8 Tips To Increase Your Lock Repairs Game

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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

It's important that you repair the door lock as soon as it starts to start to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your home vulnerable to burglaries.

Fortunately, a majority of the most frequent issues with door locks are fixable without contacting a professional. Learn more about the most frequent problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.

Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder

Car owners need to be aware of and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders, although they are not as common in newer cars as door locks with power are now the commonplace. This is the tumbler made of mechanical that your keys slide into, and it could wear out or break, causing your keys to stick when you insert them or turning hard. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to take action quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.

The easiest way to fix this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that may be hindering it. You can also lubricate it with a graphite or silicone spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this could cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key won't turn after trying all of these options, you may need to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by a professional locksmith.

After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried a different key, it could be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and then manually move it so that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Close the screws but not too tight since this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.

Depending on the type of lock, you may have to remove the faceplate in order to access the screw heads that hold it. If so, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, employ a screwdriver to remove the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.

Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's that you should call a professional as the lock cylinder may require replacement.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, the handle of a door can loosen and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a big problem as it makes the door difficult to open and endangers those who use it. It is essential to understand why the handle is loosened and how it can be repaired.

In most cases, this is down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach chassis screws, while older designs have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten them easily but it is preferential to use a threadlocker that will secure the screws in the correct position.

If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of handle before you can pull the knob away while pressing the metal detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. Also, you should check the strike plate screws which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway that the latch clicks into when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette on the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.

You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith can install it for you. There are many cassettes, so be sure to select the appropriate one for your handle.

It could also be due to a broken mounting ring or faceplate, but this is very rare with newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement for yours from hardware stores or online. Once you've put in the new piece, you should tighten up all the fixings and re-attach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also essential. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could give you a quote.

Keys that won't turn

There are many reasons why keys don't rotate inside locks. Often, this is due to an absence of the lubrication. It is possible to fix this using 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 grease.

Sometimes, the key itself might be the problem. The point of a key can become blunted over time if it is employed for a different purpose than to get into your home. This can 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. Re-tipping the lock key using a bastard tool can help it fit better.

Another reason the key may not turn in a lock is because it is bent or damaged. Utilizing a key as a tool to cut things or as an opener for cans can cause the point of the key to bend and make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder correctly. In this case, you may need to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.

If a key has snapped inside of the lock, it's crucial to keep in mind that trying to put the two pieces of metal back together will not work. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock and it is advised to seek out a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.

If the key is not broken, it may be because the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be able to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also make use of a hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism, allowing it to warm up more info and then thaw it out.

Sticky Locks

Locks are a vital part of home security. However, they're often ignored until they stop working properly. Sticky locks are a common issue, but they're difficult to fix yourself, and doing so will stop larger problems from developing.

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

A dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then placed inside the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock will be able to turn smoothly again.

A graphite lubricant can be another option. Graphite is an excellent grease for small metal parts and doesn't wash away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use pencils, which are made of the same material.

You should always wipe off any excess lubricant you have applied after applying it to prevent it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your sticky lock still doesn't change, it could be time to contact a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the best option. If you do not take care of the sticky locks, they could be a serious issue and cause keys to break in the lock. It's better to act sooner than later if you have a stuck lock. Regular lubrication can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance tasks can give you peace of heart that your locks are operating correctly, and are secure for your home.