The lock cylinder is the code part of the cylinder lock that provides security and moves the bolts. It is precisely because the larva is inserted inside the body and has an elongated oblong shape that it is called a “larva” in common parlance. A sort of steel embryo.
In fact, in a professional environment, the door lock cylinder is called a cylinder security mechanism. Abbreviated as "CMS".
Exactly correct name this important detail We will use the castle further in the text. But still, let’s leave the “larva” in some places for better indexing;)
You can buy a cylinder or cylinder security mechanism for a lock at a lock store. To get a preliminary consultation, call the numbers listed above.
Quite often we hear the phrase from a buyer: “How can I replace the larva and what do I need to know to pick it up?” The request has not come as a surprise for a long time: it is very difficult for an untrained person to understand the variety of cylinder security mechanisms, their types, lengths and standards. In this article we will look at important parameters CMS will find out some of the nuances.
There are many types of CMS. Let's start with the most common ones, which comply with the European DIN (Europrofile) standard and are used everywhere.
This is what a buyer primarily associates with a “door lock cylinder”:
Europrofile standard mechanisms are produced in many countries: from China to Europe. The cost of a cylinder, depending on the model and manufacturer, can vary: from 150 rubles to 20,000 thousand rubles. The higher the quality and the more famous the brand of the mechanism, the more protective elements and innovative ideas are embodied in the lock cylinder, the higher its cost. For each model of a specific cylinder, you can write a separate material, for example, like a review article of the Slovenian CMS TITAN K56.
We will not dwell on any specific product here; we will consider only the main parameters when choosing a cylinder.
Lock cylinder length and offset
We're sure you don't need to explain the calculation of the total length of a cylinder - it's the distance from one edge to the other. The required length of the cylinder is selected taking into account the thickness of the door leaf and based on which cylinder lock you have chosen.
As we can see, the two parts of the cylinder are separated by a rotary cam. The width of the turning cam is always 10 mm.
The displacement of the cylinder is measured from the middle of the mounting screw hole in both directions: outer and inner.
An equilateral cylinder is one in which both parts are equal in length. A scalene cylinder has different lengths of the same parts.
For example, below is a versatile cylinder mechanism English type Turkish production Kale Kilit with a total length of 71 mm. Often used on plastic doors.
Second example: a versatile cylinder mechanism made in China with a total length of 90 mm. This is the size of the lock cylinder that is now popular on Chinese doors.
A cylinder of the correct length should not protrude too much beyond the plane of the door leaf. If this wooden door, here the cylinder must be installed flush with decorative overlay or with a bar from the handle (peeping up to 3 mm is acceptable). If an armor plate is installed on a cylinder lock, the length of the outer part of the cylinder will depend on the specific armor plate, the method of its installation and the specific door.
There are no fundamental requirements for the length of the inner part of the cylinder. But if with inside the mechanism will also be flush with the door trim or decorative trim, it will look aesthetically pleasing and harmonious.
Lock cylinder with pinwheel
For ease of use, the door lock cylinder may have a rotary pinwheel. It allows you to lock and open the cylinder lock from the inside without a key. At the same time, the turntables have no “dead spots” - in any position, the lock will always open with the original key.
Equilateral Chinese cylinder mechanism 60 mm long, with a rotating pinwheel from the inside:
Versatile Italian movement 72 mm long, with internal rotary knob (enlarged inner part cylinder is designed for the thickness of the inner door panel):
Other security cylinder standards
If the cylinders described above fit certain standards and can be installed in any cylinder lock body, then the following considered security mechanisms have different sizes and are strictly individually suitable for one specific lock (or for some models of one manufacturer). For example, a cross cylinder mechanism from the Turkish company “KALE KILIT”.
Suitable only for locks of this type (can be installed in locks from other Turkish manufacturers (for example, FAYN), or with minor modifications, for locks made in China (for example, 3M)).
And here is the domestic cross-key secrecy mechanism:
Suitable only for locks made in Kirov. And as you probably already understood, the Kirov mechanism cannot be inserted into the KALE KILIT case and vice versa.
For some domestic rim locks, it is possible to purchase a cylinder separately. For example, the frequently broken “FORT” mechanism, which is only suitable for locks manufactured in the city of Petrozavodsk.
