8 Tips For Boosting Your Lock Repairs Game
Wiki Article
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. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins.
Fortunately, a lot of the most frequent issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without contacting a professional. Learn more about the signs to look out for and how you can fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners should be aware and look out for damage to door lock cylinders, even when they aren't as prevalent in modern vehicles since power door locks are now the commonplace. This is the tumbler that the key slides into and it is prone to be damaged or worn out which causes keys to stick when inserted or turn in a sharp. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to act swiftly to stop the problem from getting worse.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to get rid of any debris that could be blocking it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo the procedure as this will cause the pins wear out faster. If your key still won't turn, it could be time to replace the cylinder or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed your cylinder and tried using the same key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and manually move it so that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws afterward, but not too tight, as this could cause the internal components to wear or damaged.
You may also have to remove the faceplate from the lock depending on the model. If so, you'll locate them hidden behind seams or indentations at the faceplate's edge or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After you've removed the faceplate, you'll need to employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any damaged or worn out.
Assemble the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's that you should call an expert as the lock cylinder may require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and may begin to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This can be a huge issue as it makes the door difficult to open and endangers those using it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can easily be repaired.
This is often because of a loose screw on the doorplate. Certain modern doors have hidden chassis screws which are difficult to reach, while older styles will have them exposed and accessible. You can tighten these easily, though it is best to use a threadlocker that will lock the screws into 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 pry the knob off by pressing the metal detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate which you then tighten. Also, you should check the strike plate screws which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette on the handle. It can wear out over time, but usually it's due to wear and tear, and will require the replacement of a spring cassette.
You can install it yourself or have a local locksmith do it for you. There are a range of cassettes available, so make sure to select the appropriate one for your particular handle.
This can also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring, however, it is not common for newer handles. You can usually find a replacement at an online store or a hardware store. After you have installed the new piece, you'll need to tighten all the fixings, then reattach the handle. It is also recommended to 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 won't turn
There are many different reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. This is typically because of a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this using 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 this should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Other times keys could be the cause. Using a key as box cutter, can opener, or for anything 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 in a proper way which can result in it becoming stuck or trapped in the lock. In this case the re-tipping of the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit into the lock better.
A key that is not turning inside a lock can also be damaged or bent. Making use of keys as tools to cut objects or as an opener for cans can cause the point of the key to bend which can hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation, you may need to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.
If a key has snapped inside of the lock, it's important to be aware that attempting to put the two pieces of metal back to each other won't work. This could lead to further lock repair services near me damage to the mechanism, and it is best to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key isn't 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 several minutes. When the cylinder is warm, it should be possible to insert the key and unlock the door. You can also make use of a hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral part of your home security. But the fact is, they're often overlooked until they stop working properly. The sticky locks can be a problem. However, they're easy to fix and can help prevent more serious problems from arising.
One of the most likely reasons for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily fixed with a little bit of cleaning and lubrication.
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 around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock should turn smoothly once again.
A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. Graphite is an excellent grease for small metal parts and doesn't wash away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Powdered graphite is sold at a wide range of hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from accumulating and becoming a source of future issues. If your sticky lock won't move after you've tried all the above suggestions it's time to call a professional locksmith who can evaluate the situation and decide what the best course of action is. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can escalate into major annoyances and result in keys snapping out of the lock or even in the door handle. A lock that is stuck can be extremely frustrating, 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 routine can give you peace of heart that your locks are functioning properly, securing your home.