5 Lock Repairs Projects For Every Budget
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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is crucial to fix locks on doors as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins.
Fortunately, a majority of the most common issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without contacting the help of a professional. Learn more about the most frequent problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Although they are not as common on newer vehicles as power door locks become the standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware and watch for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into, and it could wear out or break and cause your keys to stick when inserted or turning hard. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's important to take action quickly to stop the problem from worsening.
The most effective way to address this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that may be hindering it. You could also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to apply too much since this could cause the pins to wear out quicker. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by locksmiths.
After you've sprayed your cylinder and tried another key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws following the move, but don't get too tight, as this could cause internal components to wear or damaged.
It is also possible to take off the faceplate of the lock in accordance with the model. If this is the case, you'll find them behind seams or indentations on the edge of the faceplate or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble the internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
When assembling the lock again make sure you attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you are having trouble you should contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder could need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or drop completely. This can be a huge problem as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose, and how it can easily be fixed.
It is usually due to a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, whereas older designs are easily accessible. You can tighten these easily but it is preferential to use a threadlocker, which will secure the screws in the correct position.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may need to loosen the ring at the base of the handle before you can pry the knob off by pressing the metal detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by taking off the rose. Examine the strike plate screws, which hold the plate at the edge of the doorway where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette in the handle. It is prone to wear out over time. A simple replacement is usually required.
You can do this yourself, or your local locksmith can fit it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available, so make sure you get the right one for your handle type.
This could also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring however, it is not common for newer handles. You can find a replacement in a hardware shop or online. Once you have fitted the new piece, you'll have to tighten all fixings, then reattach the handle. Aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also essential. If you are worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith can provide a quote.
Keys that won't turn
There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. It is usually due to a lack of lubrication. This can be fixed by applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth and this should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes keys could be the issue. Making use of a key as box cutter, can opener, or for something other than accessing your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and could result in it getting stuck or encased inside the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with a bastard tool can aid in the fitting.
A key that is not turning in a lock may also be damaged or bent. Making use of keys as a tool to cut things or as an opener for cans can website cause the tip of the key to bend which can hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key could be required to resolve the issue.
If the key has snapped in the middle of a lock, it is important to remember that trying to put the two pieces of metal to each other won't work. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys.
If the key isn't broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with 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. Once the cylinder is warm 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 melt out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral element of your home security. However that they're usually ignored until they stop working correctly. The problem of sticky locks is a common issue, but they're difficult to fix and can prevent larger issues from developing.
One of the most likely causes for a locked that is sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily cured with a little bit of cleaning and the application of lubrication.
A dry lubricant, such as sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is inserted into lock and then rotated back and forth in order to spread grease on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly.
A graphite-based lubricant is a different option. Graphite is a great for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt like oils-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell graphite powdered that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Always wipe away any lubricant that you may have applied after you've used it. This will stop it from accumulating and creating future issues. If you've tried the above suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to get a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. If you ignore sticky locks, they can become a major problem and cause keys to break inside the lock. It's better to take action now than later if you have a stuck lock. And regular lubrication can help to keep these types of issues from happening in the first in the first. Add this to your annual maintenance tasks will give you peace of mind that your locks are operating effectively, protecting your home.