How To Outsmart Your Boss In Lock Repair

How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks fail You can attempt to fix them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. However, lock repair isn't easy and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could cause further damage. You must first find out if the issue is due to dirt or dust. This can usually be cleared by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant. 1. Locked Door Knob or Handle Door knobs and handles could get loose in time, which can result in a jiggly door handle, or a knobs that are difficult to open. It is essential to replace loose door knobs because they are not only annoying, but can compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is fairly simple to repair. There are many methods to fix it, dependent on the lock system your door is using. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that hides the screws that hold it together. If your door uses the second type, this process might be more difficult. The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle which is mounted in the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, called a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob which is stopping it from sliding over the spindle. You can make use of a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened, turn the knob to verify if it feels secure. If your knob is moving, it could be because the screw that sets it hasn't been positioned correctly. Look for an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle to ensure the screw is in the correct position. Depress the button with an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should click into place after you have done this, which indicates that it is properly positioned on the spindle. After you've made sure the set screw is positioned properly and tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in place. This should resolve the issue If not it is, you will have to take the knob off and examine the backplate for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you will require replacing these screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks. 2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock There are a variety of reasons why your key might cease to turn in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins within the cylinder are beginning to wear down and, consequently, they don't have the correct shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray will help coat the pins in order to make them move again. If the issue is more serious, and the key has been bent, you may have to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will use a special tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire set of essential tools on the internet or from locksmiths. A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. Over time, dust may build up in the lock's cylinder, which can cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this situation you'll need to spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and return the pins to their original position. It could also be an issue when the key has been damaged. Over time, the repeated use can wear down the grooves of a key. This can cause the key to not fit into the cylinder. window lock repairs Repair My Windows And Doors is essential to regularly check to ensure that the key fits properly. Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This can stop the pins and springs from moving when keys are inserted. This can be a frustrating problem however it is quite simple to solve by warming up the lock with hot water and using an oil-based lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it's likely to need to be replaced by a professional. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered locks that don't turn and can't be opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If this happens often, you may want to think about having a locksmith come and inspect the lock to determine whether they can help. Fortunately, this isn't required as there are things that can be repaired without the need for professional assistance. Often the key won't turn in a lock due to it's damaged. This could happen when you've lost your keys or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock which could cause the damaged piece of the key to move further inside the mechanism, which could cause the problem to become more severe, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by tearing off any of the broken key with the pliers. 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 make sure that the lock functions correctly. If you discover that the lock isn't correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and allow the lock function normally. A lock might not rotate due to dust or dirt. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this problem by coating the pins inside the lock to allow them to move up and down normally. Avoid using oil-based products such as WD-40, because they can cause more obstructions in the future. It is important to remember that some keys simply won't fit in all locks. If yours is one of these then it's time to get a replacement key from the local hardware store so that it works in the lock. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder is turned in a confinement gap, it can cause hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to dimensionless curvature radius x and the confinement factor. The head, tube and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminum alloy. If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it however the lock isn't turning, there may be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock may fix the issue. There are kits made specifically for this purpose and can be purchased online or in many big box stores.