Unashamedly pinched from The Samba credit must go to brandn for words & pics:- Ok Here we go. First the disclaimer! Im obviously no locksmith and i dare say there are people out there who can do it other ways but this has worked everytime for me and i am now on one key! The handle i am using is a front door handle, the process is the same for all locks, but the sliding door and hatch lock have a very little phillips screw which needs to be removed to release the barrel. OK, you will need these bits. The extra wafers are optional: First off, insert the key. This will stop the wafers flicking out when you pull the barrel as they are on little springs. Then remove the latch from the back of the lock and remove the little retainer spring: Now you should be able to slide the barrel out, make sure the key stays in the lock so you dont lose the wafers. Ok, lay the barrel down on its side and you should be able to see which wafers are sticking out, and therefore stopping the barrel from spinning. I have marked 2 definates and 1 possible on this lock: Slowly remove the key whilst holding the wafers in as the key comes out to ensure they dont pop out. Carefully remove the offending wafers, if the lock is clean they should just pop out, if not they may need some persuasion with a little screwdriver of plyers. I ended up removing three on this lock. Stick the key back in the lock and take another look, all the pins should sit clean against the barrel now. If they do, slide the lock back in and see if it will turn, this one turned nicely. If not check the wafers, one must still not be flush. If you have extra spare wafers now is the time to use them, for me its trial and error, until you find one that works. There are not many sizes so it doesnt take long. If you dont have them its not the end of the world. I removed 3 wafers here, which left plenty in the barrel to form a lock. I have never had to remove more than 3. />Now is the time to use the silicone spray to clean up the lock and then a nice dose of grease gets it all moving nicely. This lock was super clean so i didnt bother but all my other ones have been heavely clogged up and needed a good clean up. Ok time to put the lock together. With the key in the barrel slide it back in place, replace the spring, screw the latch back on: Bingo.... one working lock... Repeat for rest of van, now sit back and congratulate yourself on another job out of the way!
Great write up. I do fancy the whole "1 key" approach but expected it to be a bigger deal than this. By the way, is there any reason why you couldn't just dremel off the excess on any wafers that protrude whilst they are still in the lock barrel?
with the new barrel i've got, if i put my old key in it pushes out 3 wafers. So if i take them out i'm left with only 1wafer in the barrel? Do i reposition the others to try and fit flush? If so do you move the springs aswell as they don't seam to be in the none used slots?? Sorry i might be being dim hear but best to check and get it right..!!
Yes if you don't use a slot, dump the spring. Dremmeling off the excess - Yes and no. It might mean that the wafer just does nothing in which case you might as well remove it.
Cool..! I was only playing with the new barrel last night so will wait till tomorrow so i can take off the door handle and get the old barrel out and dry test new barrel in situ..!! Cheers for help, i'll let you know how it goes.
