5 Lock Repairs Projects That Work For Any Budget
g28carkeys Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to appear worn It is important to get it replaced promptly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins.
A lot of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be resolved without calling an expert. Find out more about the most frequently occurring issues with door locks, and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Lock Cylinder
Although they are not as common on newer vehicles as power door locks are now the norm and standard, car owners must be aware of and look out for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler made of mechanical that your keys slide into, and it is prone to be damaged or worn out and cause your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned in a sharp. It is essential to immediately take action if you notice your vehicle experiencing this problem.
The easiest way to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that could be blocking it. You could also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much since this can cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key won't turn after trying all these methods, you may need to replace the cylinder. It could also be repaired by an expert locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different kind of key, you might need to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder to ensure that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Retighten the screws, but not too tightly since this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.
You may also have to take off the faceplate of the lock, depending on the type of lock. If so, you'll find them behind seams or indentations along the faceplate's edge or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.
Assemble the lock and fix the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it can be turned and inserted without difficulty. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's time to contact an expert because the lock's cylinder could need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door can loosen and begin to spin or fall off completely. This can be a big issue as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those who use it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and what can be done to fix it.
This is usually because of a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, whereas older designs have them visible and easily accessible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is best to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in their place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may need to loosen the ring at the handle's base first, and then pull it off from the knob while pressing the metal detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by removing the rose. Check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate to the edge of the doorway where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue can be down to the handle's spring cassette. This may break down over time, but it's usually just down to wear and tear, and will require the replacement of a spring cassette.
You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith do it for you. There are many different types of cassettes, so make sure you choose the correct one for the type of handle you have.
It can also be down to a broken faceplate or mounting ring but this is not common with the newer handles. You can usually find a replacement for yours from a hardware store or online. After you have fitted the new piece, you'll need to tighten all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. Also, you should align the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith can give you a quote.
Keys that Don't Turn
There are a variety of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. It is usually due to a lack lubrication. It is possible to fix this applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards and this should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes it is the key that causes the issue. The key's tip can become blunted over time if it is employed for a different purpose than getting into your home. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and can result in it becoming stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this situation the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file could help it fit into the lock better.
A key that is not turning inside a lock can also be bent or damaged. The point of a key could be bent when it is used to open or cut cans. This could also hinder the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be required to resolve the problem.
If a key has snapped inside of the lock, it is important to remember that trying to join the two pieces of metal together won't work. This could cause further damage to the mechanism of the lock, and it is best to contact a locksmith that provides replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key isn't damaged, it is likely that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder up by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has been heated it is then possible to insert the key and open the door. Alternately, you can make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism, allowing it to warm up and then thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of home security. However that they're often overlooked until they stop working properly. Locks that stick can cause problems. However, they are easy to fix and can help prevent more serious problems from arising.
One of the most likely causes for a lock to become sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This can be easily cured with a little bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A dry lubricant like WD-40 spray or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is inserted into lock and then rotated back and forth in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should be able to turn smoothly once more.
Another option is to choose the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a fantastic oil to use on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell graphite powdered that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also use pencils that are made from the same material.
You should always wipe off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to stop it from accumulating and causing future problems. If your lock that is sticky doesn't move even after you've tried all the above suggestions it's time to call an expert locksmith who will assess the situation and determine what the best course of action is. If you don't address the problem, it can escalate into major annoyances and can lead to keys snapping inside the lock, or even the door handle. It's better to act now than later if you have an unresponsive lock. Regular lubrication can help prevent these kinds of issues from occurring in the first in the first. You can have peace of mind knowing that your locks work properly and secure your home by adding this to your annual maintenance schedule.