Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair locks on doors immediately when it begins to start to show signs. Your home could be open to burglars.
A lot of the most frequent problems in door locks can be solved without contacting an expert. Find out more about what to look out for and how you can fix them at home.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Car owners must be aware and look out for damage to door lock cylinders although they are not as common in the latest vehicles, since power door locks have become the commonplace. This is the mechanical tumbler the key slides into and it is prone to wear down or break which causes keys to stick when you insert them or turning hard. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act quickly to stop the problem from getting worse.
The easiest method 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 using a graphite or silicone spray. Be careful not to overdo it as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key won't turn after trying all these methods You may have to replace the cylinder. You can also have it repaired by an expert locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the piston and tried another key, it could be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. The screws should be tightened but not too much because this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you may have to take off the faceplate to access the screw heads that hold 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 get into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, you can employ a screwdriver to remove the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.
When reassembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you are having trouble you should contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder may need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle will loosen and start to spin or drop completely. This could be a major problem as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those using it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and what can be done to fix it.
It is usually caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, whereas older designs are easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to use a threadlocker to lock them in the right position.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring at the handle's base first, then you can pull it off of the knob by pressing the metal detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws, which you can then tighten. You should also check the strike plate screws which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Other times, the problem can be down to the handle's spring cassette. It is prone to wear out over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.
You can do it yourself or have a local locksmith 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 damaged mounting ring or faceplate, however this is extremely rare with newer handles. You will usually find a comparable replacement at a hardware store or online. After you have installed the new part you will need to tighten all the fixings, then reattach the handle. Aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also essential. If you're concerned about this being a difficult DIY job, your locksmith can provide an estimate for this service.
Keys that don't turn
There are a variety of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. This is often because of a lack of lubrication. This can be corrected by applying a lubricant, like WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Other times it could be the key itself that can be the cause. The key's tip will become blunt in time, especially if it's used for other purposes than getting into your home. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way and could result in it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit in the lock better.
Another reason why keys may not work in a lock is that it is bent or damaged. The tip of a key can be bent when it is used to open or cut cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In g28carkeys.co.uk may have to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of metal won't work if a key has broken inside a lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys.
If the key is not broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. When the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and unlock the door. Alternately, you can use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a crucial part of your home security. But the fact is that they're usually overlooked until they stop working properly. The sticky locks can be a problem. However, they are easy to fix and can prevent bigger problems from developing.
One of the most likely causes for a locked that is sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This can be easily cured with a little bit of cleaning and the application of lubrication.
A dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forth to spread the grease on the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock should rotate smoothly once more.
Another option is to use an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is an excellent lubricant for small metal parts and doesn't wash away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite can be found in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
You should always wipe off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your sticky lock still doesn't change, it could be time to get a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action. If you do not take care of the sticky locks, they could become a major problem and cause keys to snap in the lock. It's better to take action now than later if you have an unresponsive lock. And regular lubrication can help to keep these types of issues from arising in the first in the first. You can rest in peace of mind knowing that your locks function correctly and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance tasks.