The locks are of terrible quality, the security mechanism and lock components are made mostly of silumin (a very fragile alloy), hence frequent breakdowns and, of course, the opportunity to purchase a new cylinder! In the next photo, from left to right, you can see the cylinder mechanisms for the Glazov and Iset rim locks.
Their problem is the same - soft materials and poor workmanship. Often such specific cylinders (cylinder selection options best quality no) are ordered and manufactured in China.
If you need to replace a lock cylinder in Nizhny Novgorod, our service specialists are always at your service by calling +7-987-110-30-43.
We will first find out what will suit you, advise you on prices and, after agreement, we will send a specialist to you for a replacement.
In our company's assortment huge selection CMS. We sell both cheap Turkish and Chinese-made larvae, as well as highly secret CMS from renowned European manufacturers. If, after reading the material, the lock cylinder still raises questions, we are always happy to advise you in the comments under this material.
The key to protecting your doors is a quality lock cylinder. With a thoughtful approach, the secret, which is another name for the lock cylinder or cylinder, can protect you from almost any break-ins and thefts.
The lock cylinder is important element castle Its quality is affected by:
- Complexity of grooves;
- Alloy quality.
Types of cylinders
- By type of castle. If the lock is padlocked, a special padlock is used. If it is mortise, then it is mortise;
- According to the number of holes for the key. In the case of a mortise lock, there are 2 types of cylinders. The first type is characterized by the fact that the door is locked with a key on both sides. The second differs in that on the inside of the door there will not be a key hole, but a special handle for locking;
- Along the length of the lock cylinder. Usually depends on the thickness of the door.
Our services
A high-quality lock cylinder is the key to the safety of your home. On our website you will find many options for the lock cylinder and choose the best one for you. The VashZamok company is distinguished by a guarantee of product quality and stability in the market. To save your time, we offer delivery options.
Sections of the article:
Replacing a lock is a phenomenon that often awaits us suddenly. A breakdown of the mechanism, a broken or lost key, a change of tenant in the apartment, or banal obsolescence of the lock - all this requires replacing the lock. Fortunately, instead complete replacement The mechanism can only be replaced by the door lock cylinder, which is incomparably simpler.
What is a larva?
The part of the mechanism responsible for the secrecy of the lock is called the cylinder; sometimes you can also hear the variant core or secret. It prevents possible entry of uninvited guests into the apartment. 
This happens thanks to a cunning mechanism: a key is inserted and turned into the hole, and the pins located inside must form a certain combination after which the lock will open. Incorrectly placed pins will not move the lock and the door will remain closed.
In designs modern type pins are replaced with washers, rotation blocks or moving probes. But despite the contents, the lock cylinder will be more effective if there are a large number of components and their quality.
But not all locks can be partially replaced; if there is a lever lock, replacing the cylinders will be impossible and a new lock will have to appear on the door.
Suvadal castle. There are five types of most popular locks:
- Cylinder;
- Disk;
- Cruciform;
- Pin;
- With increased complexity of the mechanism.
Locks can also be of the overhead or mortise type, with a key lock on both sides, or with a turntable on the apartment side. There are also top and bottom keys, and in terms of reliability they can only be locking and with an additional latch.
The wear resistance of the mechanism, the degree of resistance and the difficulty of selecting keys depend on the material of manufacture and the complexity of the pins. 
The larva itself can have three degrees of secrecy:
- Lowest - pins can form from one hundred to 10 thousand combinations, such a sample is most often made from materials with low strength, and the profile of the keys for such locks is most often standard;
- Medium - has from five to 50 thousand sets, distinguishing feature- a complicated mechanism, but the quality of the material is most often poor;
- The highest - can form from 100 thousand of all possible combinations and almost indefinitely. The materials used for the highest security cylinder are of high quality, and the level of assembly of the mechanism is at its best.
Types of castles
Each of the above types of locks has its own secrets and design differences. Such highlights determine the technology and the very possibility of changing the lock.
Cylinder locks
Such locks appeared back in the 19th century, thanks to their simple design and minimal requirements for the user. Having undergone some evolution since those times, cylinder locks have become the most popular and affordable option protection, and replacing the lock cylinder can be quite simple without spoiling the protective qualities of the door. 
