Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to begin to show signs of wear, it's important to have it repaired quickly. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property at risk of burglary.
Fortunately, many of the most frequent problems in door locks can be solved without contacting the help of a professional. Find out more about the signs to look out for and how to fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
While they are less common on modern vehicles, as power door locks are now the norm vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and look out for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into, and it can wear out or break and cause your keys to stick when inserted or turned hard. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to take action quickly to stop the problem from getting worse.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to get rid of any debris blocking it. You could also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key isn't turning after trying all of these options, you may need to replace the cylinder. You can also have it repaired by a professional locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you might require to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in position and manually move the cylinder in such a way that it is aligned properly with the keyhole. Close the screws but not too tight since this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you may have to take off the faceplate in order to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. If so, you can locate them behind seams or indentations on the faceplate's edge or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you've removed the faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any damaged or worn out.
Assemble the lock and fix the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's that you should call an expert as the lock cylinder might require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes, a door handle loosens over time, and it can start to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This can be a big problem as it makes the door difficult to open and endangers those using it. It is essential to understand why the handle is loose and how to fix it.
In most cases, this is due to a screw on the door plate that requires tightening. Certain modern doors have chassis screws hidden in the door that are hard to reach, while older styles will have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten them easily, though it is best to use a threadlocker, which will secure the screws in place.
If the screw is exposed you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring around the handle's base first, then pull it off from the knob itself while depressing the metallic detent pin. Then, you can remove the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate which you then tighten. Examine the strike plate screws, which hold the plate at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Other times, the problem may be related to the spring cassette of the handle. It is prone to wear out over time. A simple replacement is usually needed.
You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith will install it for you. There are a range of cassettes available, so make sure to select the correct one for your particular handle.
It could also be due to a broken mounting ring or faceplate, but this is very rare with modern handles. You can usually find a similar replacement at a hardware store or online. After you have fitted the new part, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes in the handle with those on the plate. If you're concerned about this being too much of a DIY project, your locksmith can provide the price for this service.
Keys that won't turn
There are many reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. It is usually because of a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards and this should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes it is the key that causes the problem. Making vehicle lock repair near me of a key as an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for anything other than accessing your home can cause the point 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 encased inside the lock. In this case it is possible to re-tippe the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit into the lock better.
Another reason keys may not work in a lock is because it is damaged or bent. Utilizing keys as a tool to cut objects or as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the key to become bent, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation you may have to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is crucial to understand that gluing the two pieces of steel together won't work in the event that a key has been damaged inside a lock. This could cause further damage to the mechanism of the lock It is recommended to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not damaged, it could be that the cylinder of the lock has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this case, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder up by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and then unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of home security. However, they're often taken for granted--until they stop working properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself and can prevent larger issues from developing.
A dirty mechanism is one of the most common causes for a stuck lock. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A common option is to use a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is put into lock and rotated back and forth in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock should be able to turn smoothly again.
Another option is to choose an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is an excellent oil to use on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, as opposed to oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell graphite powdered which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can use pencils, which are made of the same material.
Clean up any lubricant that you may have applied after using it. This will stop it from building up and causing future issues. If your lock is stuck and doesn't move even after you've tried all of the suggestions above It's time to contact an expert locksmith who will assess the situation and determine what the best option is. If you don't address the problem, it can turn into major hassles and result in keys snapping in the lock or even in the door handle. A lock that is stuck can be extremely frustrating It's best to act earlier rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these kinds of issues from happening in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance routine can give you peace of mind that your locks are operating effectively, protecting your home.