Lock Repair: It's Not As Difficult As You Think

How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can either fix your locks yourself or engage a professional locksmith when they become faulty. However, lock repair can be a challenge and the wrong approach could lead to further damage. The first step is to confirm that the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. A Graphite-based spray or a silicone-based lubricant can be used to solve this issue. 1. Door Handle or Knob Lock Over time, door knobs and handles may become loose. This can result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. It is crucial to fix loose door knobs since they can be a nuisance but also can affect the security of your building. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively easy to fix. Based on the type of lock you have installed on your door, there are many solutions to fix it. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that conceals the screws that hold the lock together. If your door uses the one that is hidden, the process might be more difficult. The majority of interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a small screw, known as a setscrew, on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. You can utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened then turn the knob to test if it is solid. If the knob is jiggly it could be because the set screw hasn't been placed correctly. Find the small button that matches the spindle, to ensure that the screw is in the correct position. Depress the button with a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should move into the proper position when you do this, signalling that it is positioned correctly on the spindle. Once you have ensured that the set screw is properly placed then tighten it a second time to secure the knob. If this does not resolve the issue, you might have to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're not happy with this kind of repair, you should call an experienced locksmith who can provide damaged lock repair to help. 2. Key Won't Turn in Lock There are a number of reasons why your key might stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear down and, consequently, they no longer have the proper shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray will help coat the pins to make them move again. However, if the problem is more severe and the key has bent out of shape, you may need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith can use a specialty tool to straighten the key that is designed with a curved end to fit into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase a kit that includes the required tools online or from a locksmith. A dirty or contaminated lock is a different possibility. Over time, dust can build up in the lock's cylinder, which could cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this case, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clear the pins, and then return them to their original positions. If the key itself has become damaged, it could also be a cause for concern. Over time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a key. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, so it is important to be aware and regularly check whether your key fits properly. In the winter months, locks can freeze, which can stop springs and pins from moving when the key is put in. This can be a frustrating issue however, it can be resolved by warming the lock up with hot water and changing the lubricant. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may require replacement by an expert. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever had a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If this happens often you might want to consider hiring a locksmith to examine the lock to determine if they are able help. This is not always necessary however, as some issues can be fixed by yourself. The key will not turn in the lock if damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your keys, or it is broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to be pushed further inside the mechanism and make the problem much worse Try using pliers with needles to remove it from the lock. Be careful not to break any broken pieces with the pliers or you could end up damaging the lock. It's also possible that the lock is misaligned, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock is working correctly. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate can fix the issue and allow the lock function normally. A lock might not rotate because of dirt or dust. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this issue by coating the pins in the lock, allowing them to move up and down normally. It's crucial not to use products that contain oil such as WD-40 to solve this issue, because they can cause obstructions later on. It's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that simply can't fit into all locks. If yours is one of them then it's time to get a new key from the local hardware store, so that it can be used inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder turns within a confinement. These vortices may exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. These forces are proportional the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here will predict the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of the cylinder that is confined. The head, the tube and main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminium alloy. If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it but the lock is still rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying your lock could solve the issue. There are kits designed for this purpose, and can be purchased on the internet or at the majority of big box stores.