Ten Startups That Will Revolutionize The Lock Repair Industry For The Better
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
If your locks start to fail, you can try to fix them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, replace window lock can be tricky and the wrong approach could cause further damage.
The first step is to make sure the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based fluid.
1. Door Handle or Knob Lock
Over time door knobs and handles may become loose. This can result in a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult to open. Knobs that are loose in the door aren't just annoying but they can also compromise your building's security, so it is essential to identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a doorknob that is loose or handle is fairly simple to repair. There are many ways to fix this dependent on the type of lock your door comes with. Certain systems have mounting screws that are easy to access, while others utilize a backplate which hides the screws that hold it together. This method is more difficult in the case of a backplate that hides the screws.
The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slide over a cylindrical spindle, 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 prevents it from sliding over spindle. You can use a flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened, turn the knob to test if it is solid.
If your knob still feels like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't positioned properly. Look for the small button that matches the spindle to make sure the screw is in the right position. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the flathead screwdriver. As you do so, the knob should begin to click which indicates that it has been rightly positioned on the spindle.
Once you've verified that the set screw has been properly placed and tightened it again to ensure that the knob is secured. If this doesn't solve the problem, you may have to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for missing or loose screws. It is necessary to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can replace the knob or handle. If you're not happy with this type of repair, you should call an expert locksmith who can offer repairs for damaged locks.
2. The key won't turn in the lock
There are a variety of reasons your lock key may stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder are worn out. This means that they no longer have the proper shape that allows the sliders or wafers to move by the key. In this case an easy fix would be spraying the lock with graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins and help them move again.
If the issue is more serious and the key has been bent or twisted, you may need to have it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith will use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key, which is designed with a curved end to fit into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase an entire kit with the required tools through the internet or from an experienced locksmith.
Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or damaged. Dust can build up over time in the lock cylinder and cause the pins or springs to get stuck. In this situation, you'll have to spray the lock with graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to remove it and restore the pins to their original positions.
It may also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. Over time, the repeated use can wear down the grooves on a keys. This can lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, therefore it's crucial to pay attention and make sure that your key fits correctly.
In colder weather locks can freeze, which prevents the springs and pins from moving when the key is put in. This can be a frustrating issue however it is usually resolved by warming the lock up by using hot water and then applying lubrication. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it's likely to need to be replaced by a professional.
3. The lock isn't turning
If you've had an unresponsive lock and isn't able to be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If it happens frequently you may want to consider contacting a locksmith to come examine the lock and see if they are able to assist. Luckily, this isn't always necessary as there are some things that can be repaired without the need for professional assistance.
The key may not turn in a lock because it's damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key, or it's damaged inside the lock. Instead of trying to get the key from the lock, which could result in it being forced deeper into the mechanism, and increase the risk using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by tearing off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers.
It's possible that your lock is misaligned, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you may test it to ensure that the lock is working correctly. If you discover that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and allow the lock function normally.
Another reason your key may not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock that is hindering it from moving. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this issue by coating the pins inside the lock, allowing them to move up and down as normal. It is recommended to avoid products that contain oil, like WD-40 as they could cause more blockages in the future.
It's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that aren't able to fit into all locks. If this is the case, you may require a new key made by a local hardware shop.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder is rotated in a confinement area. These vortices can exert significant forces on the rotating cylinder. These forces are proportional to the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of an encircled rotating cylinder. The tube, head and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminium alloy.
If you're able to get your key in and turn it however the lock isn't turning, there may be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying your lock may fix this issue. You can purchase kits to do this online or in a lot of big box stores.