How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
When your locks become faulty, you can try to fix them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, repair of locks can be tricky and the wrong approach could lead to further damage.
You must first find out if the issue is due to dirt or dust. This is usually resolved by applying some graphite spray or silicone based fluid.
1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose
Door knobs and handles may get loose as time passes, which could result in an unbalanced door handle or knob that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs are not only annoying but they can also compromise your building's security, so it is important to find and solve the issue quickly. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to fix. There are many methods to fix it, dependent on the lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that conceals the screws that hold it together. If your door uses the second type, this process might be more difficult.
The majority of interior doorknobs have a tiny screw referred to as a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, called a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob, which is hindering it from sliding across the spindle. Utilize an flashlight to locate the screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened up, turn the knob to test if it no more feels jiggly.
If your knob still feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't in place correctly. Find a small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the proper position. Depress the button with a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into position when you do this, which indicates that it is positioned correctly on the spindle.
Once you have ensured that the set screw is properly placed then tighten it a second time to ensure that the knob is secured. This should fix the problem however, if it doesn't, you may have to take the knob off and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll require replacing these screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, contact an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks.
2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock
There are a number of reasons why your key could stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear down, which means they do not have the right shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray will help coat the pins to allow them to move again.
If the issue is more severe, and the key has been bent it may be necessary to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith can employ a special tool to straighten the key, which is designed with an angled end that fits into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This kind of tool is not available in hardware stores, but you can purchase a kit that includes the proper tools online or in an establishment that sells locksmith tools.
A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. Over time, dust can build up in the lock's cylinder, which could cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this situation you'll need to spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to get rid of it and then reposition the pins back to their original positions.
If the key itself has been damaged, it could also be a problem. A key can be worn down with time due to repeated use, which will cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not being able to fit in the cylinder. It is crucial to check regularly to ensure that the key fits properly.
Locks can freeze during the winter months. This can stop the springs and pins from moving when a key is placed. This can be a frustrating problem however it is relatively simple to fix by warming up the lock with hot water and then using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze the lock, it will have to be replaced.
3. double glazed window lock repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors isn't turning
It can be frustrating to have locks that don't turn or open. If this happens frequently it is advisable to consider calling a locksmith to take a look at the lock to see whether they can assist. Luckily, this isn't always necessary as there are some issues that can be easily fixed without the need for professional assistance.
The key will not turn in the lock if it's damaged. You may experience this if you have lost your key, or if it has been broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to push further inside the mechanism and cause the issue to get worse Try using pliers with needles to remove it from the lock. Be careful not to break any broken pieces by using the pliers or you could damage the lock.
There could be an improperly aligned lock that could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to confirm that it works correctly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you do discover that the lock is not aligned correctly by tightening the screws around the strike plate will fix the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dirt or dust inside the lock that is hindering it from turning. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this issue by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down normally. It's important not to use products that contain oil such as WD-40 for this though because they can cause clogging problems down the road.
It's important to know that some keys don't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you'll require a new key manufactured by a local hardware store.
4. The Cylinder Is Rotating
When a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space, it may cause hairpin vortices to form which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the the dimensionless curvature radius x and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are composed of aluminum alloy.
If you're able to get your key inside and turn it, but the lock isn't rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying your lock could fix this problem. There are kits designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or in most big box stores.