5 Lock Repairs Projects For Any Budget
Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It's important that you repair a door lock as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your property at risk of burglary.
A lot of the most frequent problems in door locks can be solved without the need for a professional. Find out more about the most common problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on modern vehicles, as power door locks become the standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler the key slides into and it is prone to wear down or break which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turn hard. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to act swiftly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to remove any debris that could be blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but make sure not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by locksmiths.
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 is aligned properly with the keyhole. Retighten the screws, but not too tightly as this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you are using, you may have to take off the faceplate to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. If so, you can locate them behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, use a screwdriver and disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. It is also important to test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without issue. If you're having issues, it is time to call an expert as the lock cylinder could require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle may become loose and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This could be a major problem as it makes the door difficult to open and endangers those using it. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose and what can be done to fix it.
It is usually caused by a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, while older styles are easily accessible. You can tighten them easily however it is recommended to use threadlocker, which will secure the screws in place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. It is possible to loosen the ring at the base of the handle first, then you can pull it off from the knob while pressing the metal detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by taking off the rose. Check the strike plate screws that secure the plate in place at the edge of the doorway, where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is often needed.
You can do it yourself or have your local locksmith install it for you. There are many different types of cassettes and you should choose the correct one for the type of handle you have.
It could also be due to a broken mounting plate or ring, however, it is not common for handles that are newer. You will usually find a comparable replacement for yours from hardware stores or online. Once you've fitted the new piece and tightened all the fixings and re-attach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle to those on the plate. If you are worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could offer a price.
Keys that don't turn
There are a variety of reasons why keys don't rotate inside locks. This is often because of a lack of 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.
Sometimes keys are the source of the issue. The tip of a key can become blunted in time, especially if it's used for purposes other than to get into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder correctly, causing it to become stuck or jammed in the lock. In this situation, re-tipping the key with the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit in the lock better.
A key that is not turning in a lock could be damaged or bent. Utilizing keys as tools to cut things or use it as a can opener could cause the tip of the key to bend and make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder correctly. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be required to resolve the problem.
It is important to know that gluing two pieces of metal won't work when a key is damaged inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism It is recommended to seek out a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not damaged, it is possible that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case, it can be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing 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 use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential element of your home security. But the fact is, they're often overlooked until they stop working correctly. The sticky locks can cause problems. However, they're easy to fix and can help prevent more serious problems from arising.
auto lock repair is among the most frequent causes of stuck locks. This can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.
A dry lubricant, such as sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a popular solution. The key is inserted into lock and then rotated back and forth in order to spread grease on the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock should turn smoothly once again.
A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is a great for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt, unlike oil-based solutions. 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 of the same material.
Clean up any lubricant that you may have applied after having used it. This will stop it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock won't budge, it may be time to contact a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best option. If you do not take care of the sticky locks, they could be a serious issue and cause keys to break inside the lock. It's better to take action now rather than later if you encounter a stuck lock. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these issues from happening in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance schedule will provide you with peace of mind that your locks are functioning properly, securing your home.