Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a lock on your door begins to begin to show signs of wear It is important to get it repaired quickly. Otherwise, you could be leaving your home vulnerable to burglaries.
Fortunately, many of the most frequent issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling in a professional. Learn more about the most frequently occurring issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on modern vehicles, as power door locks are now the norm and standard, car owners must be aware and watch for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler made of mechanical that your key slides into, and it could be damaged or worn out and cause your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned into a tense. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to take action quickly to prevent the issue from worsening.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to remove any debris blocking it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a graphite or silicone spray. Be careful not to overdo the procedure as this could cause the pins to wear out faster. If car door lock repair near me doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by locksmiths.
After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different type of key, you may have to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder to ensure that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Retighten the screws 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 in order to gain access to the screw heads that are used to secure it. You can find them by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the edges of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to reach these areas. After you've removed your faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any that are damaged or worn.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. It is also important to check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without any issues. If you are having trouble then it's time to call an expert as the lock cylinder might require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes, a door handle loosens over time, and it can start to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue, as it makes it difficult to open the door and puts people at risk. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can easily be repaired.
In most cases, this is down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are difficult to reach, but older designs will have them accessible and visible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to use a threadlocker to lock them in their place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring on the base of the handle first, then you can pull it off from the knob while pressing the detent pin made of metal. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate which you then tighten. Check the strike plate screws that hold the plate at the edge of the doorway where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue can be down to the spring cassette on the handle. This can break down over time, but most of the time it's simply due to wear and tear and requires an easy replacement.
You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith can fit it for you. There are a range of cassettes available, so make sure to choose the right one for your specific handle.
It can also be down to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring however this is extremely rare with the newer handles. You will usually find a comparable replacement to yours at hardware stores or online. After you've installed the new piece and tightened all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself task, a locksmith will offer a price.
Keys that don't turn
There are many reasons why keys don't rotate inside locks. Most of the time this is due to a lack of the lubrication. This can be fixed by using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move up and down again and allow the key to unlock the lock.
Other times keys could be the cause. The key's tip may become blunt over time if it is employed for a different purpose than to get into your home. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way and can cause it to get stuck or jammed in the lock. In this instance, re-tipping the key with the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit better.
Another reason 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 could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance, you may need to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
If the key has snapped in the middle of the lock, it's important to remember that trying to glue the two pieces of metal back together won't work. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys.
If the key isn't broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this situation, it can be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for several minutes. After the cylinder has been heated and able to be used, it's time to insert the key and then unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral element of your home security. However that they're usually overlooked until they stop working correctly. Locks that stick could be a source of trouble. However, they're simple to fix and could stop bigger problems from arising.
One of the most likely causes for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily cured 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 then rotated back and forth to spread the oil on the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock should be able to turn smoothly again.
Another option is to use the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a great oil for small parts of metal and doesn't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also employ a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Always clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after applying it to prevent it from building up and becoming a source of future issues. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock isn't moving, it might 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 cause a lot of trouble and cause keys to break inside the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be a huge hassle, so it's always better to act earlier rather than later. And regular lubrication can help prevent these types of issues from happening in the first in the first. Add this to your annual maintenance schedule can provide you with peace of mind that your locks are functioning correctly, and are secure for your home.