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Why Lock Repairs Isn't As Easy As You Imagine
Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

It is crucial to fix a door lock as soon as it starts to start to show signs. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.

Fortunately, many of the most common issues with door locks are fixable without the need for the help of a professional. Find out more about the signs to look out for and how you can fix them at home.

Damaged Lock Cylinder

While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles, as power door locks become 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, and it is prone to wear out or break which causes keys to stick when you insert them or turn into a tense. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to act quickly to stop the problem from worsening.

Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to remove any debris blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a silicone or graphite spray. Be cautious not to overdo the procedure as this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key is still refusing to turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.

After you've sprayed the piston and tried another key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and manually move it so that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Be sure to retighten these screws, but not too tight, as this could cause the internal components to wear out or damaged.

Depending on the type of lock you may have to remove the faceplate to gain access to the screw heads that are used to secure it. They can be located by looking behind the seams, indentations, or holes on the edges of your faceplate. You can also use a screwdriver or putty knife to access these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble its internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're having issues then it's time to consult an expert because the lock cylinder may need to be changed.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or even fall off completely. This could be a major issue since it makes it difficult to open the door and puts people at risk. It is essential to understand why the handle is loosened and how to fix it.

This is often due to loose screws in the doorplate. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, while older designs are easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in the right position.

If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. It is possible to loosen the ring around the base of handle before you can pry the knob away while pressing the detent pin made of metal. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws which you then tighten. Also, you should check the strike plate screws which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.

Sometimes, the issue is with the spring cassette inside the handle. This can break down over time, but usually it's due to wear and tear and requires the replacement of a spring cassette.

You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith do it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes available and you should get the right one for your handle type.

This can also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring but it is rare for handles with modern designs. You can usually find a replacement to yours at hardware stores or online. After you have installed the new part, you'll be required to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY task, a locksmith will offer a price.

Keys that won't turn

There are many reasons why keys don't turn inside of locks. Most of the time this is due to a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.

Sometimes it is the key that causes the issue. Using a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for something else other than getting into your home could cause the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way, which could lead to it getting stuck or encased inside the lock. In this situation, re-tipping the key with a bastard file could help it fit in the lock better.

Another reason keys may not work inside a lock is that it has been bent or damaged. Making use of keys as a tool to cut things or use it as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the key to become bent which can make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be necessary to fix the issue.

It is important to know that gluing the two pieces of metal together will not work if a key has broken inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock, and it is best to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.

If the key isn't broken, it may be that the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In lock repair is possible to warm up the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for just a few minutes. After the cylinder has been heated, it should be possible to insert the key and unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an essential component of home security. But the fact is that they're often ignored until they stop working properly. The sticky locks can cause problems. However, they are simple to fix and could prevent bigger problems from developing.

One of the most likely reasons for a locked that is sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily fixed with a little bit of cleaning and lubrication.

The most common method is to use a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forward to spread the oil on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly once more.

A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. Graphite is a fantastic lubricant to use 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 also use pencils that are made from the same material.

It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant after applying it to prevent it from building up and causing future issues. If you've tried the above suggestions and your lock won't budge, it may be time to get a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can escalate into major annoyances and result in keys snapping out of the lock, or even the door handle. A lock that is stuck can be a huge hassle and it's better to act sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help prevent these kinds of problems from happening in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance routine can give you peace of mind that your locks are operating effectively, protecting your home.