10 Lock Repairs Tricks All Experts Recommend

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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

When a lock on your door begins to show signs of wear, it's important to have it repaired quickly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your home vulnerable to burglaries.

Fortunately, a lot of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without contacting an expert. Read on to learn more about what to look for and how to fix them at home.

Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder

Car owners must be aware and watch out for damage to the door lock cylinders, when they aren't as prevalent in modern vehicles as door locks with power have become the norm. This is the mechanical tumbler that keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break and cause keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's important to take action quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.

The easiest way to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear out any debris that could be blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder using a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or repair it by a locksmith.

After spraying the cylinder with the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you might require to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder in such a way that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Make sure you tighten these screws afterward, but not too tightly as this may cause the internal components to become worn or damaged.

You may also have to remove the faceplate from the lock, depending on the model. You can find them by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the edge of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to reach these areas. After you've removed your faceplate, you can then use a screwdriver to disassemble the internal parts of the lock and replace any damaged or worn.

Assemble the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. It is also important to test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you're experiencing issues, it is time to consult an expert because the lock cylinder might require replacement.

Loose Door Handles

Sometimes, a door handle loosens over time and may begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a problem, as it makes it difficult to open the door, and also puts people at risk. It is important to understand why the handle is loosened and how it can be fixed.

This is often because of a loose screw on the doorplate. Some modern doors have hidden chassis screws that are difficult to reach, while older designs will have them accessible and visible. You can tighten them easily but it is preferential to use a threadlocker that will lock the screws into place.

If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle first, then pull it off from the knob while pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the mounting plate screws, which you can then tighten. Make sure you check the strike plate screws that secure the plate lock fixing near me in place at the edge of the doorway, where the latch snaps in when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette that's in the handle. This can break down over time, but usually it's simply due to wear and tear, and will require the replacement of a spring cassette.

You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith can install it for you. There are many different types of cassettes, so make sure you select the correct one for your handle type.

It could also be due to a broken mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for handles that are newer. You can locate an alternative in a hardware store or online. After you have fitted the new piece, you'll need to tighten all the fixings and then reconnect the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also essential. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could offer a price.

Keys that don't turn

There are a variety of reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. Most often it is due to an absence of lubrication. This can be fixed by 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 upwards and downwards and allow the key to unlock the lock.

Sometimes, the key itself might be the cause. The key's tip will become blunt over time if employed for a different purpose than getting into your home. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly, which could lead to it becoming stuck or encased inside the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with a bastard tool can aid in the fitting.

A key that is not turning in a lock could also be bent or damaged. The edge of a key may become bent if it is used to open or cut cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this instance it is possible to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.

If keys have snapped inside of the lock, it's important to be aware that attempting to join the two pieces of metal together will not work. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to call a locksmith who offers keys replacement.

If the key is not damaged, it could be that the lock cylinder has become clogged by dust or other debris. In this instance, it can be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for several minutes. After the cylinder has been heated, it should be possible to insert the key and open the door. You can also make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism, allowing it to warm up and then thaw it out.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an essential component of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Sticky locks are a common issue, but they're difficult to fix and can stop bigger issues from arising.

One of the most likely causes for a locked that is sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. It can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.

Dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a popular solution. The key is then placed inside 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.

A graphite-based lubricant is a different option. Graphite is an excellent lubricant to use on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt like oils-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry 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 of the same material.

Clean up any excess lubricant applied after having used it. This will prevent it from building up and causing future problems. If your sticky lock won't move after you've tried all of the suggestions above, it's time to call a professional locksmith who can evaluate the situation and decide what the best option is. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can become major nuisances and result in keys snapping out of the lock or even in the door handle. A lock that is stuck can be extremely irritating and it's better to take action sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these types of issues from happening in the first place. You can have peace of mind knowing that your locks work properly and secure your home by adding this to your annual maintenance tasks.