Check Out: How Locks Repair Is Taking Over The World And What Can We Do About It

How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair

If your door lock is difficult to turn, lubricating it could help. If it is wiggles when you insert the key, it's time to call for a professional locksmith repair or replacement.

In certain circumstances it might be more cost effective to replace a lock with a safer one.

Damaged Cylinder

If your lock cylinder feels stiff or your key isn't turning smoothly, this is an indication that the cylinder is damaged. A damaged cylinder could make your door vulnerable to burglars. It should be repaired as quickly as possible. If you are unable to fix it yourself, contact a locksmith.

Cylinder lock problems are often caused by rust and corrosion over time. You can avoid this by applying a regular coating of paint on the surface of the lock. Make sure the weather strip is in good working order. This can cause water to enter the cylinder and weaken it over time.

A misalignment of the cylinder and the keyhole on the door is a common issue. This can occur due to various reasons, such as loose screws or an incorrectly aligned keyway on the handle. To fix this the first step is to remove the screws securing the cylinder and then gently adjust it. Be careful not to tighten them too tightly as this could cause damage to the components.

Use a graphite lubricant to ensure that your cylinder is operating correctly. This is usually available at hardware stores and can be applied directly to the cylinder. The lubricant helps the key turn smoothly, and prevents future lock issues.

If the cylinder is totally damaged, you may have to replace it. This is a relatively simple task you can tackle at home. The first step is removing the faceplate. After that it's time to disassemble the lock's the cylinder. Once you have removed the cylinder, you should note any set screws that are fixing it to the cylinder. They are crucial to note to make it easier to reassemble the cylinder later on.

Lastly, be sure to make use of a screwdriver that has an extremely fine tip to access narrow areas within the lock. Also, you'll need a few ziplock bags to keep the pieces you remove.

Knobs or Handles that are Leap

As time passes and usage increases door knobs or handles can become loose. This could be a major issue for employees as well as customers. This problem is usually easy to fix, and does not require a locksmith service.

Generally, loose doorknobs are the result of the same problems that can cause locks to jiggle or pull away from the door: wear and tear loose screws, the wrong combination of components. It's also possible that the house or business may have been settling slightly. www.g28carkeys.co.uk could influence how tightly the door handle is tacked to the lock.

It is possible to fix knobs or handles that are loose but you must have the right tools. Be sure to not overtighten the screw. This could damage the doorknob or handle. It's also beneficial to have a second hand to help you twist and tighten the doorknob.

It is essential to first locate the loose screw. It is usually located under an attractive cover that protects the lockset mounting ring. You will need to depress the lever or button with an awl, or the tip of a small screwdriver with a flat blade in order to remove the cover and expose the ring that holds the lockset. It is then possible to tighten the nut by turning it counterclockwise.

Some of the latest doorknobs use different methods of fastening. These doorknobs attach to the doors using hidden screws and a device referred as a detent. This kind of fastener is a bit more complex, but it is easily fixed by following the same steps previously.

After the screw has been tightened, it is a good idea for you to apply a washer to the screw. This will stop the screw from loosening in the future. This is particularly crucial for doorknobs made of wood which may have a damaged screwhole due to repeated use. Washers are available at any hardware shop and are a quick and quick solution to any problem you encounter. Choose a washer that matches the screw in the doorknob.

Poorly cut key

Poorly cut keys are the most common reason for a key not turning inside your lock. It could be the result of a poor copy provided by locksmiths or the original key getting worn down over time. It is crucial to only use a reputable locksmith if you require keys copied or to have your locks rekeyed.

A locksmith should always look over keys to determine the correct cut depth and make sure they are evenly spaced across the key. A good locksmith will also examine the lock to determine the root of the problem and come up with a solution for you, whether that's changing the pins or adjusting the cylinder of the lock.

Bring the key that isn't able to turn to a locksmith so that they can test it on their duplicator. This will ensure that the key is cut correctly and that it is a good fit for your locks.

If a key does not fit fully into the lock it could be caused by dirt or debris that has accumulated in the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can help to unblock tumblers that have become stuck or blocked.

A key that was not cut precisely when it was created is another common issue. This is often the case when someone tries to make an inexpensive and quick duplicate of a key. Only a locksmith with the necessary tools and training can make high-quality duplicates.

If you've got a damaged key in the lock and you want to retrieve it, you can use a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers it. Be careful not to insert the edge of the pliers or the tweezers too far since this can cause the problem to get worse. Also, it will be much easier for an expert to remove the broken piece without creating further damage to the lock mechanism. Bring the damaged key to the locksmith to have them create a new key using their duplicator.

Sagging Locks

A loose lock could be the cause of your inability to lock your door. This could cause the bolt or latch to get stuck in the door frame, and it could make closing the door more difficult. It can also lead to drafts, and it will cause a gap to grow between the frame and the door and can cause damage to both in the course of time.

Fortunately, sagging locks are easy to repair. Usually you can fix them by tightening screws on hinges. If it doesn't work, then you could try lubricating the lock. You can use graphite powder or a silicone-based lubricant. Choose a lubricant which won't cause damage to the lock over the course of time.


Another common issue that could affect the ability of the door to open and shut properly is a faulty locking system. This can be caused by the door not being set up correctly, or the weather changing, which can cause the doors and frames to move. This problem, if not addressed, can leave your home or business more vulnerable.

First, you'll need to verify whether the frame and door are on the same plane. If not, you'll need to move the hinges of the door so that they're aligned and at the proper height.

The next step is to examine the strike plate and mortise. If the strike plate is sliding out and you want to reposition it, try with a hammer and chisel. After you have relocated it and tested it, ensure it is aligned with the latch.

Contact a locksmith if have issues with your lock. No matter if you have a Yale lock mortice lock, a mortice lock, or uPVC lock, a locksmith can help you resolve the problem and ensure that your door is secure.

Be aware that only certain types of damage to locks can be repaired. It is not recommended to bend the damaged bolt back to its original position because this could weaken it and may cause damage to the cylinder. If you're experiencing issues that are serious it's best to seek out an expert. They'll assess the damage, and tell you what options you have.

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Pub: 19 Apr 2024 21:19 UTC
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