10 Lock Repairs That Are Unexpected

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It's important that you repair the door lock immediately when it begins to start to show signs. You could leave your property open to burglars.

Fortunately, many of the most frequent problems with door locks are fixable without contacting a professional. Read on to learn more about the signs to look for and how to fix the problem at home.

Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder

Car owners must be aware and watch out for damage to the door lock cylinders, even when they aren't as prevalent in modern vehicles as door locks with power have become the standard. This is the tumbler that your key slides into. It's prone to wear or break, causing keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to act swiftly to stop the problem from worsening.

The easiest way to fix this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air in order to clear of any obstructions that could be hindering it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a graphite or silicone spray. Be cautious not to overdo the procedure as this will cause the pins wear out more quickly. If your key doesn't turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder or repair it by a locksmith.

After spraying the cylinder using the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you may need to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder to ensure that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Make sure you tighten these screws afterward, but not too tight as this can cause the internal components to wear out or damaged.

Depending on the type of lock, you may need to remove the faceplate as well to gain access to the screw heads that hold it. They can be located by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the edges of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to access these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.

Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without any issues. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's time to call an expert as the lock cylinder might need to be replaced.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, a door handle may become loose and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This could be a major issue, as it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is important to know why the handle is loose and how it can be repaired.

It is usually because of a loose screw on the doorplate. Certain modern doors have chassis screws hidden in the door which are difficult to reach, but older designs will have them visible and easily accessible. It is easy to tighten these screws however it is recommended to use threadlocker, which will lock the screws into 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 first, and then pull it off from the knob by pressing the detent pin made of metal. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by removing the rose. You should also examine the strike plate screws, which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it is closed.

Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette that's in the handle. This can break down over time, but usually it's due to wear and tear, and will require the replacement of a spring cassette.

You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available, so make sure you select the correct one for your particular handle.

This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring however it is uncommon for newer handles. You can usually find a replacement to yours at hardware stores or online. After you have installed the new part you will be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes of the handle with the holes on your plate is also crucial. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could give you a quote.

Keys that don't turn

There are a number of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. It is usually because of a lack of lubrication. You can fix this by using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move up and down again and allow the key to open the lock.

Sometimes, the key itself might be the problem. The point of a key may become blunt in time, especially if it's used for other purposes than to get into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly which can result in it becoming stuck or trapped in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using a bastard tool can aid in fitting it better.

Another reason why the key may not turn inside a lock is that it is bent or damaged. The tip of a key can be bent when it is used to open or cut cans. This could also hinder the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation, you may need to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.

It is crucial to understand that gluing the two pieces of steel together is not a viable option if a key has broken inside the lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith who provides keys that can be replaced.

If the key is not damaged, it could be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance, it can be helpful to warm up the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for just a few minutes. After the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder and unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an essential element of your home security. However that they're usually taken for granted--until they stop working correctly. Sticky locks can cause problems. However, they're simple to fix and help prevent more serious problems from arising.

A dirty mechanism is among the most common causes for a stuck lock. This can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.

Dry lubricant like WD-40 spray or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is inserted into lock and rotated back and forth to spread the grease on the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock should be able to turn smoothly again.

A graphite lubricant is another option. Graphite is a great lubricant to use on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt like oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can use pencils, which are made of the same material.

Clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after using it. This will stop it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your sticky lock still won't budge, it may be time to contact a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the most effective solution. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can become major nuisances and can lead to keys snapping out of the lock or even the door handle. It's better to take action now instead of waiting until you've got a stuck lock. Regularly lubricating your locks can help to keep these kinds of problems from arising in the first in the first. Add this to your annual maintenance schedule can give you peace of heart that your locks are operating properly, securing your home.