Mostly cylinder locking mechanisms are manufactured according to the European standard DIN or RIM, the second of which is much less common.
It is quite easy to replace the lock cylinder, made in DIN format, for front door similar systems will be indistinguishable. The choice of lock is carried out mainly based on the thickness of the doors and the location of the fastening screw relative to the internal and external sides.
Cylinders are divided into the following types:
- With key and turntable system. The door is unlocked from the inside using a handle that can be easily opened in case of fire or other emergency;
- Key-key - the door can be opened with keys on both sides. This type is convenient if you need to protect the door from accidental opening, and a key inserted into the hole on one side will completely protect the door from opening;
- Semi-cylinder - the door opens purely from the outside. Typically, such a mechanism protects doors to rooms without people - storage rooms, weapons rooms, and other special-purpose buildings;
- Gear system - the movement of the key to the bolt is transmitted through a gear.
Replacing a lock cylinder with a gear mechanism is fraught with difficulties due to the peculiarities of the door, and only a professional can perform this work.
RIM cylinders were more common in Soviet times than now; therefore, locks for such mechanisms are rarely found on sale, and it is better to look for them at flea markets rather than in stores.
Changing the cylinder
A damaged lock cylinder can be removed and replaced with your own hands, which will take at most 20 minutes. To work, we will need a construction tape and a screwdriver with a Phillips connector.
Before removing the lock cylinder, we find the screw that attaches it to the door closing mechanism. Usually it is located on the lock bar at the end of the door leaf. The screw can be symmetrical or asymmetrical to the thickness of the door, it depends on the manufacturer and the specific model of the lock. Rotating the screw counterclockwise will remove the cylinder.
After removal, we pull the main mechanism towards us or press on it from the other side. If the cylinder moves but does not come out of the socket, insert the key into the cylinder and turn it a little clockwise, after which the cylinder can be easily removed. The normal removal of the cylinder may be prevented by a cam or a flag in the design, and our turn of the key will remove these parts into the cylinder. 
Now we measure the thickness of the door, taking into account the upholstery with a layer of insulation. But you can also take into account the dimensions of the removed cylinder, which will help you choose new model. To finally determine the required configuration of the cylinder, we also measure the diameter of the cylinder in order to install the lock cylinder located in the door as simply as possible.
Also, with an asymmetrical arrangement of the fastening screw, it is important to note which side it is closest to, this will be useful when choosing a new lock.
If you want to completely successfully change the cylinder, then take with you the cylinder that was in the metal door. If this is not possible, you will have to rely on precise measurements. You also need to choose a color new system so that after installation it does not stand out against the background of the canvas.
The purchased cylinder is installed in place of the previous one and secured with a screw. The main thing is to get into the opening to secure it. It will be easier if, while inserting the fastening, you move the secret in the lock, pushing it onto the fastening element. The key must be turned to the “closed” position. After installation, the lock must be checked when open and behind closed doors, and the process of the lock operation itself should not be accompanied by sounds and require additional effort from a person.
Disc type lock
The difference between such systems and other cylinder-type locks is their structural part: everything here is made by disks, which, when the key is turned in the lock, become at a certain angle. 
The key has a semicircular cross-section, on which cuts are made that correspond to the position of the disks.
In such a lock, replacing the lock cylinder can only be done with a related cylinder, similar to the one removed from metal door.
But changing the lock cylinder will be quite difficult, because there are almost no similar parts for the door on sale. The best option There will be a complete change of the lock.
Cross type lock
Such systems also use pins that align on four sides when the key is turned. Such cylinders can have many combinations, but the lock is unsafe because it is opened with a Phillips screwdriver. 
In such locks, replacing the cylinder, leaving the old lock in the door will wrong decision, it is easier to replace it completely to increase the level of security.
Pin lock
The cylinders for pin locks of the cylindrical type are produced only for two types of keys: English and perforated. 
In the case of an English key, the lock does not have high reliability indicators, and when using a perforated key, a lock without it can only be opened by drilling or knocking out, and this will take a lot of time.
You can change the cylinder using the lock repair technology described above.
