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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

When a door lock starts to appear worn it is crucial to have it repaired promptly. In the event that it doesn't, you risk leaving your home at risk of burglary.

Fortunately, a majority of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling in a professional. Learn more about what to look for and how to fix the problem at home.

Damaged Lock Cylinder

Car owners should be aware of and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders, even when they aren't as prevalent in newer cars as door locks with power have become the norm. This is the mechanical tumbler that keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break which causes keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. It is essential to immediately take action if you notice your vehicle experiencing this problem.

Spray compressed air into the cylinder to get rid of any debris blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder using a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much since this could cause the pins to wear down more quickly. If your key won't turn after trying all these methods it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. G28 could also be repaired by an experienced locksmith.

After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you may need to loosen the screws holding the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole. Retighten the screws but not too much 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 in order to access the screw heads that are used to secure it. They can be located by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the edge of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to get into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

When reassembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's likely time to contact an expert because the lock cylinder might need to be replaced.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, a door handle may become loose 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 crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can be fixed.

It is usually caused by a loose screw on the doorplate. Some modern doors have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, but older designs will have them accessible and visible. You can tighten them easily however it is recommended to use threadlocker, which will secure the screws in the correct position.

If the screw is exposed, you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may have to loosen the ring at the base of the handle before you can pull the knob away while pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws that you can tighten. You should also check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it is closed.

Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. It can wear out over time, but most of the time it's just down to wear and tear and requires an easy replacement.

You can do it yourself or have a local locksmith install it for you. There are many different types of cassettes available to choose from, so be sure to choose the correct one for the type of handle you have.

It can also be down to a damaged mounting ring or faceplate, however this is extremely rare with the newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement to yours at a hardware store or online. After you've installed the new piece and tightened all the fixings and re-attach the handle. Re-aligning the holes of the handle with the holes on your plate is also essential. If you are worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could offer a price.

Keys That Don't Turn

There are many different reasons that keys may not rotate inside locks. It is usually due to a lack lubrication. This can be corrected with a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the grease.





Sometimes, the key is the issue. The key's tip can become blunted over time if used for other purposes than just to gain entry into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way, causing it to become stuck or trapped in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with the aid of a bastard tool could aid in the fitting.

A key that is not turning in a lock may be damaged or bent. The edge of a key may be bent if used to cut or open cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be required to correct the issue.

It is vital to be aware that gluing the two pieces of steel together is not a viable option if a key has broken inside a lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism and it is advised to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.

If the key is not damaged, it could be that the cylinder of the lock has been blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm up the cylinder by placing the key in hot water for a few minutes. After the cylinder has been heated, it should be possible to insert the key and then unlock the door. You can also make use of a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to melt out the mechanism.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an essential component of the security of your home. However that they're often overlooked until they stop working properly. Locks that stick could be a source of trouble. However, they're simple to fix and could prevent bigger problems from developing.

One of the most likely reasons for a lock to become sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. It can be fixed with a bit of cleaning and lubrication.

Dry lubricant like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then inserted into the lock, and it is turned back and forth to spread the lubricant over the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock should be able to turn smoothly again.

Another option is to use the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is an excellent lubricant for small metal parts and doesn't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also employ a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.

Always wipe away any excess lubricant applied after having used it. This will stop it from accumulating and causing future issues. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to contact a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can turn into major hassles and can lead to keys snapping out of the lock or even in the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be a huge hassle It's best to act earlier rather than later. And regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of problems from happening in the first in the first. You can be assured of peace of assurance that your locks work properly and secure your home by including this in your annual maintenance routine.