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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to appear worn It is important to get it repaired promptly. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.
Many of the most common problems with door locks can be resolved without contacting a professional. Learn more about the most common problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged 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 newer cars as door locks with power are now the commonplace. This is the tumbler that your key slides into, and it could wear down or break, causing your keys to stick when inserted or turn hard. It is crucial to respond quickly if you observe 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 can also lubricate it using a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo it because this will cause the pins wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn after trying all these methods it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. It could also be repaired by an experienced locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you might have to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in position and manually move the cylinder in such a way that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Make sure you tighten these screws, but not too tight, as this could cause the internal components to become worn or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you may have to take off the faceplate in order to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. You can locate them by looking behind the seams, indentations, or holes on the edges of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to access these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.
When reassembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you're having issues, it is time to contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder might need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This could be a major issue since it makes it difficult to open the door, and also puts people at risk. It is crucial to know why the handle is loosened and how it can be repaired.
This is often because of loose screws in the doorplate. Some modern doors have chassis screws hidden in the door which are difficult to reach, while older designs have them exposed and accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to employ a threadlocker to secure them in place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may have to loosen the ring at the base of the handle before you can pry the knob off while pressing the detent pin made of metal. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by removing the rose. 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 it's usually just down to wear and tear, and will require an easy replacement.
You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith can fit it for you. There are many cassettes available, so make sure to select the correct one for your particular handle.
This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for handles that are newer. You can locate an alternative at a hardware store or on the internet. After you've installed the new part and tightened all the fixings and re-attach the handle. You should also re-align the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself task, a locksmith will provide a quote.
Keys That Don't Turn
There are many different reasons why keys don't rotate inside locks. This is typically because of a lack of lubrication. This can be corrected 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 up and down again, which should allow the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes it could be the key itself that can be the problem. The point of a key will become blunt over time if it is employed for a different purpose than just to gain entry into your home. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder properly and can cause it to get stuck or jammed in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with an instrument for bastards can aid in fitting it better.
Another reason that keys may not work in a lock is that it has been damaged or bent. The edge of a key may be bent when it is used to cut or open cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be necessary to fix the problem.
It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of metal will not work when a key is damaged inside the lock. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys.
If the key is not damaged, it is possible that the cylinder of the lock has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder has warmed up, you should be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder and unlock the door. You can also make use of a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral part of your home security. However that they're often taken for granted--until they stop working correctly. The problem of sticky locks is a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so will stop larger problems from developing.
A malfunctioning mechanism is among the most common causes for a locked that is stuck. This can be easily cured with a little cleaning and the application of lubrication.
A common solution is to use a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly again.
A graphite-based lubricant is a different option. Graphite is an excellent for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, as opposed to oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available at a wide range of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil, which is made of the same material.
Always wipe away any excess lubricant you have applied after using it. This will stop it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to contact 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. A lock that is stuck here can be extremely irritating, so it's always better to act sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication will help to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Adding this to your yearly maintenance tasks can give you peace of mind that your locks are operating effectively, protecting your home.