imported product, which implies the possibility of recoding, then usually only the secret element of the mechanism is replaced. However, after that, the lever is reprogrammed in accordance with the new set of keys. In this case, you can not completely change the entire lock.

It is quite difficult to replace locks in metal doors that are levered, since such a design is considered one of the most specific and complex.

Before direct replacement work, it is determined what is the cause of the breakdown or deterioration in the performance of the mechanism. Depending on the identified causes, the optimal method of repair or replacement is determined.

The design replacement process

Replacing lever door locks installed in metal doors is carried out according to the following sequence of actions:

  • The door itself opens;
  • The lock bolt is shifted, which will ensure optimal opening of the lock;
  • The key is taken out of the well;
  • If handles, linings or latches are installed on the door, they are removed, and if any decorative elements, then they are left in place;
  • End screws are unscrewed, and their number can be different, since 2, 3 or 4 fasteners are installed;
  • The lock itself is pulled out, for which you should pry it off the end plate;
  • The same mechanism is purchased, having the same size and parameters, preferably from the same company;
  • All the above steps are repeated, but only in reverse order.

If you have to work with a lever mechanism equipped with the ability to recode, then replacing the locks in a metal door is not required. It is enough just to make new keys, on the basis of which the conversion is carried out.

The specifics of replacing a disc-type lock

Disc structures are also considered popular, which are formed from a special secret element, presented in the form of a cylinder. It installs special discs instead of pins. Their number can be different, and the safety and reliability of the product depends on this.

All discs are different original form and also have a variety of cutouts. These elements must match all the recesses and configuration used to open the key.

Keys usually have a semicircular cross section. The security level of the lock depends on how many disks are installed in the device, as well as on how many different positions the slots located on the sides of the disks can be. If the secret mechanism has a low strength indicator, then it is leveled, so it is important to protect the structure from intruders acting by mechanical action when hacked. For this, a special cup is usually used, which is durable and armored.

Replacing locks in metal door structures, presented in the form of a disk mechanism, is distinguished by certain features and difficulties.

If the domestic disk mechanism is deformed, broken or stops working, then the only way out of the situation is to completely replace it, and it is desirable that the new device be imported, since it will have an increased indicator of strength and reliability.

Quite often, the cause of the breakdown is precisely the larva of the lock, since in domestic designs they are created not of very high quality and durable. Replacing a lock in a metal door in this case will be similar to working with other types of locks.

Features of lock repair

In some cases, it is not advisable to buy and install new expensive products, since high-quality, fast and inexpensive repair work.

Repairing locks in metal doors is more complex, so if you want to do the work on your own, you should have some experience, knowledge and specialized equipment. The specifics of the process depends on the cause and complexity of the breakdown, so the problem is first studied and a method for solving it is determined.

Preliminary steps

Both repair and replacement of locks in metal structures require some preparatory work. They are as follows:

  • The keyhole is checked, since often the problem in the device's performance is the presence of blockages;
  • If the warranty period still lasts, then the work is entrusted to specialists, and if it has expired, then the case is opened on its own in order to study the mechanism in detail;
  • The mechanism is cleaned of various contaminants, and also lubricated;
  • If such simple actions if it was not possible to solve the problem, then the cause of the breakdown is determined independently or with the help of an invited specialist.

If you have some skills and little experience, then you can try to independently implement and repair the product.

The nuances of repairing the lever mechanism

Repair of a lock in metal door structures depends on the design of the locking mechanism and on the manufacturer.

Most often, reprogramming is required, and repairs often consist of installing spare plates that are sold complete with all equipment. Usually this is found in the most expensive models. In the course of work, levers that are not suitable for further operation are carefully pulled out, and new elements are inserted in their place.

All other problems are usually so complex and specific that the only solution is to completely replace the mechanism.

The specifics of the repair of locks with a cylinder

It is believed that repair work with such mechanisms is quite complex and incomprehensible even for experienced craftsmen. Most often, the secret part of the equipment fails, it is simply impossible to fix it, so it is completely replaced.


This is what cylinder lock repair tools look like.

If others break less important details, then they can be replaced, but for this it is important to have specialized tools and some experience.

Thus, replacing a lock in a metal door structure is a complex and specific job that requires a careful, thoughtful and accurate approach. If serious mistakes are made, it will be difficult to eliminate them, and in some cases even impossible. Therefore, in the absence of skills and work experience, as well as special tools, it is not recommended to do such work on your own. rational decision There will be an appeal to specialists who will quickly determine the cause of the breakdown and fix the problem.