Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a lock on your door begins to appear worn It is important to get it replaced promptly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins.
Fortunately, a majority of the most common issues in door locks can be solved without the need for an expert. Read on to learn more about the signs to look for and how you can fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles as power door locks are now the norm vehicle security, car owners must be aware and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into, and it can wear down or break and cause your keys to stick when you insert them or turning into a tense. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to take action quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
The easiest method to fix this problem is by spraying 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 graphite or silicone spray. Be careful not to overdo it because this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn after trying these different methods, you may need 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 kind of key, you might have to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in position and manually move the cylinder so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole. Make sure you tighten these screws afterward, but not too tightly as this may cause internal components to wear out or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you are using, you may have to remove the faceplate to access the screw heads that secure it. You can find them 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 access these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any damaged or worn.
Assemble the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you have trouble doing this, it's time to call an expert because the lock cylinder might require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes, a door handle loosens over time, and it can start to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This could be a problem because it makes it difficult to open the door and puts people at risk. It is important to understand why the handle is loose and how it can easily be repaired.
Most of the time, it's due to a screw inside the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have chassis screws hidden in the door which are difficult to reach, but older designs will have them accessible and visible. You can tighten these easily however it is recommended to use a threadlocker, which 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 might need to loosen the ring around the handle's base first, and then you can pry it off of the knob itself while depressing the metallic detent pin. Read the Full Piece of writing can then take off the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. You should also examine the strike plate screws that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway that the latch clicks into when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette in the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.
You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available, so make sure to select the correct one for your particular handle.
It could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring however, it is not common for handles with modern designs. You can locate the replacement in a hardware shop or on the internet. Once you have fitted the new part you will need to tighten all the fixings, then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also essential. If you are worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could offer a price.
Keys That Don't Turn
There are many different reasons why keys don't turn inside of locks. Often this is due to a lack of the lubrication. This can be remedied by applying 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 and allow the key to unlock the lock.
Other times keys could be the issue. Making use of a key as an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for something other than entering your home could cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder correctly and can cause it to get stuck or jammed inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with the aid of a bastard tool could aid in fitting it better.
A key that is not turning in a lock may also be bent or damaged. The tip of a key can become bent if it is used to cut or open cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation you may have to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is crucial to understand that gluing the two pieces of metal will not work when a key is damaged inside a lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith that provides 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 can be helpful to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. After the cylinder has warmed up, you should be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also make use of a hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism, allowing it to warm up and then thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of home security. Locks are often overlooked until they stop functioning properly. Locks that stick can cause problems. However, they're simple to fix and prevent bigger problems from developing.
One of the most likely causes for a locked that is sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricant like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a popular solution. The key is then put into the lock, and it is turned back and forth to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock will rotate smoothly once more.
A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is a great oil to use on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt, unlike oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite can be found in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use pencils, which are made of the same material.
Clean up any lubricant that you may have applied after using it. This will prevent it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to get a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can become major nuisances and lead to keys snapping in the lock or even in the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be extremely irritating, so it's always better to take action sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication will help keep these issues from happening in the first place. Adding this to your yearly maintenance schedule will provide you with peace of mind that your locks are functioning correctly, and are secure for your home.