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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
When a lock on your door begins to appear worn It is important to get it repaired quickly. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property at risk of burglary.
Most of the common problems in door locks can be fixed without calling an expert. Learn more about the signs to look out for and how you can fix them at home.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Although they are not as common on modern vehicles, as power door locks become the standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and look out for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler that your key slides into. It is prone to wear out or break, causing keys to become stuck or hard to turn. It's important that you immediately take action if you notice your vehicle has this issue.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to remove any debris that might be blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a graphite or silicone spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this can cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key is still refusing to turn, it could be time to replace the cylinder, or have it professionally repaired by locksmiths.
After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different type of key, you might require to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder in such a way that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Make sure to tighten the screws following the move, but don't get too tight as this can cause internal components to become worn or damaged.
You may also need to remove the lock's faceplate, depending on the type of lock. You can find them by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the edges of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to reach these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can employ a screwdriver to remove its internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
When reassembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and secure the screws. It is also important to test the cylinder to ensure that it can be inserted and turned without issue. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's time to call a professional as the lock's cylinder could require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes, a door handle loosens over time, and it can start to rotate freely or even fall off the door completely. This can be a big issue as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those using it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and what can be done to fix it.
It is usually due to a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach chassis screws, while older models have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten these easily, though it is best to use a threadlocker, which will lock the screws into the correct position.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of handle before you can pry the knob away while pressing the detent pin made of metal. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws, which you can then tighten. Examine the strike plate screws, which hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette on the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is often required.
You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith do it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available, so make sure to select the correct one for your specific handle.
This can also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for handles with modern designs. You can locate a replacement at a hardware store or online. Once you've put in the new piece it is time to tighten all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. You should also re-align the holes on the handle to the holes on the plate. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could offer a price.
Keys that Don't Turn
There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. This is often because of a lack of lubrication. You can fix this by applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth, which should allow the key to open the lock.
Sometimes keys could be the problem. Utilizing a key for box cutter, can opener, or for anything other than entering your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way and could result in it becoming stuck or encased inside the lock. In this instance the re-tipping of the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit into the lock better.
Another reason a key might not turn in a lock is because it is damaged or bent. The point of a key could be bent if used to open or cut cans. This could also hinder the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this instance you may have to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
If the key has snapped in the middle of the lock, it's important to be aware that attempting to glue the two pieces of metal together will not work. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism of the lock, and it is best to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not damaged, it is likely that the cylinder of the lock has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it is possible to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be able to insert the key into the cylinder to 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 a crucial element of your home security. But the fact is, they're often overlooked until they stop working properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix yourself and will stop larger problems from arising.
A rusty mechanism is one of the most common causes for a locked that is stuck. This can be easily fixed with a little cleaning and the application of lubrication.
A common option is to use a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is put into car lock repair near me lock and rotated back and forth to spread the oil on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock should be able to turn smoothly once more.
Another option is to use a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is an excellent lubricant for small metal parts and won't wash away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite can be found at a wide range of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after having used it. This will stop it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to get an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action. If you don't take care of sticky locks, they can be a serious issue and cause keys to snap inside the lock. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be extremely frustrating It's best to act earlier rather than later. Regular lubrication will help to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. You can have peace of peace of mind knowing that your locks will work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance schedule.