Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to appear worn, it's important to have it repaired promptly. You could leave your property open to burglars.
Fortunately, many of the most frequent issues in door locks can be solved without the need for the help of a professional. Find out more about the most common problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners must be aware and look out for damage to the door lock cylinders although they are not as common in the latest vehicles, as power door locks have become the norm. This is the tumbler made of mechanical that your keys slide into, and it can be damaged or worn out which causes keys to stick when inserted or turning in a sharp. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to act quickly to stop the problem from getting worse.
The most effective way to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear of any obstructions that could be hindering it. You could also try lubricating it by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but be careful not to apply too much as this could cause the pins to wear down more quickly. If your key still won't turn, it could be time to replace the cylinder, or repair it by a locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you may require to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder in such a way that it aligns properly with the keyhole. The screws should be tightened but not too tight as this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
You may also have to remove the faceplate from the lock depending on the type of lock. They can be located by looking behind the seams, indentations, or holes on the edge of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to access these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, employ a screwdriver to remove the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
Assemble the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure door lock repair & services near me . Also, check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you are having trouble then it's time to call an expert as the lock cylinder may need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and can begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue, as it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is essential to know the reason for the handle being loose and how it can be repaired.
In most cases, this is down to a screw in the door plate that needs tightening. 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. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in the right position.
If the screw is exposed, you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You might need to loosen the ring at the base of the handle first, then you can pry it off from the knob itself while depressing the metallic detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate which you then tighten. Examine the strike plate screws that secure the plate in place at the edge of the doorway where the latch snaps in when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue is with the spring cassette inside the handle. This can break down over time, but usually it's just down to wear and tear and requires a simple replacement.
You can install it yourself or have a local locksmith install it for you. There are a range of cassettes available, so make sure to select the correct one for your particular handle.
It can also be down to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, however this is extremely rare with the newer handles. You can find a replacement at a hardware store or on the internet. After you have installed the new part, you'll need to tighten all the fixings, then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes of the handle with the holes on the plate is also essential. If you're concerned about this being too much of a DIY project Your locksmith can give you an estimate for this service.
Keys that don't turn
There are many reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most often this is due to a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Other times, the key itself might be the cause. Making use of a key as an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for something other than entering your home could cause the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and could result in it getting stuck or encased inside the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with a bastard tool can aid in the fitting.
Another reason why a key might not turn in a lock is that it has been damaged or bent. Making use of a key as a tool to cut things or as a can opener could cause the tip of the key to be bent and prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this case, you may need to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is important to know that gluing two pieces of metal is not a viable option in the event that a key has been damaged inside a lock. This could lead to further damage to the mechanism, and it is best to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key is not broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. When the cylinder is warm, it should be possible to insert the key and then unlock the door. Alternately, you can make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of your home security. However that they're often overlooked until they stop working properly. Sticky locks are a common issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself and can stop bigger issues from developing.
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 fixed with a little cleaning and the application of lubrication.
Dry lubricants like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then put into the lock and turned around and back to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will be able to turn smoothly again.
A graphite-based lubricant is a different option. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Always clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after applying it to avoid it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to get an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the most effective option. If you ignore locks that are sticky, they could become a major problem and cause keys to break in the lock. It's better to take action now than later if you have an unresponsive lock. Regular lubrication will help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance schedule will give you peace of heart that your locks are functioning effectively, protecting your home.