A Brief History Of Lock Repairs In 10 Milestones
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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair a door lock immediately when it begins to start to show signs. Your home could be open to burglars.
Many of the most common problems that arise with door locks can be solved without contacting an expert. Learn more about the most common issues 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 door lock cylinders, though they are less common in modern vehicles as door locks with power have become the standard. This is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into, and it could be damaged or worn out and cause your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned in a sharp. It is crucial to immediately take action if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to get rid of any debris that could be blocking it. You can also lubricate it using a graphite or silicon spray. Be cautious not to overdo it because this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key is still refusing to turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried another key, it could be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Be sure to retighten these screws, but not too tight as this can cause the internal components to wear or damaged.
It is also possible to remove the lock's faceplate, depending on the type of lock. You can find them by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the edge of your faceplate. You can also use a screwdriver or putty knife to get into these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal parts of the lock and replace any that are worn or damaged.
Assemble the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. It is also important to check the cylinder to make sure that it can be turned and inserted without difficulty. If you're experiencing issues you should contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder could need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time, and it can start to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue since it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is crucial to know why the handle is loosened and how it can be repaired.
This is usually because of a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, whereas older models have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to use a threadlocker to lock them in their place.
If the screw is exposed you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws for the mounting plate that you can tighten. Check the strike plate screws that hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch clicks in when it closes.
Other times, the problem could be due to the spring cassette on the handle. This can break down over time, but it's usually simply due to wear and tear, and will require the replacement of a spring cassette.
You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available and you should get the right one for the type of handle you have.
It can also be down to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring but this is very rare with the newer handles. You can locate the replacement at a hardware store or on the internet. After you have installed the new part you will need to tighten all the get more info fixings and then reconnect the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle with those on the plate. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith can give you a quote.
Keys that won't turn
There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. Most often it is due to an absence of lubrication. This can be corrected 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 issue. The tip of a key may become blunt over time if it is used for purposes other than getting into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly, causing it to become stuck or trapped in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with a bastard tool can aid in fitting it better.
A key that isn't turning in a lock may also be damaged or bent. The edge of a key may be bent if used to open or cut cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key could be necessary to fix the issue.
It is important to know that gluing the two pieces of metal together will not work if a key has broken inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock, and it is best to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this situation it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has been heated it is then possible to insert the key and unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of your home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Sticky locks can be a problem. However, they're simple to fix and could help prevent more serious problems from arising.
One of the most likely reasons for a sticky lock is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. It can be fixed with a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricant like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then put into the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should turn smoothly once more.
A graphite lubricant is another option. Graphite is a great oil to use on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt like oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also employ a pencil for the same purpose, as it's made from the same material.
Always clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after applying it to stop it from building up and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your lock doesn't change, it could be time to contact a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the most effective course of action. If you don't address the problem, it can escalate into major annoyances and lead to keys snapping out of the lock, or even the door handle. It's better to act now instead of waiting until you've got a stuck lock. 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 work effectively and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance tasks.