How To Outsmart Your Boss In Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
If your locks start to fail If your locks fail, you can repair them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. Repairing locks can be a challenge and if you take the wrong route, it could result in further damage.
The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone based lubricant.
1. Door Handle or Knob Lock
Door knobs and handles could get loose in time, which can result in an unbalanced door handle or knobs that are difficult to open. Door knobs that are loose aren't just annoying, they can compromise your building's security, making it important to find and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. A doorknob that is loose is simple to fix. Depending on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are a variety of options to fix this. Certain lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others have backplates that conceal the screws. If your door is the one that is hidden, the process may be more complicated.
The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slide over a spindle that is cylindrical, that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw called a setscrew located inside the knob that blocks it from sliding across spindle. You can use a flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once it's tightened, test the knob and see if it no longer appears to be like it's jiggly.
If your knob feels like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't in place correctly. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned you should look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Press the button with an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob across the spindle. As you do this, the knob should click and show that it is positioned properly on the spindle.
Once you've verified that the set screw has been properly positioned then tighten it a second time to secure the knob. This should fix the problem, but if not, you may have to take the knob off and inspect the backplate for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you will need to replace these screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're not sure about this type repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks.
2. Key Won't Turn in Lock
There are a variety of reasons that your key may stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are worn down. This means that they no longer have a proper shape to allow the sliders or wafers to move by the key. In this case spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray will help coat the pins and allow them to move again.
However, if the issue is more serious and the key has been bent out of shape it may be necessary to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith can use a specialty tool to straighten the key, that is designed with an angled end that fits into the groove in the tip of the key. This kind of tool isn't available in hardware stores, but you can purchase a kit that includes the proper tools online or in a locksmith shop.
A dirty or contaminated lock is another possibility. Dust can build up over time in the lock's cylinder and cause the pins or springs to become stuck. In this situation, you'll need spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to get rid of it and then reposition the pins back to their original positions.
If the key itself is damaged, it could be a problem. In time, repeated use may wear out the grooves on a key. This can lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, therefore it's important to pay attention and make sure that your key fits correctly.
In colder weather locks can freeze which prevents the pins and springs from moving when the key is put in. This is a problem that can be frustrating however it is relatively simple to fix by warming up the lock using hot water and using an oil-based lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze the lock, it will have to be replaced.
3. The lock isn't turning
It can be frustrating to have locks that don't turn or open. If it occurs frequently, you might consider getting a locksmith to come check it out and see if they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't required as there are things that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance.
The key will not turn in the lock if it's damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or if it is damaged inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to move further into the mechanism and cause the issue to get worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by cutting off any part of the broken key with the pliers.
There could be a misaligned lock, which could cause the door not to latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can try it to ensure that the lock is operating properly. If you discover that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate will fix the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dirt or dust in the lock preventing it from turning. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this problem by coating the pins in the lock so that they are able to move up and down as normal. You should avoid using oils-based products, like WD-40 as they could cause more obstructions in the future.
It's important to note that certain keys won't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you might need to have a new key made by a local hardware shop.
4. The Cylinder is Rotating
When a cylinder is turned in a confinement space, it can cause hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. The force is proportional to the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. replacement locks for double glazed windows , tube and main body are all made of aluminum alloy.
If you're able to get your key inside and turn it but the lock isn't turning, there may be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock could fix this problem. You can buy kits for this purpose on the internet or in a lot of big box stores.