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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is crucial to fix the door lock as soon as it starts to start to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property at risk of burglary.
Fortunately, many of the most frequent problems in door locks can be solved without contacting an expert. Read on to learn more about what to look out for and how to fix them at home.
Damaged Lock Cylinder
Car owners should be aware and look out for damage to the door lock cylinders though they are less common in the latest vehicles, as door locks with power have become the commonplace. This is the tumbler that your key slides into, and it can wear down or break, causing your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turn into a tense. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act quickly to stop the problem from worsening.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to remove any debris that could be blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo the procedure as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried another key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and then manually move it so that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Retighten the screws but not too much as this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
It is also possible to take off the faceplate of the lock in accordance with the model. If this is the case, 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. Once you've removed the faceplate, use a screwdriver to disassemble the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any damaged or worn out.
When assembling the lock again ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're having issues then it's time to consult an expert because the lock cylinder may require a change.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time, and it can start to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This can be a problem, as it makes it difficult to open the door and puts people at risk. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can be repaired.
This is usually caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach chassis screws, while older styles are easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to employ a threadlocker to secure them in place.
If the screw is exposed, you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring around the handle's base first, then you can pull it off of the knob itself while depressing the metallic detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate which you then tighten. Examine the strike plate screws that hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway, where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Other times, the problem may be related to the handle's spring cassette. This can break down over time, but most of the time it's due to wear and tear and needs an easy replacement.
You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are many cassettes, so be sure to select the appropriate one for your particular handle.
It can also be down to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring but this is very rare with modern handles. You can locate an alternative in a hardware shop or online. Once you have fitted the new piece, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle to the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could give you a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. Most of the time it is due to the lack of the lubrication. This can be remedied by applying a lubricant, such as WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Sometimes it is the key that causes the problem. The key's tip may become blunt in time, especially if it's used for other purposes than just to gain entry into your home. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and could result in it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file can make it fit in the lock better.
A key that is not turning in a lock could also be damaged or bent. The tip of a key can be bent if used to open or cut cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this case you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be necessary to fix the problem.
It is crucial to understand that gluing two pieces of metal will not work if a key has broken inside the lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to call a locksmith who provides keys that can be replaced.
If the key isn't broken, it could be that the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In this instance it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. When the cylinder is warm it is then check here possible to insert the key and open 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 a crucial component of the security of your home. However, they're often ignored until they stop working correctly. Locks that stick are a frequent problem, but they're not difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so can stop bigger issues from developing.
A rusty mechanism is one of the most frequent causes of a locked that is stuck. This is easily remedied with a little bit of cleaning and the application of lubrication.
The most common method is to apply a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then placed inside the lock and rotated around and back to spread the lubricant over the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly.
Another option is to choose an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is a great oil to use on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can use pencils, which are made from the same material.
Always wipe away any excess lubricant applied after using it. This will stop it from building up and causing future problems. If your lock that is sticky won't move after you've tried all of the suggestions above it's time to call a professional locksmith who can assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. If you do not take care of locks that are sticky, they could become a major problem and cause keys to break inside the lock. A lock that is stuck can be extremely frustrating and it's better to take action sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. You can be assured of peace of assurance that your locks function effectively and protect your home by including this in your annual maintenance routine.