Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to appear worn It is important to get it repaired quickly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your home vulnerable to burglaries.
Most of the common problems with door locks can be fixed without the need for an expert. Learn more about the most frequently occurring issues with door locks, and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners need to be aware of and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders though they are less common in modern vehicles as power door locks are now the commonplace. This is the tumbler made of mechanical that the key slides into and it can wear down or break, causing your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned into a tense. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to act swiftly to stop the problem from getting worse.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to remove any debris blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder or repair it by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using a different key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Retighten the screws but not too much since this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.
You may also need to remove the lock's faceplate, depending on the type. If this is the case, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations on the faceplate's edge or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can employ a screwdriver to remove the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you're having issues then it's time to contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder might need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle may become loose and begin to spin or fall off completely. This can be a big issue as it makes the door difficult to open and endangers those using it. It is important to understand why the handle is loosened and how it can easily be fixed.
This is usually because of a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have chassis screws hidden in the door that are hard to reach, but older designs will have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to use a threadlocker to lock 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 the handle before you can pry the knob away while pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate which you then tighten. You should also examine the strike plate screws that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway that the latch clicks into when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.
You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are many different types of cassettes available to choose from, so be sure to choose the correct one for your particular handle.
It could also be due to a broken faceplate or mounting ring, but this is very rare with newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement to yours at hardware stores or online. After you have installed the new part you will be required to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. Aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also essential. If you're worried about this being too much of a DIY job the locksmith you choose can provide an estimate for this service.
Keys that don't turn
There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside of locks. Most of the time it is due to the lack of lubrication. This can be corrected with a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant, and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth and this should allow the key to open the lock.
Other times it could be the key itself that can be the problem. Utilizing a key for a box cutter, can opener, or for something other than entering your home could cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder correctly, causing it to become stuck or jammed inside the lock. In this instance the re-tipping of the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit better.
Another reason that the key may not turn in a lock is that it is bent or damaged. Utilizing G28 Car Keys as a tool to cut things or use it as a can opener could cause the point of the key to become bent, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be necessary to fix the problem.
If keys have snapped inside of a lock, it is crucial to keep in mind that trying to put the two pieces of metal back to each other won't work. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith that provides replacement keys.
If the key is not damaged, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it is possible to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. Once the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder and unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Sticky locks are a common issue, but they're difficult to fix, and doing so will stop larger problems from developing.
One of the most likely reasons for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. It can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A common solution is to apply a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then put into the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will rotate smoothly once more.
A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is a fantastic oil to use on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can use pencils that are made from the same material.
Always wipe away any excess lubricant you have applied after having used it. This will prevent it from accumulating and causing future issues. If your lock that is sticky isn't moving after trying all of the above methods It's time to contact an expert locksmith who will examine the situation and determine what the best course of action is. If you don't take care of sticky locks, they can become a major problem and cause keys to snap inside the lock. It's better to act sooner than later if you have locked that is stuck. Regular lubrication will help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance routine can provide you with peace of mind that your locks work correctly, and are secure for your home.