5 Lock Repairs Projects That Work For Any Budget

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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

When a lock on your door begins to begin to show signs of wear it is crucial to have it replaced promptly. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.

Fortunately, a majority of the most common issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without the need for a professional. Learn more about the most common problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.

Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder

While they aren't as prevalent on modern vehicles, as power door locks are now the norm vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and look out for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler made of mechanical that the key slides into and it is prone to be damaged or worn out which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned in a sharp. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's important to take action quickly to stop the problem from worsening.

Spray compressed air into the cylinder to remove any debris blocking it. You can 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 out faster. If your key still won't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder or get it repaired professionally by locksmiths.

Once you've sprayed the piston and tried another key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it so that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. The screws should be tightened but not too tight as this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.

Depending on the type of lock you may have to remove the faceplate as well to access the screw heads that are used to secure it. If so, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations on the edge of the faceplate or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.

When assembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and secure the screws. It is also important to check the cylinder to make sure that it can be turned and inserted without any issues. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's time to call a professional as the lock's cylinder could need to be replaced.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a huge issue because it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those using it. It is important to understand why the handle is loosened and how it can be fixed.

Often, this is simply due to a screw inside the door plate that needs tightening. Some modern doors have hidden chassis screws which are difficult to reach, while older styles will have them accessible and visible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is best to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in their place.

If the screw is exposed, you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring at the base of the handle before you can pry the knob away while pressing the metal detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. You should also examine the strike plate screws, that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue can be down to the handle's spring cassette. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is usually needed.

You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith will install it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes that are available, so make sure you choose the correct one for your handle type.

This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring however it is uncommon for newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement for yours from a hardware store or online. Once you have fitted the new part you will be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. You should also re-align the holes in the handle with those on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could give you a quote.

Keys that don't turn

There are many reasons why keys do not rotate inside locks. This is typically due to a lack of lubrication. This can be fixed by using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant, and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards, which should enable the key to unlock the lock.

Sometimes keys are the source of the problem. The point of a key will become blunt over time if it is used for other purposes than to get into your home. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way and could result in it becoming stuck or jammed inside of the lock. In this case the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file can make it fit better.

Another reason why the key may not turn in a lock is that it is damaged or bent. Utilizing keys as tools to cut things or as a can opener could cause the tip of the key to be bent, which could also hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this case, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key get more info could be required to correct the problem.

It is vital to be aware that gluing the two pieces of metal won't work when a key is damaged inside a lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith who provides replacement keys.

If the key isn't broken, it may be that the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In this situation, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Locks that stick could be a source of trouble. However, they're simple to fix and could help prevent more serious problems from arising.

One of the most likely causes for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This is easily remedied by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.

A common option is to make use of a dry lubricant, like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forward in order to spread oil on the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will turn smoothly once again.

Another option is to use the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a great grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can also employ a pencil for the same purpose, as it's made of the same material.

Always clean up any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from building up and becoming a source of future issues. If your lock is stuck and won't move after you've tried all the above suggestions it's time to call a professional locksmith who can assess the situation and determine what the best option is. If you do not take care of locks that are sticky, they could be a serious issue and cause keys to snap in the lock. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be extremely frustrating It's best to take action sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. You can have peace of peace of mind knowing that your locks will work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance schedule.