Lock Repairs Tips From The Best In The Business
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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair locks on doors when it begins to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property at risk of burglary.
A lot of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling a professional. Learn more about the most frequent issues with door locks, and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Lock Cylinder
Car owners must be aware and look out for damage to the door lock cylinders, when they aren't as prevalent in modern vehicles as power door locks are now the commonplace. This is the mechanical tumbler that keys slide into. It is prone to wear out or break which causes keys to become stuck or hard to turn. It's important that you respond quickly if you observe your vehicle has this issue.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to eliminate any debris that could be blocking it. You can also lubricate it using a graphite or silicone spray. Be cautious not to overdo the procedure as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key is still refusing to turn, it could be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried another key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it so that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure to tighten the screws afterward, but not too tight as this can cause the internal components to wear out or damaged.
It is also possible to remove the lock's faceplate in accordance with the type. You can find them by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the outside of your faceplate. You can also use a screwdriver or putty knife to access 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.
Assemble the lock and fix the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it can be turned and inserted without issue. If you have trouble doing this, it's likely time to contact a professional as the lock cylinder might require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or fall off completely. This can be a problem, as it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is essential to know why the handle is loosened, and how it can be fixed.
This is often due to a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, while older models have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to employ a threadlocker to secure them in place.
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 the handle first, then you can pull it off of the knob itself while depressing 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 hold the plate at the edge of the doorway, where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette in the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is often required.
You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes that are available, so make sure you choose the correct one for your particular handle.
It can also be down to a damaged mounting ring or faceplate, however this is extremely rare with the newer handles. You can find a replacement in a hardware store or on the internet. After you've installed the new piece it is time to tighten all the fixings and re-attach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle to the holes on the plate. If you are worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could provide a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. This is typically due to a lack of lubrication. This can be remedied by using a lubricant such as WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the grease.
Sometimes, the key is the problem. The key's tip will become blunt in time, especially if it's used for other purposes than getting into your home. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and could result in it becoming stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this instance the re-tipping of the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit into the lock better.
A key that is not turning in a lock could also be damaged or bent. Utilizing a key as a tool to cut things or use it as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the read more key to bend, which could also hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this case, you may need to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is important to know that gluing two pieces of steel together won't work when a key is damaged inside a lock. This could lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock and it is advised to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys to fix the problem.
If the key isn't damaged, it is likely that the cylinder of the lock has become clogged by dust or other debris. In this case, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder is warmed up, you should be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of home security. But the fact is that they're usually taken for granted--until they stop working properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so can prevent larger issues from arising.
One of the most likely reasons for a lock to become sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. It can be fixed with a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricants like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then inserted into the lock and turned around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock should be able to turn smoothly once more.
A graphite lubricant is another option. Graphite is an excellent lubricant to use on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt like oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available at a wide range of hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can use a pencil, which is made of the same material.
Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after using it. This will prevent it from accumulating and causing future problems. If your lock is stuck and won't move after you've tried all of the above methods, it's time to call a professional locksmith who can assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. If you do not take care of locks that are sticky, they could cause a lot of trouble and cause keys to snap in the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely irritating, so it's always better to take action sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication can help prevent these types of issues from arising in the first in the first. Add this to your annual maintenance routine will give you peace of mind that your locks work properly, securing your home.