10 Top Facebook Pages Of All Time About Lock Repair

How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

You can fix your locks yourself, or employ a professional locksmith if they start to malfunction. However, the process of fixing locks can be a challenge and the wrong approach could cause further damage.

The first step is to confirm that the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying a graphite spray or silicone based lubricant.

1.  Repair My Windows And Doors  or Handle

Door knobs and handles could be loose in time, which can result in a jiggly door handle, or a knob that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs aren't just annoying but they can also compromise your building's security, so it is crucial to solve the issue quickly. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to repair. Depending on the lock system that is installed on your door, there are several options to fix this. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that hides the screws that hold it together. If your door has the second type, this process could be more complex.

Most interior doorknobs are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle which is attached to the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw, known as a setscrew, on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding over spindle. You can make use of a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened by turning the knob, test if it is solid.

If your knob is still jiggly, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned, look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the screwdriver that has a flat head. As you do this the knob should begin to click which indicates that it has been positioned properly on the spindle.

After you've confirmed that the set screw has been properly placed, tighten it once more to ensure that the knob is secured. If this does not resolve the issue, you might have to remove the knob from the backplate and look for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these screws before you can secure the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this kind of repair, seek out an expert locksmith who can offer repair for damaged locks to assist.

2. The key won't spin in the lock

There are several reasons why your lock key may stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder are worn out. This means that they do not have a proper shape that allows the sliders or wafers to be moved by the key. In this case, a quick fix would be spraying the lock with graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins and help them move again.

If the issue is more severe, and the key is bent or twisted, you may need to get it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith will use a specialty tool to straighten the keys, which has an angled tip that fits into the groove in the key's tip. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire set of required tools through the internet or from locksmiths.

Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or affected. As time passes, dust will build up in the lock's the cylinder, which may cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this situation, you'll have spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and restore the pins to their original position.

If the key itself has become damaged, it could be a cause for concern. Over time, the repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves of a key. This can lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, therefore it's important to pay attention and check regularly that your key fits correctly.

In the winter months locks can freeze which will prevent the springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a frustrating issue, but is usually easily solved by warming the lock by using hot water and then re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze the lock, it will have to be replaced.

3. The Lock Isn't Turning

If you've ever encountered locks that don't turn and isn't opened, it can be very frustrating. If it happens often, you might consider getting locksmiths to come examine the lock and see if they are able to help. Fortunately, this isn't always required as there are things that can be repaired without the need for professional assistance.

The key may not turn in a lock due to it is damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key or it is broken in the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to be pushed further inside the mechanism, which could cause the issue to get worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. You'll want to be careful not to break any broken pieces using the pliers, or you could damage the lock.

You could also have an improperly aligned lock that could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you may test it to verify that the lock is operating properly. If you discover that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate can fix the issue and allow the lock function normally.

A lock might not rotate due to dust or dirt. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down as normal. It's crucial not to use oil based products like WD-40 to solve this issue, since they could cause more blockages later on.

Lastly, it's worth noting that there are certain types of keys that don't be used in all locks. If yours is one of them, it might be time to purchase a replacement key from a local hardware store so that it works inside the lock.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder rotates in a confinement area. These vortices can impose significant forces on the rotating cylinder. The force is proportional to dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are made of aluminum alloy.

If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it however the lock isn't rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying your lock may resolve the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or in many big box stores.