How Lock Repair Has Changed The History Of Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
When your locks become faulty If your locks fail, you can repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. However, lock repair can be a challenge and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could cause further damage.
You must first find out if the issue is caused by dirt or dust. A Graphite-based spray or a silicone-based oil can be used to solve this issue.
1. Door Handle or Knob Loose
As time passes door knobs and handles can become loose. This can lead to an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is crucial to fix loose door knobs since they are not only annoying but also can affect the security of your home. Fortunately, a doorknob that is loose or handle is relatively simple to repair. Depending on the type of lock system that is installed on your door, there are several solutions to fix it. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are easy to access, while others use a backplate that hides the screws that hold the lock together. This method is more difficult if your door uses an underlay that hides the screws.
Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be because of tiny screws, referred to as a setscrew, on the inside of the doorknob that's stopping it from sliding over the spindle. Utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw, and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After the screw has been tightened, turn the knob to test if it is solid.
If your knob is jiggly, it could be that the screw that sets it hasn't been placed correctly. Find a small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the correct position. Press window door lock repair using the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. As you do this the knob should begin to click and show that it is positioned properly on the spindle.
After ensuring that the set screw is properly positioned, simply tighten it again to secure the knob or handle in place. If this does not solve the issue, you might have to take the knob from the backplate and check for loose or missing screws. It is necessary to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not sure about this type repair, call a professional who specializes in repair of damaged locks.
2. Key won't turn in the Lock
There are a variety of reasons your lock key may stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear out and, consequently, they do not have the right shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case, spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray can help coat the pins to enable them to move.
If the issue is much more serious and the key is been bent out of shape, you may need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith can employ a specialty tool to straighten the key which has an angled tip that fits into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This kind of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, but you can find an entire kit of the correct tools online or in the locksmith shop.
Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or damaged. Dust can build up over time in the lock cylinder and cause the springs or pins to get stuck. In this instance you'll be required spray the lock with graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to remove it and restore the pins to their original position.
If the key itself has become damaged, it could also be a problem. Keys are worn down over time by repeated use, which can result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, so it is important to be aware and make sure that your key fits correctly.
Locks can freeze during the winter months. This can stop the pins and springs from moving when keys are inserted. This is a problem that can be frustrating however it is usually solved by warming the lock by using hot water and then changing the lubricant. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it will likely require replacement by an expert.
3. The Lock isn't Turning
If you've ever encountered locks that don't turn and can't be opened, it can be very frustrating. If this happens often you might want to think about hiring a locksmith to take a look at the lock to determine if they are able help. This is not always necessary since some issues can be solved by yourself.
The key will not rotate in the lock if damaged. This could happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to push further inside the mechanism, which could make the problem much worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by breaking off any part of the broken key with the pliers.
You could also have an incorrectly aligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you happen to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to confirm that it functions properly and isn't the issue. If you do discover that the lock is misaligned by tightening the screws around the strike plate will fix the problem and allow the lock to function normally.
Another reason why your key may not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock hindering it from moving. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down in a normal manner. Avoid using oils-based products, like WD-40 as they could cause more clogging in the future.
Also, it's important to note that there are some types of keys that don't fit into all locks. If your key is one of these then it's time to purchase a replacement key made at a local hardware store to ensure that it works inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder is Rotating
Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder is rotated within a confinement. These vortices may exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The force is proportional to dimensions of the curvature radius and the confinement factor. The head, tube and main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminum alloy.
If you're able insert your key in and turn it however the lock is still rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock may fix this problem. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or in most big box stores.