Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
If a door lock begins to appear worn, it's important to have it replaced promptly. You could leave your property open to burglars.
A lot of the most frequent problems with door locks can be resolved without calling a professional. Learn more about the most frequently occurring problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles, as power door locks become the standard, car owners should be aware of and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler your keys slide into, and it could wear down or break which causes keys to stick when inserted or turning into a tense. It is essential to act quickly if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.
The easiest way to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear out any debris that may be hindering it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo it because this can cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key doesn't turn after trying all these methods You may have to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by a professional locksmith.
After you've sprayed your cylinder and tried another key, it could be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Retighten the screws but not too tight since this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.
Depending on the type of lock, you may need to remove the faceplate in order to gain access to the screw heads that hold it. You can find them by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the edge of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to get 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 components.
Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. You should also test the cylinder to ensure that it can be turned and inserted without issue. If you're experiencing issues you should consult an expert because the lock cylinder might require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle may become loose and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a big issue as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those who use it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and what can be done to fix it.
Most of the time, it's down to a screw in the door plate that needs tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, whereas older designs have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is best to use a threadlocker to lock them in the right position.
If read the full info here is exposed you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring on the base of the handle first, then you can pull it off from the knob by pressing the detent pin made of metal. You can then take off the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. Examine the strike plate screws that secure the plate at the edge of the doorway where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue is with the spring cassette inside the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is often needed.
You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith do it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes that are available and you should get the right one for the type of handle you have.
It could also be due to a broken faceplate or mounting ring, but this is very rare with modern handles. You can locate a replacement in a hardware shop or on the internet. Once you've fitted the new part it is time to tighten all fixings and then re-attach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also important. If you're concerned that this is too much of a do-it-yourself task, a locksmith will provide a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are many reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. Most of the time it is due to a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Sometimes keys are the source of the issue. Using a key as an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for something else other than getting into your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly which can result in it becoming stuck or jammed in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using a bastard tool can help it fit better.
A key that is not turning in a lock could be damaged or bent. The edge of a key may become bent if it is used to cut or open cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this case, you may need to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
If a key has snapped inside of a lock, it is crucial to keep in mind that trying to glue the two pieces of metal back together won't work. This could lead to further damage to the lock mechanism It is recommended to seek out a locksmith who provides replacement keys to fix the problem.
If the key is not broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has been heated it is then possible to insert the key and open the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. Locks are often overlooked until they fail to function properly. Sticky locks could be a source of trouble. However, they are simple to fix and stop bigger problems from arising.
One of the most likely causes for a sticky lock is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily fixed with a little bit of cleaning and the application of lubrication.
A common solution is to apply a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forward in order to spread grease on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should be able to turn smoothly once more.
Another option is to choose a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is a great oil to use on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in a variety of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil, which is made of the same material.
You should always wipe off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from accumulating and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock doesn't change, it could be time to get a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best solution. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can escalate into major annoyances and can lead to keys snapping inside the lock or even in the door handle. It's better to act sooner rather than later if you encounter locked that is stuck. Regularly lubricating your locks can help prevent these kinds of issues from happening in the first place. You can rest in mind knowing that your locks will work properly and secure your home by including this in your annual maintenance schedule.