The 10 Most Scariest Things About Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
You can either repair your locks yourself or hire a professional locksmith when they become faulty. Lock repair can be tricky and a wrong choice could cause further damage.
The first step is to confirm that the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. This can usually be cleared by applying some graphite spray or silicone based fluid.
1. Door Handle or Knob Loose
Over time doors knobs and handles can become loose. This can result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. It is essential to fix loose door knobs because they can be a nuisance and can also compromise the security of your home. A loose doorknob is relatively easy to repair. There are a few different ways to fix this depending on what kind of lock your door comes with. Some lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others use backplates that hide the screws. This is a more complicated method when your door has a backplate that hides the screws.
The majority of interior doorknobs are designed to slip over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is mounted in the door as a part of the latch assembly. If yours feels jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, called a setscrew, on the inside of the doorknob that's hindering it from sliding across the spindle. Use a flashlight to help you locate the set screw, and then 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 set screw hasn't been positioned correctly. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned Look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and 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.
Once you've verified that the set screw is properly placed, tighten it once more to secure the knob. This should solve the issue however, if it doesn't it is, you will need to remove the knob and inspect the backplate for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can reinstall the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call an expert who is skilled in repairing damaged locks.
2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock
There are many reasons why your lock key won't be turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have begun to wear out and, consequently, they don't have the correct shape to move the sliders, wafers or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray can help coat the pins in order to make them move again.
However, if the problem is more severe and the key has been bent out of shape, you might need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will use a special tool to straighten the keys, that is designed with an angled end that fits into the groove in the tip of the key. This type of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit with the right tools online or in the locksmith shop.
A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. Dust can build up over time in the lock cylinder and causes the springs or pins to become stuck. In this instance, you'll need to spray the lock with graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and then reposition the pins back to their original positions.
If the key itself has been damaged, it could also be a problem. In time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a key. This could lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, which is why it's crucial to pay attention and check regularly that your key fits correctly.
In colder weather locks can freeze which prevents springs and pins from moving when the key is put in. This is a problem that can be frustrating however, it can be resolved by warming the lock up by using hot water and then applying lubrication. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze it must be replaced.
3. The Lock isn't Turning
If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If it happens often, you may want to contact locksmiths to come examine the lock and see if they are able to help. This is not always necessary, as some problems can be fixed by yourself.
Often Repair My Windows And Doors won't turn in a lock because it is damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your keys, or it is damaged inside the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock which could cause the damaged piece of the key to move further into the mechanism and make the problem much worse Try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it 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 isn't aligned properly, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can test it to make sure that the lock is operating correctly. If you find that the lock isn't properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate can solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
A lock might not rotate because of dirt or dust. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down normally. It is recommended to avoid products that contain oil, such as WD-40 as they could cause more clogging in the future.
It's also worth noting that there are certain types of keys that aren't able to fit into all locks. If yours is one of them then it's time to get a new key made at a local hardware store, so that it will work inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
When a cylinder is turned in a confinement gap, it could cause the formation of hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the dimensionless radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The head, tube and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminium alloy.
If you are able to insert your key and turn it but the lock is still rotating the cylinder, it could be damaged. Rekeying your lock can fix this problem. You can purchase kits for this purpose on the internet or in most big box stores.