Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair a door lock as soon as it starts to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your home at risk of burglary.
Fortunately, a majority of the most common issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling in an expert. Find out more about the signs to look out for and how to fix the problem at home.
Damaged Lock Cylinder
While they are less common on newer vehicles, as power door locks become standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and look out for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that your keys slide into. It is prone to wear out or break and cause keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. It is essential to immediately take action if you notice your vehicle experiencing this problem.
The most effective way to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air in order to clear out any debris that may be blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a graphite or silicon spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried another key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move it so that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws afterward, but not too tight as this can cause internal components to wear or damaged.
You may also have to take off the faceplate of the lock depending on the type. If so, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
When reassembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're having issues, it is time to consult an expert because the lock cylinder might need to be changed.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door can loosen and begin to spin or fall off completely. This can be a huge issue as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those using it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and how to fix it.
This is usually caused by a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws which are difficult to reach, while older designs have them accessible and visible. You can tighten them easily however it is recommended to use a threadlocker, which will lock the screws in the correct position.
If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. You may have to loosen the ring at the base of the handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the metal detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by removing the rose. Examine the strike plate screws that hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway where the latch is triggered when it closes.
Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette in the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is usually needed.
You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available to choose from, so be sure to get the right one for your handle type.
It could also be due to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, but this is not common with modern handles. You can find a replacement at a hardware store or on the internet. After you've installed the new piece, you should tighten up all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. You should also re-align the holes on the handle to those on the plate. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY task, a locksmith will provide a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are a variety of reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. This is often because of a lack of lubrication. This can be fixed by using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move upwards and downwards when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Sometimes, the key itself might be the issue. Using 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. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and could result in it getting stuck or jammed inside of the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with the aid of a bastard tool could aid in fitting it better.
Another reason why the key may not turn in a lock is that it is damaged or bent. The tip of a key can be bent if used to cut or open cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation, you may need to re-tipp the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is crucial to understand that gluing the 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 lock mechanism It is recommended to seek out a locksmith who provides replacement keys to fix the problem.
If the key isn't damaged, it could be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has been warmed up, you will 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 thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of your home security. car door lock repair near me g28carkeys.co.uk are often overlooked until they stop functioning properly. Sticky locks can be a problem. However, they're easy to fix and can stop bigger problems from arising.
A malfunctioning mechanism is among the most common causes of a locked that is stuck. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricants 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 oil on the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock should rotate smoothly once more.
A graphite-based lubricant is a different alternative. Graphite is an excellent oil for small parts of metal and doesn't sludge away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also employ a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.
Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after using it. This will prevent it from accumulating and causing future problems. If your lock is stuck and doesn't move even after you've tried all the above suggestions it's time to call a professional locksmith who can assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. If you ignore sticky locks, they can become a major problem and cause keys to snap inside the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely frustrating, so it's always better to act sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication will help to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance routine will provide you with peace of mind that your locks work correctly, and are secure for your home.