Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is crucial to fix the door lock as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins.
Fortunately, many of the most common issues with door locks are fixable without contacting the help of a professional. Learn more about the signs to look out for and how to fix them at home.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles as power door locks are now the norm, car owners should be aware and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that your key slides into, and it can wear down or break which causes keys to stick when you insert them or turned in a sharp. It's important that you act quickly if you notice your vehicle has this issue.
The easiest method to fix this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear out any debris that could be blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder using a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to apply too much since this can cause the pins to wear out quicker. If your key is still refusing to turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder or repair it by locksmiths.
After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different kind 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 is aligned properly with the keyhole. Retighten the screws, but not too tightly since this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
You may also need to remove the faceplate from the lock depending on the model. They can be located by looking behind the seams, indentations, or holes on the outside of your faceplate. You can also use a screwdriver or putty knife to get into these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, you can employ a screwdriver to remove its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
When reassembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you have trouble doing this, it's likely that you should call an expert as the lock's cylinder could require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a problem, as it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can be fixed.
lock repairing near me is often caused by loose screws in the doorplate. Certain modern doors have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, while older designs will have them exposed and accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to use a threadlocker to lock them in the right position.
If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. You may need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can take the knob away while pressing the metal detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate which you then tighten. Make sure you check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate to the edge of the doorway where the latch snaps in when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette in the handle. It is prone to wear out over time. A simple replacement is often needed.
You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith do it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes that are available and you should get the right one for the type of handle you have.
It could also be due to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, however this is extremely rare with the newer handles. You can find the replacement in a hardware store or online. Once you have fitted the new part you will be required to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also essential. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith can offer a price.
Keys that don't turn
There are many different reasons why keys do not turn inside of locks. Most often it is due to the lack of the lubrication. This can be remedied by applying 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 grease.
Other times, the key itself might be the issue. The point of a key will become blunt in time, especially if it's employed for a different purpose than to get into your home. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder properly, causing it to become stuck or jammed in the lock. In this situation, re-tipping the key with a bastard file could help it fit in the lock better.
A key that isn't turning in a lock could also be bent or damaged. The edge of a key may be bent if used to cut or open cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance you may have to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is important to know that gluing the two pieces of metal won't work when a key is damaged inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism It is recommended to contact a locksmith that provides replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not broken, it could be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance, it can be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for just a few minutes. Once the cylinder is warmed up, you should be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder and unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of home security. But the fact is, they're often ignored until they stop working properly. Locks that stick can cause problems. However, they are easy to fix and can prevent bigger problems from developing.
A dirty mechanism is among the most common causes of stuck locks. This is easily remedied with a little bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricants like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forth in order to spread grease on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly once more.
A graphite lubricant can be another option. Graphite is an excellent oil for small parts of metal and won't wash away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in many hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant applied after having used it. This will prevent it from accumulating and causing future problems. If your lock that is sticky won't move after you've tried all of the suggestions above It's time to contact a professional locksmith who can evaluate the situation and decide what the best option is. If you don't take care of locks that are sticky, they could cause a lot of trouble and cause keys to break inside the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely frustrating, so it's always better to act earlier rather than later. Regular lubrication can to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. You can be assured of peace of assurance that your locks will work effectively and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance schedule.