How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
When your locks become faulty, you can try to repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be difficult, and the wrong approach could result in more damage.
You must first determine if the issue is caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying some graphite spray or silicone based fluid.
1. Loose Door Knob or Handle
Over time doors knobs and handles could become loose. This can lead to a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult for you to open. It is essential to fix loose door knobs as they're not just annoying but also can affect the security of your building. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to repair. Depending on the type of lock system that is installed on your door, there are a variety of ways to fix this. Certain systems have mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that conceals the screws that hold the lock together. If your door has the second type, this process may be more complicated.
The majority of interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as an setscrew located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding across the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a tiny screw called a setscrew located inside the knob that blocks it from sliding over spindle. You can utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened, turn the knob to test if it is solid.
If your knob is moving, it could be because the set screw isn't properly positioned. Find a small button that matches the spindle, to ensure that the screw is in the correct position. Depress the button with an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob over the spindle. As you do this, the knob should click, indicating that it is rightly positioned on the spindle.
After you've made sure the set screw is in the correct position and tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in place. This should fix the problem If not it is, you will have to take the knob off and inspect the backplate for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you will have to replace the screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call an expert who specializes in repair of damaged locks.
2. Key won't turn in the Lock
There are a number of reasons why your key could cease to turn in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have worn down. This means that they no longer have the proper shape that allows for the wafers or sliders to be moved by the key. In this situation spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray can help coat the pins to allow them to move again.
If the issue is more serious and the key is bent, you may have to have it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith can use a specialty tool to straighten the key which is designed with an angled end that fits into the recessed groove of the tip of the key. This kind of tool is not available at hardware stores, however you can find an entire kit of the correct tools online or in an establishment that sells locksmith tools.
A dirty or contaminated lock is another possibility. Dust can build up over time in the lock's cylinder and cause the springs or pins to get stuck. In this situation spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clear the pins, and then return them to their original positions.
It could also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. Keys can wear down over time through frequent use, which could cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This can cause the key to not fit into the cylinder. It is important to check frequently to make sure that the key fits correctly.
In the winter months locks can freeze, which can stop springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually relatively simple to fix by heating the lock using hot water and then using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze the lock, it will have to be replaced.
3. The lock isn't turning
It can be frustrating to have a lock that won't turn or open. If it happens frequently you may want to contact locksmiths to come check it out and see if they are able to help. Luckily, this isn't always required as there are issues that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance.
The key may not turn in a lock because it's damaged. This could happen if you've lost your key or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get the key out of the lock, which could result in it being pushed deeper into the mechanism and make it worse, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock by tearing off any of the broken key with the pliers.
You could also have an incorrectly aligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to confirm that it works correctly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you find that the lock is misaligned by tightening the screws around the strike plate could solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this issue by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down normally. door lock window repairs repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is recommended to avoid products that contain oil, like WD-40 as they could cause more blockages in the future.
It's important to know that some keys don't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you might need to have a new key made by a local hardware store.
4. The Cylinder is Rotating
When a cylinder is turned within a confinement gap it may result in hairpin vortices that can result in significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The head, the tube and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminum alloy.
If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it however the lock isn't rotating it could be due to an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock could solve the issue. There are kits made for this purpose that can be purchased online or at many big box stores.