Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It's important that you repair locks on doors immediately when it begins to start to show signs. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your home vulnerable to burglaries.
Most of the common problems in door locks can be fixed without contacting an expert. Read on to learn more about what to look for and how to fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners need to be aware of and watch out for damage to the door lock cylinders, though they are less common in newer cars as door locks with power are now the norm. This is the tumbler that your keys slide into, and it can wear down or break and cause your keys to stick when you insert them or turned into a tense. It is crucial to respond quickly if you observe your vehicle is experiencing this issue.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to remove any debris blocking it. You can also try lubricating it by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but make sure not to apply too much since this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or repair it by locksmiths.
After spraying the cylinder with the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you might have to loosen the screws holding the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder in such a way that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Be sure to retighten these screws, but not too tight as this can cause internal components to wear out or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock, you may have to remove the faceplate to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. If so, you can find them behind seams or indentations at the faceplate's edge or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you've removed the faceplate, employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal components of the lock and replace any worn or damaged.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you're having issues then it's time to call an expert as the lock cylinder could need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door can loosen and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a big issue because it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those who use it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and how to fix it.
This is often because of a loose screw in the doorplate. Certain modern doors have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, but older styles will have them exposed and accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to employ a threadlocker to secure them in their place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. It is possible to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the metallic detent pin. Then, you can remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws, which you can then tighten. Check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate at the edge of the doorway where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Other times, the problem may be related to the handle's spring cassette. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.
You can do this yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are many cassettes available, so make sure to choose the right one for your handle.
It can also be down to a broken faceplate or mounting ring, but this is very rare with modern handles. You will usually find a comparable replacement for yours from a hardware store or online. After you have installed the new piece, you'll have to tighten all fixings, then reattach the handle. Aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also important. If you're worried about this being a difficult DIY project, your locksmith can provide the price for this service.
Keys that won't turn
There are a variety of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. This is often due to a lack of lubrication. electronic door lock repair near me can be remedied by applying a lubricant, like WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Sometimes it is the key that causes the issue. The key's tip may become blunt over time if employed for a different purpose than getting into your home. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way and could result in it getting stuck or jammed inside of the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using an instrument for bastards can aid in the fitting.
Another reason why keys may not work in a lock is that it has been bent or damaged. The edge of a key may be bent when it is used to open or cut cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this instance, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be required to resolve the problem.
If keys have snapped inside of a lock, it is important to be aware that attempting to put the two pieces of metal to each other won't work. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith who provides keys replacement.
If the key isn't broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this instance, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and open 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 an integral part of your home security. But the fact is, they're often overlooked until they stop working properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so can prevent larger issues from arising.
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 the application of lubrication.
Dry lubricants like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is put into lock and then rotated back and forth in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly.
A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. Graphite is a great for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold at a wide range of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, as it's made of the same material.
Always wipe away any excess lubricant applied after having used it. This will prevent it from accumulating and creating future issues. If you've tried these suggestions and your lock doesn't change, it could be time to call in a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best solution. If you don't take care of sticky locks, they can become a major problem and cause keys to snap in the lock. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be extremely frustrating It's best to act sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication can help to keep these types of issues from happening in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance schedule will give you peace of heart that your locks work effectively, protecting your home.