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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair a door lock when it begins to start to show signs. Otherwise, you could be making your home vulnerable to burglaries.
Most of the common problems that arise with door locks can be resolved without the need for an expert. Find out more about the most frequently occurring problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on modern vehicles, as power door locks are now the norm, car owners should be aware and watch for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler that your key slides into. It's prone to wear or break, causing keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to act quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to get rid of any debris that could be blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but be cautious not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you might have to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder in such a way that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Make sure to tighten the screws, but not too tight as this can cause the internal components to become worn or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you may have to take off the faceplate in order to access the screw heads that secure it. If so, you'll locate them hidden behind seams or indentations along the edge of the faceplate or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, employ a screwdriver to remove its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.
Assemble the lock and fix the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. It is also important to test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's likely time to call an expert as the lock cylinder may require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time and can begin to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This can be a huge issue as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loosened and how it can be repaired.
This is usually because of a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are difficult to reach, but older designs will have them exposed and accessible. You can tighten them easily but it is preferential to use a threadlocker that will lock the screws in place.
If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring on the base of the handle first, then you can pry it off from the knob while pressing the metal detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by taking off the rose. Also, you should check 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 due to wear and tear and needs an easy replacement.
You can install it yourself or let your local locksmith install it for you. There are a range of cassettes available, so make sure to select the appropriate one for your particular handle.
It could also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for handles that are newer. You can find an alternative in a hardware shop or on the internet. After you have installed the new part you will be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also important. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself task, a locksmith will offer a price.
Keys that Don't Turn
There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. This is often because of a lack of lubrication. This can be fixed by applying a lubricant, such as WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth, which should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Other times keys could be the issue. The point of a key will become blunt in time, especially if it's used for other purposes than getting into your home. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly and could result in it becoming stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this case it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file can make it fit better.
A key that isn't turning in a lock could also be bent or damaged. Utilizing keys as a tool to cut things or use it as a can opener can cause the tip of the key to become bent which can make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
If the key has snapped in the middle of the lock, it's important to remember that trying to put the two pieces of metal back together will not work. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to call a locksmith who provides keys that can be replaced.
If the key isn't broken, it may be that the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In this instance, it can be helpful to warm up the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for a few minutes. After the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also make use of a hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a vital part of home security. Locks are often taken for granted, until they stop working properly. The sticky locks could be a source of trouble. 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. This can be easily fixed with a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A dry lubricant like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then put into the lock and rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant over the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will turn smoothly once again.
Another option is to use an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is a fantastic lubricant to use on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also use pencils, which are made of the same material.
Clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after you've used it. This will stop it from building up and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to get an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the most effective solution. If you do not take care of the sticky locks, they could be a serious issue and cause keys to break inside the lock. A lock that is stuck can be extremely irritating It's best to act sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication can keep these issues from happening in the first place. You can rest in peace of mind knowing that your locks will work lock repairs properly and secure your home by including this in your annual maintenance tasks.