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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to show signs of wear it is crucial to have it repaired promptly. Otherwise, you could be making your home vulnerable to burglaries.
Fortunately, a majority of the most frequent problems in door locks can be solved without contacting a professional. 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 become the standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and watch for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that your keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break, causing keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to act swiftly to stop the problem from getting worse.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to eliminate any debris blocking it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo it as this could cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key still won't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using a different key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. The screws should be tightened but not too tight 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 remove the faceplate in order to access the screw heads that are used to secure it. If this is the case, you'll locate them hidden behind seams or indentations at the faceplate's edge or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.
When reassembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're experiencing issues you should consult an expert because the lock cylinder may need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle will loosen and start to spin or drop completely. This could be a problem since it makes it difficult to open the door and puts people at risk. It is important to understand why the handle is loose, and how it can easily be fixed.
This is usually caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are difficult to reach, however older designs have them accessible and visible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to employ a threadlocker to secure them in their place.
If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You might need to loosen the ring on the base of the handle first, and then you can pull it off from the knob by pressing the detent pin made of metal. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. Make sure you check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate at the edge of the doorway where the latch snaps in when it closes.
Other times, the problem could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. It can wear out over time, but it's usually just down to wear and tear and needs the replacement of a spring cassette.
You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith can fit it for you. There are a variety of cassettes, so make sure you choose the correct one for the type of handle you have.
This can also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring but it is rare for handles that are newer. You will usually find a comparable replacement to yours at a hardware store or online. Once you have fitted the new piece, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also important. If you're worried about this being a difficult DIY job the locksmith you choose can provide the price for this service.
Keys that won't turn
There are many different reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. Often it is due to an absence of lubrication. This can be remedied with a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. The pins will move upwards and downwards when you insert the key and apply the oil.
Sometimes keys could be the cause. Using a key as box cutter, can opener, or for something other than accessing your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder properly, causing it to become stuck or jammed inside the lock. In this case, re-tipping the key with a bastard file could help it fit better.
Another reason why the key may not turn in a lock is because it has been damaged or bent. The point of a key could be bent when it is used to cut or open cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be required to resolve the problem.
It is crucial to understand that gluing two pieces of metal won't work in the event that a key has been damaged inside the lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith who offers keys replacement.
If the key is not broken, it may be that the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In this case it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has warmed up, you should be able to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a vital part of home security. However that door lock car repair taken for granted--until they stop working properly. Sticky locks are a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix and can stop bigger issues from arising.
One of the most likely reasons for a locked that is sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. It can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.
A dry lubricant like WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is put into lock and then rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock will turn smoothly once again.
Another option is to use a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, as opposed to oils-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can use a pencil, which is made from the same material.
You should always wipe off any excess lubricant after applying it to stop it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your sticky lock still doesn't change, it could be time to get a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the most effective course of action. If you don't address the problem, it can turn into major hassles and can lead to keys snapping inside the lock or even the door handle. It's better to act sooner instead of waiting until you've got a stuck lock. And regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of problems from occurring in the first in the first. Adding this to your yearly maintenance routine can give you peace of heart that your locks are functioning effectively, protecting your home.