Barrel of a Lock Explained: A Quick Guide for Landlords

At A Glance

• Barrel locks include both lock cylinders for external doors and internal locks for cabinetry
• They play an essential role in securing doors and storage spaces with a key-operated lock
• While durable, barrel locks can wear out over time; they should also be replaced post-tenancy
• Learning how to self-replace barrel locks means you no longer need service providers
• Replacing a barrel lock is easy once you know what barrel lock type your door uses

As a landlord with rental properties, ask yourself this: when did you last change the barrel of a lock on one of your rentals? If you haven’t replaced the door lock barrel in some time, we recommend you make it a priority. In this quick guide, we’ll break down why the barrel of a lock is so important to you. Inspired by insight from Multipointlocks, you’ll soon be able to appreciate their importance.

Let’s take a look at the barrel of a lock. From its function and its role in home security to the need for a regular replacement, we’ll cover the basics you need to know. Use these insights to help inform your rental property decision-making and make sure your rentals stay safe and suitably secure.

Why Landlords Need To Understand The Barrel Of A Lock

Most landlords use outsourcing a lot, right? It makes sense, too. Delegation is the sign of a good manager, and if you aren’t DIY-minded, then hiring a professional is the sensible option most of the time. However, you will need to understand the basics so service providers cannot misguide you.

That’s especially true when it comes to the security of your rental property. Given that the average tenancy in the UK lasts around 3-4 years, it might seem easy to keep the same old lock cylinder in your doors. However, with the growing preference for 12-month contracts, you might find tenant turnover starting to increase a little bit. When a tenant moves out, it’s time to consider replacing the lock cylinder.

Why? Well, the last thing you want is the old tenant still being able to access your property. While it always helps to see the best in people, some tenants won’t play by the rules. They may cut a spare copy of the key without telling you, meaning they can enter and revisit the property without your knowledge. That’s a serious security risk, and it could make your new tenants feel unsafe.

So, understanding the barrel of a lock matters if you want to take rental property security seriously. Not only would it make DIY lock cylinder replacements easier, but it also helps you to make sure that any service providers you hire do the job you need them to do.

What The Lock Barrel Does: The Basics

So, first and foremost: what is a barrel lock? A barrel lock, sometimes known as the lock cylinder, is a popular type of lock mechanism. We find barrel locks in most door types, especially external doors made from materials like UPVC.

However, we regularly see cylinder barrel locks used in various other places. This could include cabinetry, storage lockers, and even vehicles like heavy-duty trucks. For landlords, though, your main focus will likely be on your rental property’s entrance(s).

A lock barrel is made up of three areas: the lock body, the internal lock pins, and the keyway. The body is what stores all the components inside, while the pins are what ensure the door locks or unlocks when the correct key is used. The keyway is where you put the key in, and it is the most visible part of the lock cylinder.

How does the lock barrel work? When you insert the key into the barrel and turn it, the door will lock or unlock. The keyway, with the correct key inserted, aligns the tumblers in the lock to open or close the door. Most lock barrels are made from materials like stainless steel, though brass and zinc alloys are increasingly common as well.

The Role Of A Lock Barrel In Security

Regardless of what type of lock barrel you have, the main purpose is the same: to keep your doors secure. Regardless of whether you use a barrel lock in your doors – commonly known as a cylinder lock – or you use a barrel lock for internal storage on cabinets, the role is the same. When the barrel lock is secured and locked, the door cannot be opened.

They are essential for home security, whether it’s in internal doors like cabinet doors or on external doors. Cylinder locks are what we generally use on an external door, while barrel locks are used to secure things like cabinetry. The purpose is the same, though, to provide an easy-to-use but highly secure locking mechanism on doors, cabinets, and storage spaces.

Replacing A Door Lock Barrel

Despite being made from durable materials, though, the barrel of a lock will wear out eventually. When that happens, you need to get a replacement lock cylinder. Now, this can be tricky. For one, you need to find a compatible lock cylinder that fits your overall lock mechanism. It also needs to be the same size as the old lock barrel; the replacement process becomes far more complicated.

You also need to ensure that your new lock barrel matches or exceeds the security rating of the old barrel. Replacing a barrel lock is different depending on whether you are replacing a lock cylinder on a door or you are replacing a lock on a cabinet. Our advice would be to invest time in finding out how to replace each lock in your rental property. You can then avoid having to hire third-party services for what is generally a very easy DIY task.

Learn Quick Barrel Swaps To Save Yourself Time & Money

Whether you are replacing the lock cylinder in your rental property’s door or you are replacing an internal lock, like one on a cabinet, it’s important that you learn how to do this on your own.

The first few times you replace a barrel lock can be confusing, but once you get it right, it’s easy to replicate. Take the time to learn about each barrel lock type that you have in your rental properties, and then do some reading into the swap process. Self-replacements are quick, easy, and mean you can carry out rapid replacements as soon as a tenant moves out and/or the lock breaks.