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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

If your locks start to fail You can attempt to fix them yourself or employ an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be a challenge and if you take the wrong route, it may cause further damage.

You should first check to see if the problem is due to dirt or dust. Graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can be used to solve this issue.

1. Door Handle or Knob Loose

Over time doors knobs and handles can become loose. This could result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. Door knobs that are loose aren't just annoying, they could compromise your home's security, so it is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. A loose doorknob is relatively simple to fix. There are several ways to fix this dependent on the type of lock system your door is using. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are easy to access, while others use a backplate that conceals the screws that hold it together. If your door has the second type, this process could be more complex.

The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle, which is mounted in the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw known as a set screw located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding across spindle. Use a flashlight to help you locate the set screw, and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened, turn the knob to check if it feels solid.

If the knob is jiggly, it could be that the set screw isn't placed correctly. Look for the small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the right position. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. As you do so the knob should click into place, indicating that it is rightly positioned on the spindle.

Once you've verified that the set screw has been positioned correctly, tighten it once more to secure the knob. If this doesn't solve the problem, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate and look for missing or loose screws. It is necessary to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can replace the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this kind of repair, call an experienced locksmith who can provide repairs for damaged locks.

2. The key won't spin in the lock

There are a number of reasons why your key might stop turning in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins within the cylinder are beginning to wear down, which means they don't have the correct shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins and allow them to move again.

If the issue is more severe, and the key has been bent it may be necessary to have it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has an angled edge that fits into the groove on the tip of the key. window door lock repair of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire set of necessary tools online or from a locksmith.

A soiled or dirty lock is another possibility. Over time, dust may accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this instance, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to remove the pins and restore them to their original position.

It may also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. In time, repeated use can wear down the grooves of a key. This can result in the key not being able to fit into the cylinder. It is crucial to check frequently to ensure that the key fits properly.

In the colder months locks can freeze which will prevent springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a frustrating issue however it is usually solved by warming the lock with hot water and applying lubrication. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has frozen the lock, it will have to be replaced.

3. The lock isn't turning

It can be a hassle to find locks that don't turn or open. If this happens often it is advisable to think about hiring a locksmith to examine the lock to see whether they can help. Fortunately, this isn't always necessary since there are things that can be repaired without the need for professional assistance.

The key won't rotate in the lock if it's damaged. This could happen when you've lost your keys or it is broken in the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to move further inside the mechanism, which could make the problem much worse Try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by tearing off any part of the broken key using the pliers.

It's also possible that the lock isn't aligned correctly which could cause the door to not latch correctly. If you have an extra lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock functions properly. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate could fix the issue and allow the lock to function normally.

A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. Using an graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant can solve this problem by coating the pins inside the lock to allow them to move up and down as normal. Avoid using oil-based products such as WD-40 as they could cause more blockages in the future.

It's also worth noting that there are some types of keys that don't fit into all locks. If your key is one of these you might want to purchase a replacement key from an area hardware store, so that it can be used inside the lock.





4. The Cylinder is Rotating

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

If you're able insert your key in and turn it however the lock isn't turning, there may be an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying the lock could fix this problem. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at the majority of big box stores.