Lock Repairs 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners

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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

If a door lock begins to show signs of wear, it's important to have it repaired quickly. Your home could be open to burglars.

Many of the most common problems in door locks can be fixed without contacting a professional. Find out more about the most common issues with door locks, and how to fix them yourself.

Damaged Lock Cylinder

While they are less common on modern vehicles, as power door locks become the standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler your keys slide into, and it could be damaged or worn out which causes keys to stick when you insert them or turned in a sharp. It is essential to act quickly if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.

The most effective way to address this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air in order to clear out any debris that may be blocking it. You can also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to apply too much since this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key still won't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder or have it professionally repaired by locksmiths.

After spraying the cylinder with 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 so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole. Make sure to tighten the screws afterward, but not too tight as this can cause internal components to become worn or damaged.

Depending on the type of lock you may have to take off the faceplate to access the screw heads that secure it. If so, you can find them hidden behind seams or indentations along the faceplate's edge or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After you've removed the faceplate, you'll need to employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal parts of the lock and replace any that are worn or damaged.

When assembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Also, check the cylinder to make sure that it can be inserted and turned without any issues. If you're experiencing issues you should call an expert as the lock cylinder might require a change.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or even fall off completely. This could be a problem, as 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.

Often, this is simply due to a screw inside the door plate that needs tightening. Certain modern doors have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, however older designs will have them accessible and visible. It is easy to tighten these screws, though it is best to use a threadlocker, which will lock the screws into place.

If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle first, and then you can pry it off of the knob by pressing the metal detent pin. You can then remove 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 at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch clicks in when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette on the handle. It can wear out over time, but it's usually simply due to wear and tear, and will require an easy replacement.

You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are a range of cassettes available, so make sure to choose the right one for your handle.

This can also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for handles with modern designs. You can find an alternative at a hardware store or on the internet. After you have fitted the new part you will need to tighten all the fixings, then reattach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried about this being a difficult DIY job the locksmith you choose can provide a quote for this service.

Keys that won't turn

There are many reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. Often, this is due to an absence of the lubrication. This can be fixed by applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move up and down again and enable the key to unlock the lock.

Sometimes it could be the key itself that can be the issue. Using a key as box cutter, can opener, or for anything else other than getting into your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly, causing it to become stuck or jammed inside the lock. In this situation the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file can make it fit better.

A key that is not turning in a lock could also be bent or damaged. Utilizing keys as tools to cut things or use it as a can opener could cause the tip of the key to be bent and make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder properly. In this case it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key could be required to resolve the problem.

It is crucial to understand that gluing the two pieces of metal together will not work in the event that a key has been damaged inside a lock. This could lead to further damage to the mechanism and it is advised to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys to fix the issue.

If the key is not damaged, it could be that the cylinder of the lock has become clogged by dust or other debris. In this case, it can be helpful to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. Once the cylinder is warmed up, you should be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. Alternatively, you can 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 element of your home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. The sticky locks could be a source of trouble. However, they're simple to fix and could prevent bigger problems from developing.

One of the most likely causes for a locked that is sticky is car door lock repair service near me that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. It can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.

A dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a typical 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 is now removed and the lock should rotate smoothly once more.

A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is a fantastic oil to use on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in many hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, as it's made of the same material.

Always wipe away any excess lubricant you have applied after you've used it. This will stop it from building up and causing future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to contact a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the most effective option. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can become major nuisances and result in keys snapping in the lock or even the door handle. It's better to act sooner rather than later if you encounter a stuck lock. Regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of issues from occurring in the first place. You can rest in assurance that your locks will work properly and secure your home by adding this to your regular maintenance tasks.