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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair a door lock when it begins to show signs. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your property vulnerable to burglaries.
Most of the common problems with door locks can be fixed without the need for a professional. Learn more about what to look out for and how to fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Car owners need to be aware and look out for damage to the door lock cylinders, even when they aren't as prevalent in modern vehicles as door locks with power have become the norm. This is the mechanical tumbler your keys slide into, and it could wear down or break which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned into a tense. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to act quickly to stop the problem from worsening.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to remove any debris blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a silicone or graphite spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this could cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key still won't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder or repair it by locksmiths.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using the same key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws, but not too tight, as this could cause internal components to wear out or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you are using, you may have to take off the faceplate in order to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. If so, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations on the edge of the faceplate or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you've removed your faceplate, you can then use a screwdriver to disassemble the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any worn or damaged.
When assembling the lock again make sure you attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's that you should call an expert as the lock's cylinder could require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle may become loose and begin to spin or fall off completely. This could be a major issue because it makes it difficult to open the door, and also puts people at risk. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose and how to fix it.
It is usually caused by a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws which are difficult to reach, while older styles will have them accessible and visible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to employ a threadlocker to secure them in place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring on the base of the handle first, and then you can pry it off of the knob while pressing the metal detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. You should also examine the strike plate screws which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway that the latch clicks into when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette in the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is usually required.
You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are a range of cassettes, so be sure to choose the right one for your particular handle.
This could also be due to a broken mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for newer handles. You will usually find a comparable replacement to yours at a hardware store or online. After you have installed the new part, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could provide a quote.
Keys that Don't Turn
There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. This is often due to a lack of lubrication. You can fix this by applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the oil.
Other times it could be the key itself that can be the problem. The key's tip will become blunt over time if it is used for purposes other than getting into your home. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly, which could lead to it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file could help it fit into the lock better.
A key that isn't turning inside a lock can also be bent or damaged. Using keys as tools to cut things or use it as a can opener could cause the point of the key to be bent and prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this case, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be required to correct the problem.
If the key has snapped in the middle of the lock, it is important to be aware that attempting to glue the two pieces of metal together won't work. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock and it is advised to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to fix the problem.
If the key isn't broken, it could be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder has warmed up, you should be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also make use of a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to melt out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential element of your home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Sticky locks can be a problem. However, they are simple to fix and could stop bigger problems from arising.
A rusty mechanism is one of the most common causes for a locked that is stuck. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A dry lubricant like WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a popular solution. The key is then put into the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should turn smoothly.
A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. Graphite is a great oil for small parts of metal and doesn't wash away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
You should always wipe off any excess lubricant after applying it to prevent it from building up and causing future problems. If you've tried these suggestions and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to contact a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the most effective option. If you don't address the problem, it can turn into more info major hassles and can lead to keys snapping inside the lock or even in the door handle. It's better to act now instead of waiting until you've got locked that is stuck. And regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of issues from happening in the first place. Adding this to your yearly maintenance tasks can give you peace of heart that your locks are functioning correctly, and are secure for your home.