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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
If a door lock begins to appear worn it is crucial to have it repaired promptly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your home vulnerable to burglaries.
Many of the most common problems that arise with door locks can be resolved without calling a professional. Learn more about the most frequent issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
While they are less common 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 keys slide into, and it could be damaged or worn out which causes keys to stick when you insert them or turn in a sharp. It is crucial to immediately take action if you notice your vehicle has this issue.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to eliminate any debris blocking it. You could also try lubricating it by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but make sure not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed the piston and tried a different key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws, but not too tightly as this may cause the internal components to wear out or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you are using, you may need to remove the faceplate as well to access the screw heads that secure it. If this is the case, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations on the edge of the faceplate or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
When assembling the lock again ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Also, check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you're experiencing issues you should consult an expert because the lock cylinder might need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and can begin to spin freely or even 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 the reason for the handle being loose and how it can be repaired.
It is usually due to a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are difficult to reach, while older designs have them accessible and visible. You can tighten these easily however it is recommended to use threadlocker, which will lock the screws into the correct position.
If the screw is exposed, you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. It is possible to loosen the ring around the base of handle before you can take the knob away while pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate that you can tighten. You should also examine the strike plate screws, which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette that's in the handle. This may break down 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 your local locksmith do it for you. There are a variety of cassettes, so be sure to choose the right one for your handle.
It could also be due to a broken faceplate or mounting ring, but this is not common with the newer handles. You can find an alternative at a hardware store or online. After you have fitted the new piece, you'll have to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes in the handle with those on the plate. If you're worried about this being a difficult DIY project, your locksmith can provide the price for this service.
Keys That Don't Turn
There are a variety of reasons that keys may not turn inside locks. Most of the time, this is due to a lack of lubrication. This can be remedied with 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 grease.
Other times, the key itself might be the cause. Making use of a key as an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for something other than accessing your home can result in the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly and can result in it getting stuck or jammed inside of the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with the aid of a bastard tool could aid in fitting it better.
A key that is not turning inside a lock can also be damaged or bent. Making use of keys as a tool to cut objects or as a can opener can cause the point of the key to become bent and make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be required to correct the problem.
It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of metal together won't work when a key is damaged inside the lock. This could lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock, and it is best to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key isn't damaged, it is likely that the lock cylinder has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it is possible to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and unlock the door. You can also make use of a hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism to thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they stop functioning properly. The sticky locks can be a problem. However, they're simple to fix and could stop bigger problems from arising.
A dirty mechanism is one of the most common causes of stuck locks. This can be easily cured with a little cleaning and fix car lock lubrication.
Dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a popular solution. The key is then placed inside the lock and rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly once more.
Another option is to choose the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, unlike oils-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Clean up any lubricant that you may have applied after having used it. This will prevent it from accumulating and creating future issues. If you've tried these suggestions and your sticky lock still doesn't change, it could be time to contact a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the most effective course of action. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can escalate into major annoyances and lead to keys snapping inside the lock, or even the door handle. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely frustrating, so it's always better to take action sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these types of issues from happening in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance routine will give you peace of mind that your locks are operating correctly, and are secure for your home.