Easily replacing a door lock/locking cylinder – with our step-by-step instructions

People often refer to “replacing a door lock” when the replacement of the locking cylinder is actually meant. A door consists of many components, such as the door sash, the lock body with latch and deadbolt, the door handle or knob, the cylinder cover (rosette) and the locking cylinder. When you need to replace your door lock and/or lock cylinder, it may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right instructions it’s easier than you might think.

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Our step-by-step guide tells you everything you need to know: from the selection of the right lock and locking cylinder to successful installation.
With these helpful tips and the professional service from Winkhaus, you are perfectly prepared to ensure that your locking cylinder can be replaced safely and easily.

Important remark: The installation of these components and their specific use should only be assessed and carried out by trained specialist personnel.

How do I find the right locking cylinder and what special features do the lock types have?

Before your locking cylinder is replaced, it is important to select the right locking cylinder. There are major differences between locking cylinders for a front door, the security cylinders and the locking cylinders for an internal door. Particularly cylinders for external doors are often additionally secured with extra security features such as drilling and core pulling protection pins or equipped with core pulling protection rosettes as accessories. Security plays a major role, especially in front door cylinders and security cylinders. The various components, such as the locking cylinder and the lock, must always be coordinated with each other.

Tip: Consult qualified personnel, replace locking cylinder

Replacing a locking cylinder requires care, as faults can impair the function or jeopardise warranty and insurance claims. Before doing it yourself, you should have the change carried out by trained specialist personnel. This ensures that all specifications are complied with and that your door remains optimally protected. What is more, compatibility with the lock is guaranteed.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the locking cylinder

Remove and measure the locking cylinder:
After removal, find out the right dimensions of the cylinder. This is the length from the centre of the fixing hole to the outer ends. You can find precise instructions in our article "How to measure a locking cylinder correctly".

Remove door handle and protective fittings:
Now remove the door handle and spindle to gain access to the mortice lock. If your door has protective fittings, these must also be removed. The screws must be stored carefully as they will be needed again later.

Remove mortice lock:
After loosening the fastening screws of the mortice lock, it is carefully pulled out of the door. Particular care must be taken to ensure that the door is not damaged.

Insert new lock:
The new mortice lock is now installed in reverse order. All screws must be tightened. The spindle, the handles and, if necessary, the security fittings must be reinserted.

Fasten the fittings and door handle:
In the next step, the fittings are securely fastened again and the door handle is inserted. It is important that everything is tight.

Insert and check locking cylinder:
Finally, the new locking cylinder is inserted and checked for functionality.

Replacing the door lock without a key – what should I do?

If there is no key for a profile cylinder, the door cannot be opened either. If you want to replace the entire door lock but no longer have a key, there are yet solutions. Trained specialist personnel can try to open the lock without drilling, e.g. by removing the locking cylinder with a special tool. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to drill out the lock. Make sure that the door is not damaged.

Very secure locking cylinders – new challenges for front doors and apartment doors

Anyone looking for a particularly secure locking cylinder for their house or apartment door should look for products meeting current security standards. Modern security locks offer additional protection mechanisms such as drilling protection or multi-point locking systems. Winkhaus offers a large selection of mechanical and motorised door locking systems that guarantee extended security.

For more information, visit the product section of our website.

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