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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a lock on your door begins to appear worn It is important to get it replaced promptly. You could leave your property open to burglars.
A lot of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without contacting an expert. Find out more about the most frequent problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners should be aware and look out for damage to the door lock cylinders, though they are less common in modern vehicles since power door locks have become the commonplace. This is the tumbler that your key slides into, and it can be damaged or worn out which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned hard. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Spray compressed air into the cylinder to eliminate any debris blocking it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a graphite or silicon spray. Be careful not to overdo the procedure as this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key isn't turning after trying all of these options it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. You can also have it repaired by an expert locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using a different key, it could be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move it so that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure to tighten the screws, but not too tightly as this may cause internal components to become worn or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you may have to take off the faceplate as well to gain access to the screw heads that hold it. If this is the case, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After removing the faceplate from the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
When assembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you have trouble doing this, it's time to call an expert as the lock's cylinder could require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and may begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue, as it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is important to understand why the handle is loosened and how it can be repaired.
Often, this is simply due to a screw on the door plate that requires tightening. Certain modern doors have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, while older styles will have them visible and easily accessible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is best to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in their place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring at the base of the handle first, then you can pull it off from the knob itself while depressing the detent pin made of metal. Then, you can remove the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. Check the strike plate screws that secure the plate to the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch snaps in when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette in the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is often needed.
You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith can install it for you. There are a range of cassettes, so be sure to choose the right one for your specific handle.
This can also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring however, it is not common for handles that are newer. You can usually find a similar replacement for yours from an online store or a hardware store. Once you've fitted the new part and tightened all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. You should also re-align the holes on the handle to those on the plate. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith can offer a price.
Keys that don't turn
There are many different reasons why keys don't turn inside of locks. It is usually due to a lack lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move upwards and downwards when you insert the key and apply the oil.
Sometimes it is the key that causes the issue. damaged car lock Making use of a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for anything other than entering your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way and can result in it becoming stuck or trapped inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with the aid of a bastard tool could aid in the fitting.
A key that isn't turning in a lock could be damaged or bent. Making use of a key as a tool to cut things or use it as a can opener can cause the point of the key to be bent and hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be necessary to fix the problem.
It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of steel together is not a viable option when a key is damaged inside a lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys.
If the key isn't broken, it could be because the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder is warm, it should be possible to insert the key and open the door. Alternately, you can make use of a hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are a crucial element of your home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Locks that stick are a frequent issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so can prevent larger issues from arising.
A rusty mechanism is one of the most frequent causes of stuck locks. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
The most common method is to use a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and then rotated back and forth in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock will be able to turn smoothly again.
A graphite lubricant can be another option. Graphite is a great grease for small metal parts and doesn't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also use a pencil, which is made of the same material.
Clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after using it. This will stop it from accumulating and causing future issues. If you've tried these suggestions and your sticky lock still won't budge, it may be time to contact an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the best solution. If you don't take care of locks that are sticky, they could become a major problem and cause keys to break in the lock. It's better to act now instead of waiting until you've got a stuck lock. Regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of problems from arising in the first in the first. Adding this to your yearly maintenance routine can give you peace of mind that your locks work correctly, and are secure for your home.