What Is Lock Repairs And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is crucial to fix the door lock as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins.
A lot of the most frequent problems 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 Lock Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles, as power door locks become the standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that your key slides into, and it can wear out or break, causing your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turning hard. It is essential to act quickly if you notice your vehicle has this issue.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to eliminate any debris blocking it. You could also try lubricating it using a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much since this could cause the pins to wear down more quickly. If your key won't turn after trying all of these options it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by an experienced locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder using the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you might require to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in place and manually move the cylinder to ensure that it is aligned properly with the keyhole. Close the screws but not too tight because this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.
You may also have to remove the lock's faceplate depending on the type. You can find them by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the outside of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to get into these areas. After you've removed the faceplate, you can then make use of a screwdriver to remove the internal components of the lock and replace any that are worn or damaged.
When assembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. You should also test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's likely time to contact an expert as the lock cylinder may require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door may become loose and begin to spin or fall off completely. This could be a major issue, as it makes it difficult to open the door, and also puts people at risk. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose, and how it can be fixed.
In most cases, this is down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, while older styles have them visible and easily accessible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is best to use a threadlocker to lock them in the right position.
If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. You may need to loosen the ring on the handle's base first, then you can pry it off from the knob itself while depressing the metallic detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by removing the rose. You should also examine the strike plate screws, that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Other times, the problem could be due to the spring cassette on the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is usually required.
You can install it yourself or let your local locksmith do it for you. There are a range of website cassettes, so be sure to select the appropriate one for your handle.
It could also be due to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, however this is extremely rare with newer handles. You will usually find a comparable replacement for yours from hardware stores or online. After you have installed the new part you will need to tighten all the fixings and then reconnect the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle to those on the plate. If you're concerned that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith can offer a price.
Keys that don't turn
There are many reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. Most often, this is due to an absence of lubrication. This can be fixed with a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards, which should allow the key to open the lock.
Sometimes it could be the key itself that can be the issue. The point of a key will become blunt over time if used for purposes other than getting into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way which can result in it becoming stuck or jammed inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using an instrument for bastards can aid in fitting it better.
Another reason a key might not turn in a lock is that it is bent or damaged. Utilizing keys as a tool to cut things or as a can opener could cause the point of the key to bend, which could also make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this case it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key could be required to resolve the issue.
It is important to know that gluing two pieces of metal is not a viable option in the event that a key has been damaged inside a lock. This could cause further damage to the mechanism of the lock, and it is best to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key is not damaged, it could be that the lock cylinder has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be able to insert the key into the cylinder and unlock the door. Alternately, you can make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of home security. However, they're often ignored until they stop working correctly. The problem of sticky locks is a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix yourself and will stop larger problems from developing.
A rusty mechanism is one of the most common causes for stuck locks. It can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A common option is to make use of a dry lubricant, such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then put into the lock and turned back and forth to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly.
Another option is to choose a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is a great oil for small parts of metal and won't wash away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant after applying it to avoid it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to call in a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action. If you do not take care of locks that are sticky, they could be a serious issue and cause keys to snap inside the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be a huge hassle, so it's always better to take action sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication will help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. You can be assured of peace of mind knowing that your locks will work effectively and protect your home by including this in your annual maintenance tasks.