Lock Repair: It's Not As Expensive As You Think

How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

If your locks fail, you can try to fix them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. Lock repair can be tricky and a wrong choice 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 a graphite spray or silicone based oil.

1. Locked Door Knob or Handle

Over time, door knobs and handles can become loose. This can lead to an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is crucial to replace loose door knobs because they can be a nuisance but also can affect the security of your building. A doorknob that is loose is easy to fix. Based on the type of lock you have installed on your door, there are several solutions to fix it. Some lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others use backplates to hide the screws. If your door has the latter type, this method might be more difficult.

The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slip over a spindle that is cylindrical, that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a small screw known as a set screw located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. You can use an flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once it's tightened, try turning the knob to check if it no longer feels like it's jiggly.

If the knob is still like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't placed properly. Look for an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle, to ensure that the screw is in the proper position. Depress the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into position when you do this, signalling that it is properly positioned on the spindle.

After you've made sure the set screw is in the correct position and tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in place. This should solve the issue If not, you may have to take the knob off and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. It is necessary to replace the screws in this case before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type of repair, call an expert who specializes in repair of damaged locks.

2. The key won't spin in the lock.

There are a number of reasons why your key might cease to turn in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder are beginning to wear down, which means they no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance the best solution would be to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again.

If the problem is more serious, and the key is bent it may be necessary to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith can use a special tool to straighten the keys, which has a curved end to fit into the recessed groove of the tip of the key. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase an entire kit with the essential tools online or from an experienced locksmith.

A dirty or contaminated lock is a different possibility. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this instance you'll need spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to remove it and restore the pins to their original positions.

If the key itself is damaged, it could also be a cause for concern. A key can be worn down over time through repeated use, which will cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This could lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, which is why it is important to be aware and regularly check that your key is fitted correctly.

In the colder months, locks can freeze, which prevents the pins and springs from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a nagging issue however, it's usually quite simple to solve by heating the lock using hot water and then using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen, it will need to be replaced.

3. The Lock isn't Turning

It can be a hassle to have a lock that won't turn or open. If it happens often, you might consider getting locksmiths to come take a look and see if they are able to assist.  double glazed window lock repairs  isn't always needed since some issues can be solved by yourself.

The key will not rotate in the lock if it is damaged. This could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or it has been damaged inside the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to move further into the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. You should be cautious not to break the broken piece by using the pliers or you could end up damaging the lock.

You could also have an improperly aligned lock that could cause the door not to latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you may test it to verify that the lock is operating correctly. If you discover that the lock isn't aligned properly tightening the screws on the strike plate could fix the issue and allow the lock to work normally.

A lock might not rotate due to dust or dirt. This problem can be solved by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to cover the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up and down normally. It is important to avoid using oil based products like WD-40 for this though as these can cause further blockages later on.

It's also worth noting that there are certain types of keys that don't be used in all locks. If your key is one of these, it might be time to get a replacement key made at an area hardware store to ensure that it will work inside the lock.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

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

If you are able insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate, the cylinder may be defective. Rekeying your lock can solve the issue. There are kits designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or in many big box stores.