10 Things We Love About Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
If your locks start to fail, you can try to fix them yourself or employ an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be difficult and if you take the wrong route, it could cause further damage.
You must first determine if the issue is due to dust or dirt. This is usually solved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone based fluid.
1. Door Handle or Knob Lock
Over time doors knobs and handles can become loose. This could result in a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult to open. Door knobs that are loose are not only annoying but they could compromise your home's security, which is why it's important to find and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a doorknob that is loose or handle is fairly simple to fix. There are a few different ways to fix this dependent on the type of lock system your door is using. Certain lock systems come with easily accessible mounting screws, while others use backplates to hide the screws. This is a more complicated method in the case of a backplate that conceals the screws.
The majority of interior doorknobs have a small screw called a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours feels jiggly, it could be because of a small screw, called a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob, which is hindering it from sliding across the spindle. Use flashlights to locate the screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened, test the knob and test if it no more feels as jiggly.
If your knob feels uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To ensure that the screw is positioned correctly Look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Place the knob on the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver with a flat head. The knob should click into place after you have done this, which indicates that it is positioned correctly on the spindle.
After you've confirmed that the set screw is properly placed and tightened it again to ensure that the knob is secured. If this does not resolve the issue, you might have to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this type of repair, contact a professional locksmith who offers damaged lock repair to help.
2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock
There are a variety of reasons your lock key may stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are worn down. This means that they no longer have a proper shape that allows for the sliders or wafers to be moved by the key. In this case an easy fix would be to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again.
If the issue is more severe, and the key is bent or twisted, you may need to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will use a special tool to straighten the keys, which has a curved end to fit into the groove in the key's tip. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can buy an entire kit with the required tools through the internet or from a locksmith.
Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or damaged. Dust can build up over time in the lock's cylinder and cause the pins or springs to become stuck. In this instance, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clean out the pins and return them to their original positions.
It could also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. In time, repeated use can wear down the grooves on a key. This could result in the key not being able to fit into the cylinder. It is essential to check frequently to make sure that the key fits properly.
In the winter months locks can freeze, which prevents springs and pins from moving when the key is put in. This can be a nagging issue however it is quite simple to solve by warming up the lock using hot water and using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may need to be replaced by an expert.
3. The lock isn't turning
If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and isn't opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If this happens frequently you might want to consider having a locksmith come and take a look at the lock to determine if they are able help. Fortunately, this isn't always necessary since there are issues that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance.
Sometimes, the key won't rotate in a lock if it's damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your keys, or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to push further inside the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. You should be cautious not to cut off any broken pieces using the pliers, or you could damage the lock.
It's possible that your lock isn't aligned correctly, which can cause the door to not latch correctly. If you have an extra lock key, you can test it to make sure that the lock is operating properly. If you do discover that the lock isn't aligned properly tightening the screws on the strike plate will fix the problem and allow the lock to work normally.
A lock may not turn because of dirt or dust. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up and down in a normal manner. You should avoid using products that contain oil, like WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more blockages in the future.
Lastly, it's worth noting that there are some types of keys that simply can't fit in all locks. If yours is one of them, it might be time to get a replacement key from a local hardware store, so that it can be used inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
Hairpin vortices can develop when a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. door lock window repairs repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are proportional the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model described here predicts the effect of these parameters on the torque and force on the cylinder that is confined. The head, tube and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminium alloy.
If you're able insert your key inside and turn it, but the lock is still rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying the lock may fix this problem. There are kits made for this purpose, and can be purchased online or in most big box stores.