Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It's important that you repair locks on doors as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.
Many of the most common problems with door locks can be solved without the need for a professional. Learn more about what to look for and how to fix them at home.
Damaged Lock Cylinder
Car owners should be aware of and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders, even when they aren't as prevalent in newer cars since power door locks are now the standard. This is the mechanical tumbler that your keys slide into. It can wear out or break, causing keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. It is crucial to act quickly if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.
The easiest way to fix this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that may be hindering it. You can also lubricate it using a graphite or silicon spray. Be careful not to overdo it as this could cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or repair it by locksmiths.
After spraying the cylinder with the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you might need to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder so that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Make sure to tighten the screws afterward, but not too tight, as this could cause internal components to wear or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock, you may have to remove the faceplate in order to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. If this is the case, you'll find them hidden behind seams or indentations at the faceplate's edge or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
When reassembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's likely time to call an expert as the lock cylinder may need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle will loosen and start to spin or drop completely. This can be a big issue as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those using it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and how it can be repaired.
Most of the time, it's down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are difficult to reach, but older styles will have them accessible and visible. It is easy to tighten these screws but it is preferential to use a threadlocker, which will lock the screws 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 handle before you can pry the knob off while pressing the metal detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. Check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway, where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue can be down to the handle's spring cassette. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is often needed.
You can do this yourself, or your local locksmith will install it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes that are available and you should select the correct one for your particular handle.
This can also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for handles that are newer. You will usually find a comparable replacement at a hardware store or online. Once you've fitted the new part, you should tighten up all the fixings and re-attach the handle. You should also re-align the holes on the handle with those on the plate. If you're concerned about this being too much of a DIY job the locksmith you choose can provide the price for this service.
Keys that won't turn
There are many reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most often it is due to a lack of lubrication. This can be fixed with a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. The pins will move upwards and downwards when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Sometimes, 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. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly and can result in it getting stuck or jammed inside of the lock. In this case the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file could help it fit into the lock better.
electronic door lock repair near me that is not turning in a lock may also be bent or damaged. The tip of a key can become bent if it is used to cut or open 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-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
If a key has snapped inside of a lock, it is important to remember that trying to join the two pieces of metal together won't work. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys.
If the key is not broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this case, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder has warmed up, you should be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to melt out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a vital part of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common issue, but they're difficult to fix yourself and will stop larger problems from developing.
A rusty mechanism is among the most frequent causes of a stuck lock. This can be easily fixed with a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is put into lock and rotated back and forward to spread the grease on the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock should turn smoothly once again.
Another option is to use an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is a great for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can use pencils that are made from the same material.
Always clean up any excess lubricant after applying it to avoid it from accumulating and becoming a source of future problems. If your lock that is sticky won't move after you've tried all the above suggestions, it's time to call an expert locksmith who will assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. If you don't address the problem, it can escalate into major annoyances and can lead to keys snapping inside the lock, or even the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be a huge hassle and it's better to act sooner rather than later. And regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of issues from happening in the first in the first. You can be assured of peace of assurance that your locks work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance tasks.