How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

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

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

1. Door Handle or Knob Loose

Over time, door knobs and handles could become loose. This can lead to an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult for you to open. Knobs that are loose in the door aren't just annoying but they can compromise your building's security, making it important to find and fix the problem quickly. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively simple to repair. There are many methods to fix it, dependent on the lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that conceals the screws that hold it together. This is a more complicated method when your door has an underlay that hides the screws.

The majority of interior doorknobs have a tiny screw referred to as an setscrew located on the inside of the knob to prevent it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw known as a set screw on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding over the spindle. You can use an flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it using an Allen wrench. After it's tightened, test the knob and see if it no longer feels like it's jiggly.

If the knob is still uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned properly. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned you should look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Slide the knob over the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver that has a flat head. When you do this, the knob should begin to click and show that it is positioned properly on the spindle.

After ensuring that the set screw is positioned properly then tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in the correct position. If this does not resolve the issue, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll have to replace window lock the screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're not happy with this type of repair, seek out an experienced locksmith who can provide repair for damaged locks to assist.

2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock

There are a number of reasons that your key may stop turning inside the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have begun to wear down, which means they do not have the right shape to move the wafers, sliders or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case an easy fix would be spraying the lock with graphite 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 have it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith will use a special tool that has an edge that is curved to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit with the right tools online or at an establishment that sells locksmith tools.

Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or affected. Dust can build up over time within the lock's cylinder, and causes the springs or pins to become stuck. In this situation, spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clean out the pins and restore them to their original positions.

It could also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. Over time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a keys. This can result in the key not being able to fit in the cylinder. It is essential to regularly check to ensure that the key fits correctly.

Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This will prevent the pins and springs from moving when a key is inserted. This can be a frustrating issue however it is usually resolved by warming the upvc window lock replacement with hot water and re-lubricating 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 find locks that don't turn or open. If this happens often, you may want to think about calling a locksmith to take a look at the lock to see whether they can help. This isn't always needed, as some problems can be fixed by yourself.

The key won't rotate in the lock if damaged. This can happen if you've lost your key, or it's broken inside the double glazing Window lock replacement. Instead of trying to fish keys out of the lock which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism and make it worse you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by cutting off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers.

You may also have a misaligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, it could be tested in the lock to ensure that it works correctly and isn't the issue. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly by tightening the screws around the strike plate can solve the issue and allow the lock to perform normally.

A lock may not turn because of dirt or dust. Using an graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant will solve this issue by coating the pins in the lock to allow them to move up and down in a normal manner. It's important not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this problem, however, because they can cause obstructions later on.

It is important to remember that certain keys won't fit into all locks. If yours is one of these then it's time to purchase a replacement window locks key from the local hardware store, so that it works in the lock.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

When a cylinder rotates within a confinement gap it can result in hairpin vortices that can result in significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to dimensions of the curvature radius x and the confinement factor. The head, tube and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminum alloy.

If you can insert your key and turn it, but the lock is still rotating the cylinder, it could be faulty. Rekeying the lock may fix the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at many big box stores.