Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
If a door lock begins to begin to show signs of wear, it's important to have it repaired quickly. You could leave your property open to burglars.
A lot of the most frequent problems in door locks can be solved without contacting an expert. Find out more about the most common issues with door locks, and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Car owners need to be aware of and watch out for damage to door lock cylinders, even though they are less common in modern vehicles as power door locks are now the standard. This is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into, and it can wear down or break, causing your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turning in a sharp. It is essential to respond quickly if you observe your vehicle has this issue.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to get rid of any debris blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder using a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much as this could cause the pins to wear down quicker. If your key won't turn after trying these different methods it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by an experienced locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you might need to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in position and manually move the cylinder to ensure that it is aligned properly with the keyhole. The screws should be tightened but not too tight since this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
It is also possible to remove the lock's faceplate, depending on the type of lock. If so, you can locate them behind seams or indentations along the faceplate's edge or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, use a screwdriver to disassemble the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any damaged or worn.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it can be turned and inserted without any issues. If you are having trouble you should contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder may need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or fall off completely. This can be a problem since it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is crucial to know why the handle is loosened, and how it can be fixed.
Most of the time, it's due to a screw on the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, while older designs are easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to use a threadlocker to lock 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 on the base of the handle first, and then you can pull it off of the knob by pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws, which you can then tighten. You should also examine the strike plate screws, which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it closes.
Other times, the problem may be related to the spring cassette on the handle. It can wear out over time, but most of the time it's just down to wear and tear and needs a simple replacement.
You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith can fit it for you. There are many different types of cassettes available and you should choose the correct one for the type of handle you have.
It could also be due to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, but this is not common with the newer handles. You can usually find a replacement for yours from hardware stores or online. After you have installed the new part you will need to tighten all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes of the handle with the holes on your plate is also essential. If you are worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could give you a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are a variety of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most of the time it is due to a lack of the lubrication. You can fix this by using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant, and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move up and down again and allow the key to open the lock.
Sometimes it is the key that causes the issue. The tip of a key can become blunted over time if used for purposes other than getting into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way, causing it to become stuck or jammed inside the lock. In this case the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file could help it fit in the lock better.
Another reason why a key might not turn in a lock is that it is damaged or bent. Utilizing a key as a tool to cut objects or as a can opener can cause the point of the key to bend, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this case, you may need to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.
If keys have snapped inside of the lock, it is crucial to keep in mind that trying to join the two pieces of metal to each other won't work. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith who provides replacement keys.
If the key is not damaged, it is likely that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In car door lock repairs , it can be helpful to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. When the cylinder is warm and able to be used, it's time to insert the key and then unlock the door. You can also make use of 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. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Locks that stick can cause problems. However, they are simple to fix and prevent bigger problems from developing.
One of the most likely reasons for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This is easily remedied with a little bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A dry lubricant, such as sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then put into the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will rotate smoothly once more.
Another option is to use a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt like oils-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can use pencils, which are made of the same material.
Always wipe away any excess lubricant you have applied after having used it. This will prevent it from building up and causing future problems. If your sticky lock isn't moving after trying all the above suggestions it's time to call a professional locksmith who will evaluate the situation and decide what the best course of actions is. If you don't address the problem, it can escalate into major annoyances and result in keys snapping out of the lock or even the door handle. A lock that is stuck can be extremely irritating, so it's always better to act earlier rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. In addition to your regular maintenance tasks will provide you with peace of mind that your locks work correctly, and are secure for your home.