How to remove and replace the lock cylinder on an Adams-Rite style aluminum door deadlock.

1.  Remove the face plate. The face plate is held in place by three screws, use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws.  The face plate should now come off, it may be necessary to use a small slot screwdriver to pry the plate loose.

2.  Loosen the cylinder set screw.  There will be two set screws, one for the outside cylinder and another for the inside cylinder or thumb turn.  These are usually slot type screws but some older model locks may have Allen type screws.  Loosen but DO NOT REMOVE the set screw closest to the cylinder you are removing, three or four turns.

3.  Remove the lock cylinder.  The lock cylinder is threaded like a bolt and like a bolt is removed by rotating the cylinder counterclockwise.  The best way to do this is by using the key, like a screwdriver.  Insert the key all the way and then pull it out one notch (you can also insert a key from another lock that does not work this lock, just leave it fully inserted).  Turn the key counterclockwise, the cylinder should unscrew.  It may be necessary to loosen the two lock mounting screws.  If necessary loosen the set screw a quarter turn at a time, be careful to not unscrew it all the way, they can be a pain to get back in.

4.  You can now have the cylinder serviced or install a new cylinder.

RECOMMENDATION:  A hardened cylinder ring should be installed around the outside lock cylinder, the cylinder ring that normally comes with the lock is susceptible to wrenching, the hardened ring will make wrenching more difficult.

5.  Replace the lock cylinder.  Put a drop of oil on the threads of the lock cylinder.  Using the key as a screwdriver (see step 3) rotate the cylinder clockwise until it stops then reverse directions until the bottom of the key is at the lowest point on the cylinder.  Take care to not cross thread the cylinder, the cylinder should screw in smoothly and without much effort.  If you have trouble getting the threads started, try reversing directions until you feel a “click” this should align the threads, now rotate clockwise.  If the lock moves around inside the door too much, try holding the cylinder or thumb turn on the opposite side of the door steady with one hand while rotating the cylinder with the other.

6.  Tighten the cylinder set screw.  Using the key as a screwdriver (see step 3) wiggle the lock cylinder while tightening the set screw, this will help center the set screw in the groove on the side of the cylinder.

7.  If you loosened the lock mounting screws in step 3, tighten them now.

8.  Replace the face plate.  Using the key or thumb turn rotate the lock bolt to the locked position.  Replace the face plate and install the three screws.

9.  Test lock operation.  With the door open test the lock.  Do not close and lock the door until you are satisfied that the lock is functioning properly.