Five Lock Repairs Lessons Learned From Professionals
Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair the door lock as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. You could leave your property open to burglars.
Most of the common problems that arise with door locks can be solved without calling an expert. Find out more about the most frequent issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
While they are less common on modern vehicles, as power door locks are now the norm, car owners should be aware of and look out for any 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, causing your keys to stick when inserted or turning in a sharp. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to take action quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
car remote lock repair near me to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear of any obstructions that could be blocking it. You could also try lubricating it by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but make sure not to apply too much since this can cause the pins to wear out quicker. If your key is still refusing to turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder or have it professionally repaired by locksmiths.
After spraying the cylinder using the appropriate spray and using a different kind of key, you may require to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder so that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Retighten the screws but not too tight since this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
You may also have to remove the lock's faceplate depending on the type. They can be located by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the edge of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to get into these areas. After you've removed the faceplate, you can then use a screwdriver to disassemble the internal parts of the lock and replace any worn or damaged.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you have trouble doing this, it's likely time to call an expert because the lock cylinder might need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time and may begin to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue as it makes the door difficult to open and endangers those using it. It is essential to understand why the handle is loosened and what can be done to fix it.
This is usually because of loose screws in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach chassis screws, while older models have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten these easily however it is recommended to use a threadlocker that will lock the screws in place.
If the screw is exposed, you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring on the handle's base first, then pull it off from the knob while pressing the detent pin made of metal. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate which you then tighten. 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 spring cassette on the handle. This can break down over time, but it's usually due to wear and tear, and will require an easy replacement.
You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith will install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes that are available to choose from, so be sure to choose the correct one for your particular handle.
It can also be down to a broken mounting ring or faceplate, but this is not common with newer handles. You can find a replacement in a hardware shop or online. Once you've put in the new piece it is time to tighten all fixings and then 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 do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could give you a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. Often, this is due to the lack of the lubrication. This can be fixed by using a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards, which should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Other times, the key itself might be the issue. The point of a key can become blunted over time if used for purposes other than getting into your home. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way, which could lead to it becoming stuck or trapped inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using an instrument for bastards can aid in fitting it better.
A key that isn't turning inside a lock can also 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 become bent, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this case it is possible to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is crucial to understand that gluing the two pieces of metal won't work when a key is damaged inside a lock. This could lead to further damage to the lock mechanism and it is advised to seek out a locksmith who offers replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key is not broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. Once the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and open the door. You can also use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a crucial component of the security of your home. Locks are often overlooked until they stop functioning properly. Sticky locks are a common issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so will stop larger problems from developing.
One of the most likely causes for a locked that is sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.
The most common method is to use a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and turned around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock should turn smoothly again.
A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is a great oil for small parts of metal and won't wash away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Powdered graphite can be found in many hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, as it's made of the same material.
It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant you have applied after applying it to stop it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried these suggestions and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to get a professional locksmith to assess 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 snap inside the lock. It's better to act sooner than later if you have an unresponsive lock. And regular lubrication can help to keep these types of issues from occurring in the first in the first. In addition to your regular maintenance tasks can give you peace of mind that your locks work correctly, and are secure for your home.