Complex locks
IN complex systems constipation uses the following components:
- Armored inserts, titanium body;
- The set of pins starts from a million different combinations;
- The pins themselves are made of metal that is practically impossible to melt;
- The key has floating elements.
Manufacturers are constantly working to update and modernize the locks they produce.
New technologies make it possible to make fairly unique products that are highly reliable and quite durable.
Buying groceries famous brands You don’t have to worry about how to replace the cylinder protecting the lock on a metal door, but such a need may arise after losing the key.
It is impossible to select a key for such a lock, but replacing the lock cylinder is a completely feasible idea, albeit quite expensive and time-consuming, because repairing the front door will help keep your home safe. That is why, to repair a complex mechanism, it is better to turn to professional repairmen.
Timely replacement of the cylinder will help prevent lock damage. It is this mechanism that is responsible for controlling the lock, identifying the key, and opening access to the rotary mechanism, which moves the locking tab. Except for rare cases of breakage of lock springs, the cylinder ranks first in terms of wear and tear - after all, it is used most often, several times a day.
When to change the larva
The cylinder is the lock's coding mechanism, which serves to identify the key. The locking mechanisms of all locks are designed approximately the same, the only difference is the “secret”, which determines which key is suitable and which is not. Thanks to this device, secrecy is ensured: the door can only be opened with a key that is at the disposal of the owners of the house or apartment.
The uniqueness of each larva lies in the set of pins located inside the cylinder
As a rule, locks last a very long time. But there are exceptions to every rule. Sometimes, for one reason or another, the mechanism fails, and the process of closing or unlocking becomes difficult. The key does not turn, sticks, jams. Or vice versa - it rotates easily, but the lock tongue does not move. There are times when the key cannot be inserted into the hole, and sometimes, on the contrary, it is impossible to get it out. The reasons for this behavior of the lock are different:
- natural breakdown of the mechanism due to wear of parts;
- directed external influence, mechanical damage, impact;
- attempts to open the door with another key or without a key at all;
- breaking into;
- clogging of the keyhole with foreign objects, debris, rust.
In all these cases, immediate replacement of the larva is necessary. If you do not do this in a timely manner, one fine moment you may find yourself in front of the door to own apartment, which is impossible to enter.
Another common reason for replacing cylinders is the loss (or theft) of keys. According to key masters, most cases of loss occur on weekends and holidays.
To restore the operation of the lock, in the vast majority of cases it is not necessary to change it entirely. It is enough to purchase a new cylinder with a set of keys and install it in place of the old one. This kind of work is easy to do yourself with the help of simple tools. But sometimes it is better to turn to professionals; below we will consider such cases in more detail.
Types of lock larvae
"Secrets" on locks various designs have different shapes and device. Therefore, first of all, you need to determine the type of lock. Here is a list of the most common and common types of locks.
- Cylinder. A very popular type of locking device. It is difficult to break into, which is important for ensuring the safety of property. Experts distinguish several types of cylinder locks:
- Disk. The role of the identification device during unlocking is played by the rotary disks. It is quite difficult to find a related cylinder. Most often, the cylinder in such locks cannot be replaced. The lock is completely changed.
The disc lock is designed quite simply, but its effectiveness does not suffer from this
- Pinned. Rare but still existing locking mechanisms of the English system. It is believed that pin locks are inferior to cylinder locks in terms of reliability. However, perforated systems are used quite successfully.
- Cross-shaped. Not the most secure type of lock. Experienced burglars open it using a Phillips screwdriver selected according to size. Nevertheless, at the end of the last century this type of locking devices was very popular. Many still serve today. Changing the cylinder in such a lock is quite difficult. To do this, you need to completely disassemble its body. Most often, if an emergency occurs, the entire lock is replaced.
In order to get to the lock cylinder with a cross-shaped key, you need to remove the mechanism from the doors and open the protective case
- Complex locks. This group includes devices with a special degree of protection. As a rule, they Maintenance carried out by specialists from manufacturing companies. Therefore, it is more advisable to entrust the replacement of larvae and secretions, of which there may be several, to professionals.
