What is the barrel of a lock?
When talking about the barrel of a lock (also called cylinder or barrel), we designate the central element in its operation. It is in this element that the key is introduced to lock or unlock a door. A dwelling is never safe unless it has a locked lock.
Therefore, a lock must have a gun that works perfectly to keep the house safe. A lock can not work if it does not have a barrel to insert a key. In the mechanism of the lock, the cylinder turns and moves the bolt when turning the key, which allows the opening or closing of the door.
To lock the door, close the door, and turn the key. This activates the mechanism of the lock, the bolt engages in the striker, which allows the locking of the door. The strike of a lock is a metal piece installed on the door jamb.
The barrel is an element that is inside the lock, the area in which the key is inserted.
It is straight and cone-shaped.
It consists of two parts: the fixed part (stator) and the moving part (rotor) which is activated and turns on itself when one inserts and turns the key.
In case of loss of keys, or if the cylinder is blocked, it is necessary to repair or change the barrel of the lock. The installation or replacement of this element must be done with great tact. The new model to choose must have the same characteristics as the old one, especially concerning dimensions.
Too big a cylinder could be a disadvantage, as it is easier to tear if it goes out of the door. If you are not sure if you can do it yourself, call a professional emergency locksmith Draper to install it.
The different types of lock barrel
The number of pins of a cylinder is very important for optimizing the security of a home. The pins are cylindrical parts located inside the barrel, which maintain the safety of the latter during locking or unlocking. The number of pins in a cylinder varies from 5 to 36. The more complex the barrel, the more difficult it is to try to break it in or croch it.
There are many types of lock guns. We can cite :
American standard barrel: with this type of cylinder, the door can only be unlocked from the outside.
Double entry American barrel: the door can be opened from the inside and the outside.
American button barrel (or bolt): you do not need a key to open the door. It can be opened from the inside with the help of a button.
Round barrel (or "cylinder game" or "adaptable cylinder"): the barrel consists of two distinct parts, one on each side (internal and external).
American pump barrel: This is a safer cylinder. You must exert pressure with the key to open the door. This system is effective against burglary attempts, because it is difficult to hook. This brings more protection to a home. The negative point with this type of cylinder is the price of the key (quite expensive) and it is difficult to copy.
Disengageable barrel: it allows to open the door from the outside even if there is another key inserted on the inside. This type of cylinder is ideal for the elderly.
American cogwheel: this is a cylinder that increases the security level of a lock.
When the cylinder or barrel of a lock is crooked or blocked, it is often necessary to change it. The replacement of this element can be done by oneself. It is only necessary to pay attention to the choice of the spare part.
Some lock guns are however more complex and their changes require a lot more know-how. It may also be that we do not have the right tools to do it or that we do not have a lot of time.
In these cases, calling the service of a locksmith is a better idea. A professional locksmith can move for an emergency and he certainly knows the cylinder model suitable for the lock.