10 Lock Repairs Tricks Experts Recommend

Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself When a door lock starts to appear worn, it's important to have it repaired quickly. You could leave your property open to burglars. Most of the common problems with door locks can be fixed without calling a professional. Read on to learn more about the signs to look out for and how to fix them at home. Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder Car owners need to be aware and look out for damage to door lock cylinders though they are less common in modern vehicles as power door locks are now the commonplace. This is the tumbler that your key slides into, and it could wear out or break which causes keys to stick when inserted or turn hard. It is essential to immediately take action if you notice your vehicle experiencing this problem. The most effective way to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean of any obstructions that could be hindering it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a graphite or silicon spray. Be careful not to overdo it as this will cause the pins wear out more quickly. If your key doesn't turn after trying all of these options, you may need to replace the cylinder. It could also be repaired by an expert locksmith. After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different type of key, you might require to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder to ensure that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Make sure to tighten the screws afterward, but not too tightly as this may cause the internal components to wear out or damaged. Depending on the type of lock, you may have to take off the faceplate in order to access the screw heads that are used to secure it. You can locate them by looking behind the seams, indentations, or holes on the outside of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to access these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts. When reassembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. 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 Over time, a door handle will loosen and start to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a huge issue because it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those who use it. It is essential to understand the reason for the handle being loose and how to fix it. It is usually because of a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have chassis screws hidden in the door which are difficult to reach, however older designs have them exposed and accessible. You can tighten them easily but it is preferential to use threadlocker, which will lock the screws in place. If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring at the base of the handle first, then pull it off of the knob itself while depressing the metal detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. You should also check the strike plate screws, that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it closes. Sometimes, the problem is with the spring cassette inside the handle. It can wear out over time, but most of the time it's just down to wear and tear and needs an easy replacement. You can install it yourself or have a local locksmith do it for you. There are car locks repair of cassettes that are available and you should choose the correct one for your handle type. This could also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for newer handles. You can find a replacement at a hardware store or online. After you have fitted the new part, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're concerned about this being a difficult DIY project Your locksmith can give you a quote for this service. Keys that don't turn There are many reasons that keys may not rotate inside locks. Most of the time it is due to a lack of the lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth, which should allow the key to open the lock. Sometimes keys could be the cause. The point of a key may become blunt 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 in a proper way and could result in it becoming stuck or encased inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with an instrument for bastards can help it fit better. A key that is not turning in a lock could be damaged or bent. Using a key as a tool to cut objects or as a can opener can cause the tip of the key to be bent which can prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be required to resolve the problem. It is vital to be aware that gluing the two pieces of metal together will not work in the event that a key has been damaged inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the lock mechanism, and it is best to seek out a locksmith who provides replacement keys to repair the issue. If the key isn't broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for just a few minutes. Once the cylinder has warmed up, you should be able to insert the key into the cylinder and unlock the door. Alternatively, you can make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to thaw it out. Sticky Locks Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. However that they're usually ignored until they stop working correctly. Sticky locks can cause problems. However, they are easy to fix and can prevent bigger problems from developing. One of the most likely reasons for a lock to become sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. A common option is to use a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is inserted into lock and then rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock should turn smoothly. Another option is to use the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a fantastic lubricant to use on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, unlike oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, since it's made from the same material. Make sure to clean up any lubricant that you may have applied after you've used it. This will stop 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 an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the best option. If you don't address the problem, it can become major nuisances and lead to keys snapping out of the lock or even in the door handle. A lock that is stuck can be extremely irritating It's best to act earlier rather than later. Regular lubrication will help keep these issues from happening in the first place. You can be assured of peace of peace of mind knowing that your locks will work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance schedule.