It is also appropriate to note that according to the type of fastening, locks are classified into mortise, padded and overhead. This must be taken into account when choosing a new larva, since the mount is different for everyone. Padlocks cannot be disassembled; replacement of the cylinder is possible only in a workshop. Most mortise locks for household use are designed in such a way that access to the cylinder is possible without disassembling the case. In overhead structures, replacement requires removing the lock from the door.
How to choose a new lock cylinder
The best way to find a new “secret” is to unscrew the old one and purchase its exact copy in the store. If the lock is manufactured by a large industrial company, then it must be marked. Sales personnel are usually well versed in the pictograms and symbols indicating the product SKU. Consultants or managers will help you choose an identical or compatible cylinder for any lock.
If there is no opportunity to take the “secret” to the store, you need to:
In addition to the size, the material and color of the larva are taken into account when choosing. Copper or steel cores last much longer than brass or duralumin, but, of course, they are more expensive. The color is selected to match the overall scheme of the interior design.
According to the author, the best option can be considered a core made of of stainless steel. This material has practically no restrictions on the duration of use, looks great on doors and withstands burglary attempts very well. The price of an iron cylinder is lower than that of a copper one, and the surface coating (nickel or chromium) protects the mechanism from corrosion.
Video: how to choose a lock cylinder
What malfunctions of the larva can be repaired without replacement?
From time to time (at least once a year), the larva needs to be cleaned and lubricated. This will protect it from malfunctions. Liquid lubricant (type VD-40) not only flushes the working cavity, but also lubricates the rubbing parts - pins and pins. But after such “washing” it is recommended to additionally lubricate the larva with graphite lubricant.
Universal household lubricant with low viscosity is guaranteed to eliminate dry areas in the locking mechanism
If foreign objects get inside the larva - matches, paper clips, etc., they need to be removed and the larva is blown out with a vacuum cleaner. To remove small metal objects Convenient to use magnet.
The most unpleasant thing that can happen is that a hardening liquid mixture - diluted cement, acrylic or silicone sealant, polyurethane foam or banal chewing gum. After hardening, these substances turn into a monolithic mass, which is almost impossible to extract. Previously, such “tricks” were used by hooligans who wanted to harm residents. In such cases, the larva has to be changed. To protect the keyhole from ill-wishers, a screen is installed inside the core, which is fixed with a steel spring.
How to replace the lock cylinder on a door
Before you get started, you need to make sure you have the right tools.
Necessary tools for replacing and repairing the lock cylinder
To remove the secret from the lock body, you need to prepare in advance simple tools. They are sure to be found in every home:
The screwdriver must be selected with slots identical to the fixing screw. Most often this is a PH2 cross. You can use a drill with attachments or a screwdriver, for example, a furniture screwdriver, with a low number of revolutions and high power. Locking larvae in mortise lock located at the end door leaf, on the lock plate. Measuring tools- tape measure, ruler or caliper - needed to determine the exact dimensions of the original larva. Theoretically, it is possible to install a cylinder longer than the thickness of the door (but not more than 5 mm). However, it is considered that this increases the risk of penetration, since the part protruding from the outside can easily be broken or sawed off and thus gain access to the rotating mechanism.
Dismantling the old lock cylinder
In order to remove the old larva, you must:
If it is impossible to get the cylinder for some reason (for example, the key is jammed in the lock or the core mechanism is broken), use electric drill with a large diameter drill (about 10 mm). The core needs to be completely drilled out. After that, turn swivel mechanism and remove the larva, or rather, its remains. Despite the large size of the drill, the metal is easily yielded, since the larvae are made, as a rule, from brass or another alloy of light non-ferrous metals.
Replacing the cylinder in a cylindrical mortise lock with escutcheon handles
If included door lock handles with linings are included, then before starting the repair it is necessary to loosen the screws securing them (4 pcs.) This will open access to the cylinder.
Using a furniture screwdriver significantly speeds up the dismantling process
After removing the non-working core, a new one must be installed in the vacant space. To do this, a key is inserted into the cylinder and the cylinder is brought to a position where the pusher tongue is immersed in the body of the cylinder. Then:
Video: replacing the cylinder in a mortise lock
Replacing the cylinder in a cylindrical mortise lock without handles
If the cylinder door lock does not have handles, the procedure remains the same. Only in this case you do not need to remove the handles and linings. Access to the cylinder in such models is open, and dismantling begins directly with unscrewing the cylinder lock at the end of the door leaf.
