20 Things You Need To Know About Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
If your locks fail, you can try to fix them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, lock repair isn't easy and the wrong approach could lead to further damage.
The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. This can usually be cleared by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based oil.
1. Door Handle or Knob Lock
As time passes door knobs and handles can become loose. This could result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. It is important to repair loose door knobs because they're not just annoying but also can affect the security of your home. A doorknob that is loose can be simple to fix. There are many ways to do this, dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Certain lock systems come with easily accessible mounting screws, while others use backplates to hide the screws. If your door has the latter type, this method might be more difficult.
Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called an setscrew located on the inside of the knob to prevent it from sliding across the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a small screw known as a set screw located inside the knob that blocks it from sliding over the spindle. upvc window locks repair can use a flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once it's tightened up, turn the knob to test if it no more appears to be jiggly.
If the knob is moving, it could be because the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To make sure the screw is in the correct position Look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Press the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob over the spindle. As you do so, the knob should click into place, indicating that it is positioned properly on the spindle.
After you've made sure the set screw is properly positioned, simply tighten it again to fix the knob or handle in the correct position. This should solve the issue however, if it doesn't then you might have to take the knob off and examine 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 not happy with this type of repair, seek out an expert locksmith who can offer repairs for damaged locks.
2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock
There are a number of reasons why your key could stop turning in the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are worn down. This means that they do not have the proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to move by the key. In this instance the best solution would be to spray the lock with graphite or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again.
If the issue is more serious and the key is bent or twisted, you may need to have it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove on the tip of the key. This kind of tool is not able to be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire kit with the required tools through the internet or from a locksmith.
Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or affected. Dust can accumulate over time in the lock cylinder and cause the pins or springs to get stuck. In this instance spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to remove the pins, and then return them to their original position.
It could also be an issue when the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use can wear down the grooves on a key. This can lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, so it's crucial to pay attention and check regularly that your key is fitted correctly.
Locks can freeze in the winter months. This will prevent the pins and springs from moving when keys are placed. This can be a nagging issue however it is quite simple to solve by heating the lock with hot water and using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen the lock, it will have to be replaced.
3. The Lock Isn't Turning
It can be a hassle to have locks that don't turn or open. If it happens often, you may want to contact locksmiths to come take a look and see if they are able to help. Fortunately, this isn't required as there are issues that can be easily solved without professional assistance.
Sometimes, the key won't turn in a lock due to it's damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to pull keys 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 cut off the broken piece by using the pliers or you could end up damaging the lock.
It's also possible that your lock is misaligned and this could cause the door to not latch correctly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, this could be tested in the lock to confirm that it is working properly and doesn't cause the cause of the problem. If you discover that the lock isn't aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and let the lock to function normally.
Another reason your key may not be turning is because there is dirt or dust inside the lock that is blocking it from moving. This issue can be resolved by using an lubricant made of silicone or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down normally. You should avoid using oils-based products, such as WD-40, because they can cause more blockages in the future.
It's important to note that some keys don't fit in all locks. If your key is one of these you might want to get a replacement key from a local hardware store, so that it works in the lock.
4. The Cylinder is Rotating
When a cylinder is turned within a confinement gap it may result in hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to the radius of curvature that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here will predict the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of a confined rotating cylinder. The cylinder's head, tube, and main body are composed of aluminum alloy.
If you can insert your key and turn it but the lock still rotates the cylinder, it could be defective. Rekeying the lock could fix the issue. There are kits made specifically for this purpose and can be purchased on the internet or at the majority of big box stores.