What Makes The Lock Repairs So Effective? When COVID-19 Is In Session
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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a door lock starts to appear worn it is crucial to have it repaired promptly. You could leave your property open to burglars.
Fortunately, a majority of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without contacting a professional. Learn more about the most common issues with door locks, and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Although they are not as common on newer vehicles, as power door locks are now the norm, car owners should be aware of and look out for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler that your keys slide into. It can wear out or break and cause keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. It is crucial to act quickly if you notice your vehicle experiencing this problem.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to eliminate any debris blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo the procedure as this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using the same key, it may 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. The screws should be tightened but not too much since this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you may have to take off the faceplate in order to gain access to the screw heads that are used to secure it. If so, you'll locate them hidden behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, employ a screwdriver to remove its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
When assembling the lock again, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it can be turned and inserted without any issues. If you're having issues then it's time to consult an expert because the lock cylinder might require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time and may begin to rotate freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a major problem as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those using it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and what can be done to fix it.
This is often because of a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, whereas older models have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten them easily but it is preferential to use a threadlocker, which will lock the screws in the correct position.
If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can pry the knob off while pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws, which you can then tighten. Make sure you check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate at the edge of the doorway where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Other times, the problem could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is often required.
You can do it yourself or have a local locksmith install it for you. There are many different types of cassettes available to choose from, so be sure to get the right one for your handle type.
This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring but it is rare for handles that are newer. You can locate the replacement at a hardware store or on the internet. After 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 about this being too much of a DIY project, your locksmith can provide a quote for this service.
Keys that won't turn
There are many reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. This is often due to a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move upwards and downwards when you insert the key and apply the grease.
Other times it could be the key itself that can be the problem. Utilizing a key for an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for anything other than entering your home can result in the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and can result in it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this instance, re-tipping the key with a bastard file could help it fit into the lock better.
Another reason that the key may not turn in a lock is because it has been damaged or bent. Using a key as a tool to cut things or as a can opener could cause the point of the key to become bent which can 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 could be required to correct the issue.
If keys have snapped inside of a lock, it is important to remember that trying to glue the two pieces of metal together will not work. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith that provides replacement keys.
If the key is not broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other car door lock repair debris. In this case it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be able to insert the key into the cylinder and 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 integral element of your home security. Locks are often overlooked until they fail to function properly. Locks that stick are a frequent problem, but they're not difficult to fix and can stop bigger issues from arising.
A dirty mechanism is one of the most common causes for stuck locks. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricants like WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a popular solution. The key is then put into the lock and rotated around and back to spread the lubricant over the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should turn smoothly.
Another option is to use the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a great oil to use on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, unlike oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell graphite powdered that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also use a pencil, which is made from the same material.
You should always wipe off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from building up and causing future problems. If your sticky lock doesn't move even after you've tried all the above suggestions, it's time to call a professional locksmith who can assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can escalate into major annoyances and can lead to keys snapping in the lock, or even the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be extremely frustrating, so it's always better to act sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication will help keep these issues from happening in the first place. You can have peace of mind knowing that your locks function effectively and protect your home by including this in your annual maintenance routine.