Replacing the cylinder lock
The algorithm for replacing the cylinder in a rim lock is somewhat different compared to a mortise lock.
In addition to the four screws on the outer surface of the door, rim locks are sometimes secured with additional screws at the end of the door leaf. Before final tightening of all screws, it is necessary to check the operation of the lock. To do this, the gear is scrolled both clockwise and counterclockwise. If the locking mechanism works correctly, the screws are finally tightened with maximum force.
Video: repairing a rim lock
Replacing a lock cylinder with a cross-shaped key
As mentioned above, locks with cross-shaped keys are gradually going out of fashion and use. Partly because of this, components for them are not always easy to obtain. Nevertheless, if necessary, you can try and replace the cylinder of such a lock. The operating procedure is as follows.
- Remove the handles and linings from the lock (if any). Four fixing screws are unscrewed on the inside of the door.
- On the front plate at the end of the door, two screws are released that hold the lock in the door leaf. The lock body is removed from the door.
- To remove the cover from the lock body, unscrew all the screws located on the outside of the mechanism. There can be from four to eight.
Four to eight screws can be used to secure the lock cover.
- The cross-shaped larva unscrews. It is usually secured with two screws.
- A new one is installed in place of the damaged “secret” and secured with two screws.
The cylinder for hex keys usually has two holes for attachment to the lock body
- After checking the operation, the lock is reassembled.
In order for the castle to serve for a long time and without surprises, you need to give it a little attention at least once a year. First of all, this concerns cleaning the larva from contamination. Contact with external environment: dust, moisture and temperature changes - all this affects the operation of the lock. Sooner or later, dirt accumulates and the lock may simply jam.
Lock flush is poured directly into the keyhole
Experts recommend periodically (depending on operating conditions) washing the internal cavity of the larva. There are special liquids for this that are easy to find in specialized stores and key repair shops. The washing procedure is quite simple:
- cleaning spray from a can is poured into the larva;
- the key is inserted to the full depth;
- the key is removed and cleaned of adhering dirt.
This operation is performed until the key is completely cleaned. After preventative maintenance on the inside of the door, the same is done on the outside.
The key must not be rotated during cleaning. This will cause debris to spread throughout the cylinder mechanism. Only forward and backward movement is allowed.
If the lock on the front door needs to be cleaned, it is advisable to select a washing liquid with water-repellent and frost-resistant properties.
After cleaning the lock from dust and dirt, the key is dipped in lubricant, inserted into the cylinder and turned in different directions. In this case, the oil penetrates the core and lubricates the pins, springs and pins. As lubricant Most often, machine (motor) or spindle oil is used. But it is better to use a special lubricant designed specifically for locks of this type. Excess lubricant is removed with a rag.
A cylinder lock always needs a cylinder. It contains a secret mechanism, it is responsible for reliable locking of the door, and it is its design that will allow you to protect your property from unauthorized entry. The lock mechanism may need to be replaced if it fails or because you have lost one of the keys. There can be many reasons for failure: from a break-in attempt to incorrect installation of the lock. For example, if during its operation the crossbars rub against door frame, then the cylinder will fail much faster.
Our range
According to reviews and the opinion of craftsmen, cylinders from Apecs, Bulat, Trodos, Zamkoff, Zenit-Khimmash, ALLURE are some of the strongest and safest devices. They are unpretentious, they are not spoiled by moisture, temperature changes and dirt. These brands produce many series of cylinders. They differ in material, security class, number of pins and security combination. Each series has unique protection against drilling and picks. The more reliable the cylinder, the higher its price.
What do you need to know when choosing door lock cylinders?
Cylinders are:
classic;
oval;
for overhead locks.
They can also have different configurations on the outside and inside.
There are:
- Key-key, when the cylinder is opened with a key on one side and the other.
- Spinner key, with outside key, with internal turntable.
- Key rod, for electromechanical rim locks.
Our offer
In our online store we have cylinders for overhead and mortise locks on sale. The Order company sells a wide selection of cylinder mechanisms at the most reasonable cost. Contact us, we will promptly process your application and send the goods anywhere in Russia.
