Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is crucial to fix the door lock when it begins to begin to show signs. You could leave your property open to burglars.
Most of the common problems that arise with door locks can be resolved without calling an expert. Find out more about the most common problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Lock Cylinder
While they are less common on newer vehicles, as power door locks become standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware and watch for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler the key slides into and it could wear out or break which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turning hard. It is essential to respond quickly if you observe your vehicle experiencing this problem.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to remove any debris blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder using a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this could cause the pins to wear down quicker. If your key won't turn after trying these different methods, you may need to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by an experienced locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using the same key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and then manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. Make sure to tighten the screws, but not too tight, as this could cause internal components to wear out or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock, you may have to take off the faceplate to gain access to the screw heads that hold it. If so, you'll find them behind seams or indentations along the faceplate's edge or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.
When assembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's likely that you should call an expert as the lock's cylinder could need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door may become loose and begin to spin or fall off completely. This could be a problem since it makes it difficult to open the door, and also puts people at risk. It is essential to understand why the handle is loosened and how to fix it.
This is usually caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, however older designs will have them accessible and visible. You can tighten them easily however it is recommended to use a threadlocker, which will secure the screws in place.
If the screw is exposed you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You might need to loosen the ring around the handle's base first, then you can pry it off of the knob while pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. Check the strike plate screws that secure the plate in place at the edge of the doorway, where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette in the handle. It can wear out over time, but it's usually simply due to wear and tear, and will require a simple replacement.
You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes that are available to choose from, so be sure to get the right one for the type of handle you have.
This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for handles with modern designs. You can locate the replacement in a hardware store or online. Once you have fitted the new part, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also important. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could provide a quote.
Keys that won't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most of the time this is due to an absence of lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant like 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 is the issue. Making use of a key as box cutter, can opener, or for anything other than entering your home can result in the tip of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly which can result in it becoming stuck or jammed in the lock. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file could help it fit in the lock better.
Another reason why keys may not work in a lock is that it has been damaged or bent. Utilizing keys as a tool to cut things or as a can opener can cause the point of the key to become bent which can hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation, you may need to re-tipp 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 be aware that attempting to put the two pieces of metal back to each other 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 damaged, it is likely that the cylinder of the lock has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has been heated, it should be possible to insert the key and then unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to melt out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of home security. But the fact is, they're often overlooked until they stop working correctly. Locks that stick are a frequent issue, but they're difficult to fix yourself, and doing so will stop larger problems from developing.
A rusty mechanism is among the most common causes for a locked that is stuck. This is easily remedied by a bit of cleaning and the application of 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 rotated around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. locking car service must now be removed and the lock will turn smoothly once again.
A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. Graphite is an excellent grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge 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 make use of a pencil for the same purpose, as it's made of the same material.
You should always wipe off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to prevent it from accumulating and becoming a source of future issues. If you've tried these suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to call in a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the most effective course of action. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can escalate into major annoyances and lead to keys snapping in the lock or even in the door handle. It's better to act sooner instead of waiting until you've got an unresponsive lock. Regular lubrication can help to keep these types of issues from occurring in the first place. In addition to your regular maintenance routine will give you peace of mind that your locks are operating properly, securing your home.