Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
If a door lock begins to show signs of wear it is crucial to have it replaced promptly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk making your home vulnerable to break-ins.
Fortunately, many of the most frequent issues with door locks are fixable without the need for an expert. Find out more about the most common issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles as power door locks are now the norm and standard, car owners must be aware of and watch for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that the key slides into and it can wear out or break and cause your keys to stick when inserted or turning hard. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act swiftly to stop the problem from getting worse.
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 could be hindering it. You could also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but make sure not to apply too much since this can cause the pins to wear down more quickly. If your key won't turn after trying these different methods it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. It could also be repaired by an expert locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried a different key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and then manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. Be sure to retighten these screws following the move, but don't get too tight, as this could cause internal components to become worn or damaged.
You may also have to take off the faceplate of the lock in accordance with the type. If this is the case, you'll find them hidden behind seams or indentations along the edge of the faceplate or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any that are damaged or worn.
When assembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's that you should call an expert as the lock cylinder may require replacement.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, the handle of a door may become loose and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This could be a major issue, as it makes it difficult to open the door and puts people at risk. It is important to know why the handle is loosened and what can be done to fix it.
In most cases, this is due to a screw inside the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, whereas older styles are easily accessible. It is easy to tighten these screws, though it is best to use threadlocker, which will lock the screws in place.
If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You might need to loosen the ring around the handle's base first, then you can pull it off of the knob by pressing the metal detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. Also, you should check the strike plate screws that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Other times, the problem may be related to the handle's spring cassette. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is usually required.
You can do this yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are a range of cassettes, so be sure to select the appropriate one for your handle.
It could also be due to a broken mounting ring or faceplate, but this is not common with newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement to yours at a hardware store or online. Once you've put in the new part and tightened all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. You should also re-align the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried about this being too much of a DIY project the locksmith you choose can provide the price for this service.
Keys that don't turn
There are a number of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. This is often due to a lack of lubrication. You can fix this by applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Sometimes keys are the source of the issue. The tip of a key will become blunt over time if it is employed for a different purpose than getting into your home. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way and can result in it getting stuck or jammed inside of the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with a bastard tool can aid in fitting it better.
Another reason why a key might not turn inside a lock is that it is damaged or bent. Using a key as a tool to cut objects or as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the key to become bent which can prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be required to resolve the problem.
If a key has snapped inside of a lock, it is important to be aware that attempting to put the two pieces of metal back to each other won't work. This could cause further damage to the mechanism, and it is best to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case it is possible to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. After the cylinder has been heated and able to be used, it's time to insert the key and unlock the door. You can also make use of a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of the security of your home. However that they're often taken for granted--until they stop working correctly. The sticky locks could be a source of trouble. However, they're simple to fix and help prevent more serious problems from arising.
One of the most likely reasons for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This can be easily cured with a little cleaning and lubrication.
A common option is to apply a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is put into lock and then rotated back and forth to spread the oil on the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock should rotate smoothly once more.
Another option is to choose a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, unlike oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in many hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can use pencils that are made from the same material.
Clean up car door lock repair near me applied after you've used it. This will stop it from building up and causing future issues. If your sticky lock won't move after you've tried all of the suggestions above, it's time to call a professional locksmith who will assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. If you don't address the problem, it can turn into major hassles and lead to keys snapping in the lock, or even the door handle. It's better to act sooner than later if you have a stuck lock. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these issues from happening in the first place. Adding this to your yearly maintenance routine will provide you with peace of mind that your locks work effectively, protecting your home.