Why Lock Repairs You'll Use As Your Next Big Obsession
Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to show signs of wear it is crucial to have it repaired quickly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk making your home at risk of burglary.
Many of the most common problems in door locks can be resolved without the need for a professional. Learn more about the most frequently occurring issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners must be aware of and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders although they are not as common in modern vehicles as door locks with power are now the norm. This is the mechanical tumbler that keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break, causing keys to become stuck or hard to turn. It's important that you respond quickly if you observe your vehicle has this issue.
The easiest way to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that could be hindering it. You can also lubricate it using a graphite or silicone spray. Be careful not to overdo the procedure as this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder or repair it by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed your cylinder and tried another key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and then manually move it in a way that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Close the screws, but not too tightly because 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 as well to gain access to the screw heads that hold it. If so, you'll find them behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.
Assemble the lock and fix the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you have trouble doing this, it's likely that you should call an expert because the lock cylinder may require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or fall off completely. This can be a big problem as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those using it. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose and how it can easily be repaired.
Often, this is simply due to a screw on the door plate that needs tightening. Some modern doors have chassis screws hidden in the door that are difficult to reach, while older designs will have them accessible and visible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in place.
If the screw is exposed you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You might need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle first, then pull it off of the knob while pressing the detent pin made of metal. Then, you can remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate that you can tighten. Examine the strike plate screws, which hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is with the spring cassette inside the handle. This may break down over time, but most of the time it's just down to wear and tear and needs an easy replacement.
You can install it yourself or have your local locksmith do it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes that are available to choose from, so be sure to get the right one for your particular handle.
This could also be due to a broken mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for handles with modern designs. You can usually find a replacement to yours at a hardware store or online. Once you have fitted the new piece, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes of the handle with the holes on the plate is also essential. If you're concerned that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith can provide a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. This is typically due to a lack of lubrication. vehicle lock repair can be remedied with a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the grease.
Other times, the key itself might be the issue. The key's tip will become blunt in time, especially if it's employed for a different purpose than getting into your home. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way and can cause it to get stuck or jammed inside the lock. In this situation the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file can make it fit into the lock better.
A key that isn't turning in a lock may also be damaged or bent. Making use of keys as tools to cut things or use it as an opener for cans can cause the point of the key to be bent, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key could be required to correct the problem.
It is vital to be aware that gluing the two pieces of steel together won't work in the event that a key has been damaged inside a lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism, and it is best to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key is not broken, it could be because the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. Once the cylinder is warm, it should be possible to insert the key and open the door. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism, allowing it to warm up and then thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a crucial part of your home security. Locks are often taken for granted, until they stop working properly. Sticky locks can cause problems. However, they are simple to fix and could help prevent more serious problems from arising.
A dirty mechanism is one of the most frequent causes of a stuck lock. It can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then placed inside the lock and rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant over the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock should turn smoothly again.
A graphite-based lubricant is a different alternative. Graphite is an excellent grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Powdered graphite is available in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also employ a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Always wipe away any excess lubricant applied after using it. This will stop it from building up and causing future issues. If you've tried these suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to call in an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the best solution. If you don't take care of the sticky locks, they could be a serious issue and cause keys to break inside the lock. It's better to act sooner than later if you have a stuck lock. Regularly lubricating your locks can help to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Adding this to your yearly maintenance tasks can give you peace of mind that your locks are functioning effectively, protecting your home.