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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

You can either fix your locks yourself or engage a professional locksmith when they begin to fail. However, the process of fixing locks isn't easy and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage.

You must first find out if the issue is caused by dust or dirt. This is usually solved by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based oil.

1. Door Handle or Knob Loose

Over time doors knobs and handles may become loose. This can result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. It is crucial to replace loose door knobs since they're not just annoying but also can affect the security of your home. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to fix. There are several ways to do this, dependent on the lock your door comes with. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others use a backplate that obscures the screws holding it together. If your door has the one that is hidden, the process could be more complex.

Most interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as an setscrew located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding across the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw known as a set screw located inside the knob that blocks it from sliding across spindle. You can utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened by turning the knob, check if it feels solid.

If the knob is still uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't placed properly. To ensure that the screw is in the correct position, look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Press the button using the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should click into position as you do this, signalling that it is properly positioned on the spindle.

After ensuring that the set screw is positioned properly and tighten it once more to ensure that the knob or handle is in place. If this does not resolve the issue, you may have to take the knob from the backplate and look for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, contact an expert who is skilled in damaged lock repair.

2. Key won't turn in the Lock

There are a variety of reasons that your key may stop turning in the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are worn out. This means that they no longer have a proper shape to allow the sliders or wafers to be moved by the key. In this situation spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins in order to make them move again.

However, if the issue is more serious and the key has been bent out of shape, you might need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith can use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key which is designed with a curved end to fit into the groove in the key's tip. This kind of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, however you can find a kit with the right tools online or in a locksmith shop.

Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or damaged. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems in the lock's cylinder and causes the springs or pins to become stuck. In this instance you'll be required spray the lock with graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to clean it out and restore the pins to their original positions.

If the key itself has been damaged, it could be a cause for concern. Keys are worn down over time through repeated use, which will cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This can result in the key not being able to fit in the cylinder. It is essential to regularly check to make sure that the key fits correctly.

In the winter months, locks can freeze, which can stop the springs and pins from moving when the key is put in. This can be a frustrating issue, but is usually easily resolved by warming the lock with hot water and re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it's likely to need to be replaced by a professional.





3. The Lock Isn't Turning

It can be a hassle to find locks that don't turn or open. If this happens often you might want to consider having a locksmith come and examine the lock to see whether they can help. This isn't always needed since some issues can be fixed by yourself.

The key won't rotate in the lock if damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key, or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock, which could cause the damaged piece of the key to push further inside the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe Try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by cutting off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers.

It's also possible that the lock isn't aligned correctly and this could cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can try it to make sure that the lock functions properly. If you discover that the lock isn't correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate can solve the issue and allow the lock function normally.

A lock may not turn because of dirt or dust. This issue can be fixed by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down normally. It is important to avoid using oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this issue, since they could cause more obstructions later on.

It is important to remember that certain keys won't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you might need to have a new key manufactured by a local shop for hardware.

4. The Cylinder Is Rotating

When a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space, it may result in hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the the dimensionless radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The cylinder's tube, head and main body are all made of aluminum alloy.

If you are able insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate the cylinder, it could be defective. Rekeying your lock could solve the issue. There are kits made for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at the majority of big box stores.