Lock Repair: 11 Things You're Forgetting To Do
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
You can fix your locks yourself or employ a professional locksmith if they begin to fail. Repairing locks can be difficult and a wrong choice could cause further damage.
The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. This is usually resolved by applying some graphite spray or silicone-based oil.
1. Door Handle or Knob Loose
Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This could result in an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is crucial to repair loose door knobs because they are not only annoying but also can affect the security of your home. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to repair. There are several methods to fix it, dependent on the lock system your door is using. Certain lock systems come with easily accessible mounting screws, while others use backplates that hide the screws. If your door has the latter type, this method might be more difficult.
The majority of interior doorknobs have a small screw called an setscrew located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding across the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw, known as a setscrew, located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding across spindle. Make use of an flashlight to locate the screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After it's tightened, turn the knob to test if it no more feels jiggly.
If your knob is jiggly it could be because the screw that sets it hasn't been properly positioned. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned Look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Depress the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into place when you do this, which indicates that it is properly positioned on the spindle.
After you've made sure the set screw is properly positioned then tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in the correct position. This should solve the issue however, if it doesn't then you might have to take the knob off and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. You will need to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can reinstall the knob or handle. If you're not sure about this type of repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks.
2. The key won't spin in the lock
There are many reasons why your lock key may stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins within the cylinder have worn down. This means that they no longer have the proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to move by the key. In this instance, spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray can help coat the pins to make them move again.
If the issue is more serious and the key is been bent out of shape you might need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith can use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key, which is designed with an angled tip that fits into the groove that is recessed on the tip of the key. This kind of tool is not able to be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase a kit that includes the essential tools online or from an experienced locksmith.
A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. Over time, dust may accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the springs and pins to swell up. In this situation spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to remove the pins and restore them to their original places.
It may also be a problem if the key has been damaged. Keys are worn down over time by repeated use, which will result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This can lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, therefore it's crucial to pay attention and regularly check whether your key fits properly.
Locks can freeze in the winter months. This will stop the pins and springs from moving when a key is put in. This can be a frustrating issue however, it can be solved by warming the lock by using hot water and then applying lubrication. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may need to be replaced by a professional.
3. The Lock Isn't Turning
If you've ever encountered an unresponsive lock and can't be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If it happens frequently you may want to contact a locksmith to come take a look and see if they can assist. Luckily, this isn't always necessary as there are some things that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance.
Sometimes, the key won't rotate in a lock if it is damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key, or if it has been damaged inside the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to be pushed further inside the mechanism, which could cause the problem to become more severe, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by breaking off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers.
It's possible that your lock isn't aligned correctly and this could cause the door to not latch properly. If more tips here happen to have an extra key, this can be tested inside the lock to make sure it is working properly and doesn't cause the issue. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly tightening the screws on the strike plate could fix the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
A lock might not rotate due to dust or dirt. This issue can be fixed by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to cover the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up and down normally. It's important not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this problem, however, because they can cause obstructions later on.
It's important to know that some keys don't fit in all locks. If your key is one of these you might want to get a new key made at an area hardware store so that it can be used inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
Hairpin vortices can develop when a cylinder turns within a confinement. These vortices may exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The force is proportional to dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The head, tube and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminium alloy.
If you can insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate, the cylinder may be damaged. Rekeying your lock could solve the problem. You can purchase kits for this purpose online or in many big box stores.