Fixing the door at the shop by replacing the mortise cylinder lock. #HandsomeOrHandy #Locksmith, by Handsome Or Handy on YouTube. 1 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open the door and look at the edge to find the small set screw that holds the mortise cylinder in place.
Loosen that set screw with a screwdriver or the correct hex key. Do not remove it fully yet.
Note how the cam on the back of the cylinder sits, then unscrew the cylinder counterclockwise with a cylinder wrench.
Pull the old cylinder out and compare its length and thread with the new one. They must match.
Move the cam and any spacer ring from the old cylinder to the new one in the same position.
Screw the new cylinder in by hand until it sits flush with the door face.
Tighten the set screw so the cylinder cannot turn, then test the key from both sides.
Close the door and check that the latch and deadbolt move freely with the new cylinder.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the door open while you work so you are not locked out if the cylinder comes free.
Match the cylinder length exactly, since a long one can jam the lock and a short one leaves a gap.
Take a photo of the cam position before removing the old cylinder so you can refit it correctly.
Questions
Do I need a special tool to remove a mortise cylinder?
A cylinder wrench or lock spanner makes it much easier, but a wide flat screwdriver can work if the cylinder is not too tight.
Can I rekey instead of replacing the cylinder?
Yes, a locksmith can rekey the existing cylinder. Replacing it is simpler if the body is worn or damaged.
What if the new cylinder will not screw in all the way?
Check the thread and length against the old one, and make sure the cam is seated correctly before forcing it.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
