Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to show signs of wear it is crucial to have it repaired promptly. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.
Many of the most common problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling an expert. Learn more about what to look out for and how you can fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Car owners need to be aware and watch out for damage to door lock cylinders, even though they are less common in newer cars as power door locks are now the norm. This is the tumbler that the key slides into and it can wear out or break which causes keys to stick when inserted or turning hard. It is essential to act quickly if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.
The easiest way to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air in order to clear of any obstructions that could be hindering it. You could also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key won't turn after trying these different methods You may have to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by an experienced locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder using the appropriate spray and using a different kind of key, you may need to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder in such a way that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Make sure to tighten the screws following the move, but don't get too tightly as this may cause internal components to wear out or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock, you may need to remove the faceplate as well to gain access to the screw heads that are used to secure it. If so, you can locate them hidden behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After you've removed your faceplate, make use of a screwdriver to remove the internal components of the lock and replace any that are worn or damaged.
When assembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you are having trouble you should consult an expert because the lock cylinder could need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or drop completely. This can be a big issue because it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to the people who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loosened, and how it can easily be fixed.
This is often caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, whereas older designs are easily accessible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is best to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in place.
If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring at the base of handle before you can take the knob off while pressing the metal detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. Check the strike plate screws that secure the plate to the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette in the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.
You can do this yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are many different types of cassettes, so make sure you get the right one for your particular handle.
It could also be due to a damaged mounting ring or faceplate, but this is not common with the newer handles. You can find a replacement in a hardware shop or online. After you have fitted the new part, you'll have to tighten all fixings, then reattach the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle to those on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could give you a quote.
Keys that Don't Turn
There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. This is often due to a lack lubrication. This can be fixed by applying a lubricant, such as WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant, and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move up and down again and enable the key to unlock the lock.
Other times, the key itself might be the cause. Using a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for anything other than entering your home can cause the tip of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly which can result in it becoming stuck or jammed in the lock. In this case the re-tipping of the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit better.
A key that isn't turning in a lock could be damaged or bent. The edge of a key may be bent if used to open or cut cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation it is possible to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of metal together is not a viable option when a key is damaged inside a lock. This could lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock It is recommended to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key isn't damaged, it is likely that the cylinder of the lock has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance, it can be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for several minutes. Once the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to melt out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a vital part of home security. But the fact is that they're often taken for granted--until they stop working properly. Sticky locks could be a source of trouble. However, they are simple to fix and could prevent bigger problems from developing.
One of the most likely causes for a lock to become sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.
The most common method is to use a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and turned around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should turn smoothly once more.
A graphite lubricant is another option. Graphite is a great grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in a variety of hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, as it's made from the same material.
It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from accumulating and causing future issues. If you've tried the above suggestions and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to call in a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the most effective solution. If you do not take care of sticky locks, they can become a major problem and cause keys to snap inside the lock. lock repair services near me to take action now rather than later if you encounter locked that is stuck. Regular lubrication can help to keep these kinds of problems from arising in the first place. You can rest in mind knowing that your locks function correctly and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance tasks.