Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

Some time ago, on a whim, I bought a new cylinder lock to replace the one in my front door. I know how to do it. I CAN do it. Except for the spindle (think that's the bit), that has notches in so you can cut it down to size.

I am quite good at DIY, do it often, and have quite a few of my own tools. But I am not sure what to use to cut that spindle. The instructions say a hacksaw, but which type? How many TPI is recommended?

Any thoughts/ideas? Thanks

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

I expect most would do it, I used a serrated kitchen knife on one once!

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

I use two strong Pliars.(or adjustable grips)

Hold the bar with one halfway under the line you want to cut. (Assuming you know how many to remove?)

Now use the other pliars and place the cutting edge directly on the line and squeeze several times under your best pressure.

Now bring the first pliars almost up to the line and use the second pliars to bend the piece you want to remove backwards and forwards until it snaps off.

You can use a file to rub down any rough edges.

Using two pliars prevents damage to the part connected to the cylinder.

(With some locks it is best to remove one piece at a time until you reach the required length for the door in question)


Using a Hacksaw

Any hacksaw will do the job

Hold the metal bar with a strong pair of pliars (or adjustable grips) just under the line you want to cut (If you have a vice it will be easy)

The trick here is to keep your left hand steady or try and hold it against something or you could do damage to the cylinder end.

Now use the hacksaw to cut across the line.

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

These days they are made from hardened steel so they can't be broken off, what you need to do is grind it.
Most little workshops will have a little grinder, the other option is to by a grinding wheel on a spindle that will fit your drill.

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

I like Twizzard's method with the serrated knife best, but it's no good asking me - I'm useless

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

I am from the 'what ever which works' school of thought
This can be anything from a hacksaw to an axe it always works.
I can't afford to buy the right tools for every job.

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

I know it can't be cut, only ground!
Burglars now carry a little rechargeable grinder to cut the latest type of padlocks.

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

Jazzi, if the instructions say use a hacksaw then that is the best tool to use ('tho as you've seen above there are other ways)

There are basically two types of hacksaw, the traditional type which uses a blade about 300mm in length and the somewhat newer type which uses a blade about 100mm in length.

I prefer the larger type when ever possible, the smaller type blade always seems to twist in use and is not so easy to fit in the frame.

You will need a blade with at least 32 tpi, you can get blades with even more tpi but only at specialised suppliers.

Hope that helps.

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

Thanks for all your replies. Some of them quite interesting!

I tried cutting it with my hacksaw but only succeeded in making the groove just fractionally wider. I think Wrinkly's right in that only a grinder would touch it. I don't know if I could justifiably buy a grinding wheel. Tried looking at them yesterday. My drills (think I have several) are stored away in the cupboard somewhere but do need to be unearthed for another project.

Thanks all. In no hurry but thought I'd ask.

Re: Which hacksaw? Or cutting tool...

A junior hacksaw with a good blade in would do that easy.