Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a lock on your door begins to appear worn It is important to get it repaired quickly. Your home could be open to burglars.
A lot of the most frequent problems in door locks can be resolved without calling a professional. Learn more about the most common problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Car owners should be aware and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders when they aren't as prevalent in newer cars as power door locks are now the norm. This is the tumbler that keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break, causing keys to become stuck or hard to turn. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act quickly to stop the problem from worsening.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to eliminate any debris that could be blocking it. You can also try lubricating it using a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much as this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key doesn't turn after trying all of these options, you may need to replace the cylinder. It could also be repaired by an experienced locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried the same key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and manually move it so that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws following the move, but don't get too tight as this can cause internal components to wear or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you may need to remove the faceplate to access the screw heads that are used to secure it. You can locate them by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the outside of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to reach these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it can be inserted and turned without any issues. If you're experiencing issues you should call an expert as the lock cylinder could need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a big problem as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk the people who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loosened, and how it can easily be fixed.
It is usually caused by loose screws in the doorplate. Some modern doors have chassis screws hidden in the door that are difficult to reach, while older styles will have them visible and easily accessible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is best to employ a threadlocker to secure them in place.
If the screw is exposed, you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can pry the knob away while pressing the detent pin made of metal. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by removing the rose. You should also examine the strike plate screws which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette that's in the handle. It can wear out over time, but it's usually due to wear and tear and requires the replacement of a spring cassette.
You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes available to choose from, so be sure to get the right one for your handle type.
This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement for yours from an online store or a hardware store. Once you've fitted the new piece and tightened all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. Aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also crucial. If you're concerned about this being a difficult DIY project the locksmith you choose can provide the price for this service.
Keys that won't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. vehicle lock repair near me is often due to a lack of lubrication. You can fix this by using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the grease.
Sometimes, the key is the problem. Using a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for anything other than entering your home could cause the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly, which could lead to it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit in the lock better.
A key that isn't turning in a lock could be damaged or bent. The edge of a key may be bent when it is used to open or cut cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be necessary to fix the problem.
It is important to know that gluing the two pieces of metal is not a viable option when a key is damaged inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the lock mechanism It is recommended to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys to fix the problem.
If the key isn't broken, it may be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be able to insert the key into the cylinder and unlock the door. Alternately, you can make use of a hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism to thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a crucial element of your home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Locks that stick are a frequent problem, but they're not difficult to fix yourself, and doing so can stop bigger issues from arising.
One of the most likely causes for a lock to become sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily cured with a little bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricants like WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a popular solution. 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.
Another option is to use an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is a great oil for small parts of metal and doesn't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, since it's made of the same material.
Always clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after applying it to avoid it from accumulating and becoming a source of future issues. If you've tried the suggestions above and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to contact an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the most effective solution. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can turn into major hassles and result in keys snapping in the lock or even the door handle. It's better to act sooner rather than later if you encounter locked that is stuck. Regular lubrication will help to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance routine can give you peace of heart that your locks are operating correctly, and are secure for your home.