How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
You can repair your locks yourself or employ a professional locksmith if they begin to fail. Repairing locks can be difficult and if you take the wrong route, it could result in further damage.
You should first check to find out if the issue is caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying some graphite spray or silicone based fluid.
1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose
As time passes doors knobs and handles may become loose. This can lead to an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult for you to open. Door knobs that are loose are not only annoying but they can also compromise your building's security, making it crucial to fix the problem quickly. replacement locks for double glazed windows that is loose is easy to repair. There are several methods to fix it, dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, while others use a backplate that conceals the screws that hold the lock together. If your door is the second type, this process could be more complex.
Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called a setscrew on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, known as a setscrew, on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding across spindle. Utilize flashlights to locate the set screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After the screw has been tightened then turn the knob to test if it is solid.
If your knob still feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't positioned properly. To ensure that the screw is in the correct position, look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver that has a flat head. The knob should move into the proper position when you do this, indicating it is positioned correctly on the spindle.
After ensuring the set screw is positioned properly, simply tighten it again to secure the knob or handle in place. This should resolve the issue If not, you may have to take the knob off and check the backplate for loose or missing screws. It is necessary to replace the screws in this case before you can install the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this kind of repair, contact an experienced locksmith who can provide repairs for damaged locks.
2. Key won't turn in the Lock
There are a number of reasons why your key might stop turning inside the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear out, which means they no longer have the proper shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation an easy fix is to spray the lock with graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins and help them to move once more.
If the problem is more serious and the key has been bent it may be necessary to have it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key, which is designed with an angled tip that fits into the groove that is recessed on the tip of the key. This type of tool isn't available in hardware stores, but you can find an entire kit of the correct tools online or at the locksmith shop.
Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or damaged. As time passes, dust will build up in the lock's cylinder, which can cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this instance, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clear the pins and restore them to their original position.
If the key itself has become damaged, it could be a problem. Keys are worn down over time through repeated use, which can cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, which is why it's important to pay attention and make sure that your key fits correctly.
Locks can freeze in the winter months. This will prevent the pins and springs from moving when keys are put in. This can be a nagging issue however it is fairly easy to solve by warming the lock with hot water and using an oil-based lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze, it will need to be replaced.
3. The lock isn't turning
If you've ever encountered an unresponsive lock and isn't opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If it occurs frequently, you might consider getting locksmiths to come take a look and see if they can help. This is not always necessary since some issues can be solved by yourself.
Sometimes, the key won't rotate in a lock if it is damaged. This could happen if you've lost your key or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to pull the key out of the lock, which could cause it to be forced deeper into the mechanism, and increase the risk using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. You should be cautious not to cut off the broken piece using the pliers, or you may cause damage to the lock.
You may also have an incorrectly aligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock functions correctly. If you discover that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening the screws around the strike plate will solve the issue and allow the lock to work normally.
A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. This issue can be fixed by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to cover the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down as normal. It's crucial not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 for this though since they could cause more clogging problems down the road.
It's also worth noting that there are some types of keys that simply can't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you'll need to have a new key made by a local shop for hardware.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
When a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space, it could result in the formation of hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the force and torque of an encircled rotating cylinder. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are all made of aluminum alloy.
If you can insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate the cylinder, it could be faulty. Rekeying your lock can solve the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose that can be purchased on the internet or at most big box stores.