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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It's important that you repair locks on doors as soon as it starts to start to show signs. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your property vulnerable to burglaries.
Fortunately, many of the most frequent issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling in the help of a professional. Learn more about the most frequent problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
While they are less common on modern 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 down or break, causing your keys to stick when inserted or turning into a tense. It is essential to respond quickly if you observe your vehicle is experiencing this issue.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to remove any debris that might be blocking it. You could also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear out quicker. If your key won't turn after trying all these methods You may have to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by an expert locksmith.
After spraying the cylinder with the correct spray and using a different type of key, you might have to loosen the screws holding the cylinder in position and manually move the cylinder so that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Be sure to retighten these screws afterward, but not too tightly as this may cause internal components to wear or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock, you may have to take off the faceplate as well to access the screw heads that hold it. If so, you can locate them hidden behind seams or indentations on the edge of the faceplate or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, make use of a screwdriver to remove the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any that are worn or damaged.
When assembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're having issues then it's time to call an expert as the lock cylinder could require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or fall off completely. This could be a major problem as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can easily be repaired.
It is usually due to loose screws in the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, but older designs have them visible and easily accessible. It is easy to tighten these screws but it is preferential to use a threadlocker, which will secure the screws in the correct position.
If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. It is possible to loosen the ring at the base of the handle before you can pry the knob off while pressing the metal detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. You should also check the strike plate screws which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is with the spring cassette inside the handle. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.
You can do it yourself or have your local locksmith do it for you. There are a variety of cassettes that are available to choose from, so be sure to select the correct one for the type of handle you have.
It can also automatic car door lock repair be down to a damaged mounting ring or faceplate, but this is not common with newer handles. You can locate the replacement in a hardware shop or on the internet. After you've installed the new part, you should tighten up all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. You should also re-align the holes in the handle with those on the plate. If you're worried about this being a difficult DIY job, your locksmith can provide the price for this service.
Keys that don't turn
There are many reasons that keys may not rotate inside locks. This is often due to a lack 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 up and down again, which should enable the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes, the key itself might be the problem. Making use of a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for anything other than entering your home can cause the tip of the key to become blunt over time. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way and can cause it to get stuck or trapped in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with a bastard tool can aid in fitting it better.
Another reason that keys may not work in a lock is that it has been bent or damaged. Utilizing a key as a tool to cut things or as a can opener can cause the point of the key to bend and hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be required to correct the problem.
It is vital to be aware that gluing the two pieces of steel together won't work when a key is damaged inside the lock. This could cause further damage to the mechanism of the lock It is recommended to seek out a locksmith who provides replacement keys to fix the issue.
If the key is not broken, it may be that the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm up the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder has warmed up, you should be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. Alternately, you can use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. But the fact is that they're often overlooked until they stop working correctly. The problem of sticky locks is a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so will stop larger problems from developing.
A rusty mechanism is one of the most common causes of stuck locks. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
A common solution is to apply a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated 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 once more.
A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. Graphite is an excellent lubricant for small metal parts and won't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell graphite powdered which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can use pencils that are made from the same material.
It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant after applying it to stop it from accumulating and causing future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your lock won't budge, it may be time to contact a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the most effective option. If you do not take care of sticky locks, they can become a major problem and cause keys to snap in the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely irritating It's best to act sooner rather than later. And regular lubrication can help to keep these types of issues 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 schedule.