7 Tips To Make The Greatest Use Of Your Lock Repairs
Wiki Article
Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to appear worn it is crucial to have it replaced promptly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins.
Many of the most common problems with door locks can be resolved without the need for an expert. Find out more about the signs to look out for and how you can fix them at home.
Damaged Lock Cylinder
While they are less common on modern vehicles, as power door locks become standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler that your keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break which causes keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. It's important that you act quickly if you notice your vehicle experiencing this problem.
The easiest way to fix this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean of any obstructions that could be blocking it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a silicone or graphite spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this will cause the pins wear out more quickly. If your key doesn't turn after trying these different methods it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. You can also have it repaired by an expert locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using a different key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws following the move, but don't get too tightly as this may cause the internal components to become worn 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'll find them behind seams or indentations at the faceplate's edge or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, employ a screwdriver to remove its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
When assembling the lock again, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it can be turned and inserted without issue. If you have trouble doing this, it's likely time to contact an expert as the lock's cylinder could need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and can begin to rotate freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue because it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those using it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and what can be done to fix it.
This is often because of a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach chassis screws, while older models are easily accessible. You can tighten these easily but it is preferential to use a threadlocker that will secure the screws in place.
If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. You may need to loosen the ring on the handle's base first, and then you can pull it off from the knob itself while depressing the metal detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by taking off the rose. You should also check the strike plate screws, which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Other times, the problem could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. It can wear out over time, but it's usually just down to wear and tear and needs an easy replacement.
You can do it yourself or have your local locksmith do 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 due to a damaged mounting ring or faceplate, but this is not common with modern handles. You can locate an alternative in a hardware store or on the internet. After you've installed the new piece, you should tighten up all the fixings and re-attach the handle. You should also re-align the holes on the handle to those on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could provide a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. Most often it is due to a lack of the lubrication. This can be fixed with 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 upwards and downwards and this should allow the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes keys are the source of the problem. The key's tip can become blunted in time, especially if it's used for purposes other than getting into your home. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and can result in it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with a bastard tool can help it fit better.
Another reason a key might not turn in a lock is that it has been damaged or bent. Using a key as a tool to cut objects or as a can opener could cause the point of the key to bend, which could also make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be necessary to fix the issue.
If the key has snapped in the middle of a lock, it is important to be aware that attempting to glue the two pieces of metal together won't work. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to call a locksmith who offers keys replacement.
If the key isn't broken, it may be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it is possible to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for several minutes. After the cylinder has been heated and able to be used, it's time to insert the key and then unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to melt out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. The sticky locks could be a source of trouble. However, they are simple to fix and could stop bigger problems from arising.
A malfunctioning mechanism is one of the most common causes for a locked that is stuck. This is easily remedied with a little bit of cleaning and the application of lubrication.
The most common method is to make use of a dry lubricant, such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and turned back and forth to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will rotate smoothly once more.
A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is an excellent grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, as it's made of the same material.
It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant after applying it to avoid it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried these suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to call in a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the most effective solution. If you don't address the problem, it can become major nuisances and result in keys snapping in the lock or even the door handle. It's better to act sooner than later if you have an unresponsive lock. Regular lubrication will help keep these issues from happening in the first place. Adding this to your yearly maintenance tasks will give you peace of mind that your locks work correctly, and are secure central locking key repair for your home.