Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It's important that you repair locks on doors as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.
A lot of the most frequent problems with door locks can be fixed without the need for a professional. Read on to learn more about the signs to look out for and how you can fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners need to be aware of and watch out for damage to door lock cylinders, when they aren't as prevalent in modern vehicles since power door locks have become the standard. This is the tumbler that keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break which causes keys to become stuck or hard to turn. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to act quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
The most effective way to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air in order to clear of any obstructions 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 faster. If your key still won't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed the piston and tried the same key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that keep 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 to tighten the screws following the move, but don't get too tight as this can cause the internal components to wear out or damaged.
You may also have to remove the faceplate from the lock in accordance with the model. They can be located by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the outside of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to reach these areas. Once G28 've removed the faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal parts of the lock and replace any damaged or worn.
When assembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you are having trouble then it's time to consult an expert because the lock cylinder could require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle may become loose and begin to spin or fall off 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 loose and how it can easily be repaired.
Often, this is simply due to a screw inside the door plate that needs tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, while older styles have them visible and easily accessible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in place.
If the screw is exposed you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring at the base of handle before you can pry the knob off while pressing the metallic detent pin. Then, you can remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws that you can tighten. Also, you should check the strike plate screws, that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette in the handle. This may break down over time, but it's usually just down to wear and tear, and will require the replacement of a spring cassette.
You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are many different types of cassettes available and you should select the correct one for your particular handle.
It could also be due to a broken mounting ring or faceplate, but this is not common with the newer handles. You can locate the replacement at a hardware store or online. After you've installed the new piece it is time to tighten all fixings and then re-attach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also essential. If you're concerned that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could provide a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. It is usually due to a lack of lubrication. This can be remedied by using a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards and this should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes it is the key that causes the issue. Utilizing a key for an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for anything else other than getting into your home can cause the tip of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder correctly which can result in it becoming stuck or jammed in the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with a bastard tool can help it fit better.
Another reason a key might not turn inside a lock is that it is damaged or bent. The tip of a key can be bent when it is used to open or cut cans. This could also hinder the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this instance, you may need to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is crucial to understand that gluing the two pieces of steel together is not a viable option if a key has broken inside a lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith who offers replacement keys.
If the key is not damaged, it could be that the cylinder of the lock has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm up the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for just 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. Alternately, you can make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral element of your home security. However that they're often overlooked until they stop working correctly. Locks that stick are a frequent issue, but they're difficult to fix yourself, and doing so will stop larger problems from developing.
One of the most likely reasons for a lock to become sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. It can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.
The most common method is to use a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then put into the lock, and it is turned back and forth to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock will be able to turn smoothly again.
Another option is to use a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is a great lubricant for small metal parts and doesn't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also use pencils that are made from the same material.
Clean up any excess lubricant applied after you've used it. This will prevent it from building up and causing future issues. If you've tried these suggestions and your sticky lock still won't budge, it may be time to get an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the best solution. If you don't address the problem, it can escalate into major annoyances and lead to keys snapping in the lock or even the door handle. It's better to act sooner rather than later if you encounter locked that is stuck. And regular lubrication can help to keep these types of issues from happening in the first in the first. You can have peace of assurance that your locks will work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance schedule.