Your Family Will Be Thankful For Having This Lock Repairs
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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
If a door lock begins to show signs of wear it is crucial to have it repaired promptly. You could leave your property open to burglars.
Fortunately, a lot of the most frequent problems with door locks are fixable without the need for a professional. Learn more about the most frequently occurring problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Car owners need to be aware and watch out for damage to the door lock cylinders, even though they are less common in modern vehicles as power door locks are now the standard. This is the tumbler that your key slides into. It is prone to wear out or break and cause keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to take action quickly to stop the problem from getting worse.
The easiest method to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that could be hindering it. You can also lubricate it using a graphite or silicon spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key won't turn after trying all these methods it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. It could also be repaired by an experienced locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried another key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. Retighten the screws but not too tight as this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.
You may also need to remove the faceplate from the lock, depending on the model. If so, you can locate them behind seams or indentations on the faceplate's edge or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, you can employ a screwdriver to remove the internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
Assemble the lock and fix the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. It is also important to check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's that you should call a professional as the lock cylinder might need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door may become loose and begin to spin or drop completely. This can be a huge issue because it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk the people who use it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and how it can be repaired.
Most of the time, it's down to a screw in the door plate that needs tightening. Certain modern doors have chassis screws hidden in the door which are difficult to reach, while older designs will have them visible and easily accessible. It is easy to tighten these screws however it is recommended to use a threadlocker that will lock the screws into the correct position.
If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the metal detent pin. Then, you can remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate that you can tighten. You should also check the strike plate screws, which 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 usually it's simply due to wear and tear and requires the replacement of a spring cassette.
You can install it yourself or have a local locksmith do it for you. There are many different types of cassettes to choose from, so be sure to choose the correct one for your handle type.
It can also be down to a damaged mounting ring or faceplate, but this is very rare with the newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement for yours from an online store or a hardware store. After you have installed the new part you will be required to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle with those on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith can provide a quote.
Keys that Don't Turn
There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. This is often due to a lack lubrication. This can be fixed by using a lubricant such as WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant, and then inserting the key will allow get more info the pins to move upwards and downwards, which should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Other times, the key itself might be the problem. The point of a key may become blunt over time if employed for a different purpose than getting into your home. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly, which could lead to it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with 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. Utilizing a key as a tool to cut things or use it as a can opener can cause the tip of the key to be bent, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this instance, you may need to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is important to know that gluing the two pieces of metal together is not a viable option when a key is damaged inside the lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith who offers replacement keys.
If the key is not damaged, it is likely that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by placing the key into hot water for a few minutes. When the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and open the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. Locks are often taken for granted, until they stop working properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common issue, but they're difficult to fix yourself and can stop bigger issues from arising.
A dirty mechanism is one of the most frequent causes of stuck locks. This can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricant like WD-40 spray or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then placed inside the lock and turned back and forth to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock will turn smoothly once again.
A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is an excellent grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can use pencils that are made of the same material.
Clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after you've used it. This will prevent it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock doesn't change, it could be time to contact a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the best option. If you don't address the problem, it can become major nuisances and lead to keys snapping inside the lock, or even the door handle. Ignoring a sticking lock can be a huge hassle, so it's always better to act sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of issues from arising in the first place. You can have peace of mind knowing that your locks work properly and secure your home by including this in your annual maintenance tasks.