A Reference To Lock Repairs From Start To Finish
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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair a door lock when it begins to start to show signs. Your home could be open to burglars.
Fortunately, a lot of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without contacting the help of a professional. Learn more about the signs to look for and how you can fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles as power door locks become standard and standard, car owners must be aware and watch for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler that your keys slide into. It can wear out or break which causes keys to become stuck or hard to turn. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to take action quickly to stop the problem from getting worse.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to eliminate any debris that might be blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo it as this could cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you might require 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. Close the screws but not too much as this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.
Depending on the type of lock, you may need to remove the faceplate to access the screw heads that are used to secure it. They can be located 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. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, use a screwdriver and disassemble the internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
When assembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're having issues then it's time to consult an expert because the lock cylinder may require a change.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and may begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This can be a huge issue because it makes the door difficult to open and endangers those using it. It is essential to know why the handle is loose, and how it can easily be repaired.
Often, this is simply due to a screw on the door plate that needs tightening. Certain modern doors have chassis screws hidden in the door that are hard to reach, while older styles will have them accessible and visible. It is easy to tighten these screws but it is preferential to use threadlocker, which will lock the screws in place.
If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may have to loosen the ring at the base of handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the metallic detent pin. Then, you can remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws which you then tighten. Check the strike plate screws here that hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway, where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette in the handle. It can wear out over time, but it's usually due to wear and tear and needs a simple replacement.
You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are many cassettes available, so make sure to choose the right one for your handle.
This can also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for newer handles. You will usually find a comparable replacement to yours at an online store or a hardware store. Once you've put in the new piece, you should tighten up all fixings and then re-attach the handle. You should also re-align the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're concerned about this being a difficult DIY job, your locksmith can provide a quote for this service.
Keys that don't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most of the time, this is due to the lack of the lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the oil.
Other times it could be the key itself that can be the issue. The key's tip will become blunt over time if used for other purposes than just to gain entry into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly which can result in it becoming stuck or trapped in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using the aid of a bastard tool could aid in the fitting.
A key that is not turning inside a lock can also be damaged or bent. Utilizing keys as a tool to cut things or as a can opener can cause the point of the key to bend which can make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key could be necessary to fix the issue.
If a key has snapped inside of a lock, it is important to remember that trying to put the two pieces of metal together won't work. This could cause further damage to the mechanism of the lock and it is advised to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not damaged, it is likely that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. After the cylinder has been heated it is then possible to insert the key and then unlock the door. Alternately, you can use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Locks that stick are a frequent problem, but they're not difficult to fix yourself and can stop bigger issues from arising.
A dirty mechanism is among the most common causes of a locked that is stuck. This is easily remedied with a little cleaning and the application of lubrication.
Dry lubricants, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forth in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly again.
A graphite lubricant can be another option. Graphite is a great grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold at a wide range of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use pencils that are made from the same material.
It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to stop it from building up and becoming a source of future issues. If your lock that is sticky isn't moving after trying all of the above methods, it's time to call a professional locksmith who will examine the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. If you don't take care of the sticky locks, they could be a serious issue and cause keys to break inside the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely irritating and it's better to take action sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these issues from happening in the first place. You can rest in mind knowing that your locks work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance routine.