10 Inspirational Graphics About Lock Repair
Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems
A lock that fails to latch properly is a sign it needs to be fixed. The testers at CR use lipstick to mark the area where the latch is in contact with the strike plate. Tightening the hinge screws can fix the problem.
Spraying a dry lubricant, like powdered graphite, or WD-40, on the lock cylinder may also help.
Check the Latch
The latch is an extension bolt that extends out of the door frame and locks the lock when the handle or knob is retracted. Deadbolts and latches with positive locking are popular choices for extra security. If yours won't close or latch correctly, the problem may be a misalignment between the latch and strike plate within the door frame.
The most common reason is loose hinges that can sag over time which causes the latch to be unable to reach the strike plate. Test the hinges using a lipstick to determine. Apply some lipstick on the edges of the latch and then attach the strip of masking tape on the strike plate. Close the door and see where the latch touches the plate. This will let you know whether the contact point is too high or low for proper operation.
If the latch is connecting to the strike plate at a distance of more than 1/8 inches high or too low, you'll have to reposition the strike plate. Fortunately, this is an easy job that can be accomplished without having to take the door off. You'll need a filing to enlarge your strike hole for your plate. Half-round files are the best because it is in line with the shape of the strike hole on the plate.
After moving the strike plate, you'll need to tighten the screws that secure it to the frame of the door. This should be enough to allow the door to close and latch properly. If this does not work, tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door and test if that helps.
If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, then you will need to take more extreme measures. You can try removing the strike plate and using a chisel with a sharp edge to enlarge the strike plate mortise and allow you to move the strike up or down. You could also use a metal filing to shape your strike plate to fit better into the mortise. You might want to consider this option if worried about the strike plate breaking off while traveling in your RV.
Check the Keyway
If your lock is not functioning properly, you could be leaving yourself and your property open to burglars. The good news is, certain types of door lock problems can be resolved without the need for a professional. For instance, a key that won't fit or a lock that doesn't work when you turn it. The earlier you spot a problem and the more likely it is that you can solve it on your own.
If your key isn't going in or turning easily, it could have rough spots that need to be sanded off. You can hire a locksmith to do it for you, or you can do it yourself. Place the key in and move it around trying to find a spot that's causing friction. If you see any of these, use a fine metal filing to smooth out the rough areas.
A locked bolt or bolt that is jammed or latch is another common problem. This could be caused by debris or a damaged key that has stuck itself into the mechanism. You could try using a pin or needle to get rid of the debris however, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the damaged piece.
A deadbolt that doesn't extend through the strike plate could also be an indication of a faulty locking mechanism. The screws that hold the deadbolt together may loosen over time, which can cause it to shift, making your home more vulnerable to break-ins. If the deadbolt is still shifting it may be necessary to upgrade the hardware.
If you're having difficulties with an cylinder lock that does not rotate with the key it could be because the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the case, apply a lubricant to loosen it. You can also use dry lubricant, graphite spray or WD-40 to lubricate your key cylinder and get rid of any buildup. Keep the bottles of these products handy and use them periodically to ensure that your locks are in good condition. A lock that is lubricated will last longer than a non-lubricated lock.
Check the Hinges
Loose hinges can cause the cylinder of a door lock that turns easily while the door is open, but fails to lock when closed. This issue is fixable. To fix the issue, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the issue persists, you may try removing or adding hinge'shims' to adjust alignment. These plates made of metal are available at hardware stores and online.
Sand the edges of the hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to make them flush with the frame. Another common reason for problems locking is that the latch bolt may be too high or low in the strike plate. To determine this, place a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then place a stripe of masking tape on the strike plate. When you shut the door to the front, the lipstick will stain any part of the tape that it touches. This will tell you if the latch is located above or below the hole.
If upvc window repairs near me doesn't work properly with the strikeplate, it could be due to dirt and grime. This buildup can be eliminated with a q-tip soaked with graphite or silicone spray.
If the issue persists after using the lubricant, it may be that the lock cylinder has become stuck and requires replacement. This is a task for an expert, but it's not too difficult for someone who is familiar with basic home repairs. If you are replacing the lock cylinders, be sure they've been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid any issues with the fit or finish.
The door lock hardware may be cheap or poorly constructed. This kind of lock will often require more maintenance than a high-quality lock, and it might not last as long. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock will usually resolve this problem. To ensure that your lock will last for years, you should select a lock with a durability rating of B or greater.
Check the Strike Plate
A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate can cause a range of problems. It can hinder the door from closing and latching properly, or make it more difficult to unlock. It's not as difficult to fix as you think. The force of gravity, sagging hinges, and even the movement of your home foundation can cause the latch to misalign with the strike plate however, often a few minor adjustments will fix the issue.
If lubricating and tightening the hinges isn't enough, it may be required to move the strike plate to another position to align with the latch. To do this, you must first take off the strike plate and mark the spot where the latch makes contact with it. You can use caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape that will stain when you close the door to mark the spot. If the mark is lower than the spot where the strike plate hole is, it means that the latch is hitting the plate too high. A lower strike plate location could solve the issue. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole, you may have to move the strikeplate upwards.
Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate has to be adjusted, remove it from the frame and keep the screws in a secure place so you can replace them in the future. You should also lubricate keyway of the strike plate to ensure that it is able to move easily.
Then, you must determine if the contact point of the latch is above or below the strike hole of the plate. This can be done by applying paint, lipstick or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, open it and see whether the mark remains visible on the latch or masking. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, this means that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate position will solve the problem.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then with a sharp knife, chisel or hammer, widen the plate to ensure that it can be moved either upwards or downwards to match the position of the latch. Check the door after the strike plate has been moved to verify that it closes and latches easily. After you've completed the adjustments, you'll have to reconnect the strikeplate to the frame of the door and fill any old screwholes or gaps with woodfiller that is in line with the frame's other parts.