How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

You can fix your locks yourself or hire a professional locksmith when they start to malfunction. However, lock repair isn't easy and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could cause further damage.

The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. This is usually solved by applying some graphite spray or silicone based lubricant.

1. Door Handle or Knob Loose

Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This can result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs aren't just annoying, they can compromise your building's security, which is why it's important to find and fix the problem quickly. A loose doorknob is relatively easy to fix. There are several ways to fix this dependent on the type of lock system your door is using. Some lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others use backplates that hide the screws. If your window door repairs locks glass hinges uses the latter type, this method might be more difficult.

The majority of interior doorknobs have a small screw called an setscrew located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a small screw known as a set screw on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding over spindle. Utilize flashlights to locate the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened up, turn the knob to see if it no longer feels as jiggly.

If your knob is still jiggly, it could be that the set screw hasn't been placed correctly. To make sure the screw is properly positioned, look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Press the button using an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into position after you have done this, which indicates that it is positioned correctly on the spindle.

After you've made sure the set screw is positioned properly then tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in place. If this doesn't solve the issue, you may have to take the knob from the backplate and look for loose or missing screws. You will need to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can replace the knob or handle. If you're not sure about this type of repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks.

2. The key won't turn inside the lock

There are many reasons why your upvc window lock repair near me key may stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear down and, consequently, they do not have the right shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance, a quick fix would be to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and make them to move once more.

However, if the problem is more severe and the key has been bent out of shape, you may need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will employ an exclusive tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove at the tip of the key. This type of tool isn't sold at hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit that includes the proper tools online or at an establishment that sells locksmith tools.

A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. Dust can build up over time in the lock's cylinder and cause the pins or springs to get stuck. 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 positions.

It could also be an issue when the key has been damaged. Keys can wear down with time due to frequent use, which could cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This can lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, therefore it is important to be aware and make sure that your key is fitted correctly.

In colder weather, locks can freeze, which can stop the springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually quite simple to solve by warming the lock using hot water and using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may need to be replaced by an expert.

3. The Lock Isn't Turning

It can be frustrating to find a lock that won't turn or open. If it happens often, you may want to contact locksmiths to check it out and see if they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't required as there are things that can be solved without professional assistance.

Often the key won't turn in a lock due to it's damaged. This could happen if you have lost your key, or if it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to fish keys out of the double glazing window lock repairs, which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism and increase the risk you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. Be careful not to break any of the broken piece with the pliers or you may cause damage to the lock.

It's also possible that your lock isn't aligned correctly and this could cause the door to not latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an extra key, this can be tested in the lock to ensure that it works correctly and isn't the issue. If you discover that the lock isn't aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate can fix the issue and allow the lock function normally.

Another reason why your key may not be turning is because there is dirt or dust in the lock preventing it from moving. Using an graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant can solve this issue by coating the pins in the upvc window lock repair near me to allow them to move up and down as normal. It's important not to use oil based products like WD-40 for this though as these can cause further obstructions later on.

Lastly, it's worth noting that there are certain types of keys that don't be used in all locks. If your key is one of these then it's time to get a new key from a local hardware store, so that it will work in the lock.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

When a cylinder is turned within a confinement gap it may result in hairpin vortices to form which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The cylinder's tube, head and main body are all made of aluminum alloy.

If you're able to insert your key in and turn it but the lock is still rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying your lock may solve the problem. There are kits specifically designed specifically for this purpose and can be purchased on the internet or at most big box stores.