How to replace a Euro Cylinder on a UPVC Door
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Any amateur DIYer should be capable of changing the locking barrel on a UPVC Door, but it does require some care to be taken.
What tools are required?
This job only requires very simple tools that most people will already have in their homes. You will require:
A measuring tape or ruler.
Phillips screwdriver.
Removing the Old Euro Cylinder
To change the locking barrel on your UPVC door, it will first need to be open. Once opened, you will find a screw on the inside of the door, which will line up with the bottom of the door cylinder.
Having identified the correct screw, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw, pulling it out completely.
Next, you will need to insert the key into the locking barrel and turn it slightly to either side, pulling the cylinder as you do. Once the cylinder begins to release, keep the key at this angle and keep pulling gently until the locking barrel releases from the frame.
If the cylinder is proving awkward to remove, it may well be a result of the alignment of the handles - if this issue persists, consider loosening the door handles slightly.
Measuring Your Euro Cylinder Lock
When measuring a euro cylinder, there are three relevant lengths.
For lengths 'A' and 'B', you need to measure from the centre of the screw hole to the outside edge of the cylinder from your UPVC Door.
When added together, the measurements for sides 'A' and 'B' should equal 'C', which is the total length of the cylinder.
Lengths 'A' and 'B' are often the same size (e.g. 40/40), but they can be different sizes (e.g. 35/45). If they are different sizes, take note of which side is internal and which side is external, so you install the new cylinder the correct way round.
You will also need to make note of internal and external lengths if your euro cylinder has a thumb turn on one side.
Ordering a Replacement Cylinder
We stock a full range of door cylinders, in a range of sizes, available in either brass or nickel with or without a thumb-turn.
To find out what we have available, contact our sales team or check out the 'Stronghold Hardware' Store to buy hardware online, which is coming soon!
Installing the New Cylinder
Once you have received your new cylinder, confirm it is the same size as the previous door cylinder, and make sure you know which side should be internal and external if either side are different lengths or you have a thumb turn on one side.
With all this established, insert the key into the new cylinder, and insert it into the euro cylinder hole. Move the key gently to either side, pushing the cylinder until a small amount of each end is protruding on the internal and external sides.
With the cylinder reinserted correctly, you can insert to screw and tighten. Test the operation of the door before closing and locking.