Proper Way to Disassemble Mortise Cylinder

[Klaiviel]

So I was wondering what is the proper way to disassemble a mortise cylinder, say for example to re-key it. When I first encountered a mortise lock I tried to pry the metal piece at the top of the bible and was successful although I pretty much destroyed it. Reinsertion was even more fun, I had to bend it strait and I hammered it in with a 1" chisel. Needless to say I am pretty sure I didn't do it right on that one and I am surprised that lock still works. lol Since then I have been putting the pins in using a plug follower which works okay, but can be a pain sometimes. Is there any easier way to do this? And is there an easy way to remove and reinsert that metal piece on top of the bible?

[yng_pick]

For rekeying, just unscrewing the cam from the back, plug following the cylinder, and using tweezers if need to check the top for master pins, or change out top pins/springs.

I try to not mess with the cover on top if I can avoid it, no reason to remove it if you can insert a plug follower

[Josh K]

For rekeying, just unscrewing the cam from the back, plug following the cylinder, and using tweezers if need to check the top for master pins, or change out top pins/springs.

I try to not mess with the cover on top if I can avoid it, no reason to remove it if you can insert a plug follower

Sometimes you have to if you don't have a key or can pick it.

Other then that, you're spot on. Pick it, and follow with a plug follower.

[Klaiviel]

Okay I agree with what has been said; however, if you do have to remove that thing and reinstall it, how do you do that without completely destroying it?

[Josh K]

Okay I agree with what has been said; however, if you do have to remove that thing and reinstall it, how do you do that without completely destroying it?

Really I don't know. My guess would be there's a tool for that.

[SnowyBoy]

Get yourself a tap & die set and some grub screws to make it repinnable at your leisure..... you might as well try since its been damaged now.

[yng_pick]

I have run into a couple where the cylinder is so tight that I cannot fit a shim in, and have removed the cover. Fun part is when there is no cover.

What I have done is gently pry it up, then use a vise to first flatten/straighten it, then fold it into a v shape lengthwise, set it back along the top, and use a punch to tap it into place.