Locks-Repair-Explained-In-Less-Than-140-Characters-e

How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair

Lubricating your door lock with oil may help. If it is wiggles when you insert the key, it's time to call for a professional repair or replacement.

In some instances an upgraded more secure lock could be more affordable than trying to fix an old lock.

Cylinder Damage

If your lock cylinder feels stiff or the key is not turning smoothly, this is a sign that the cylinder has been damaged. A damaged cylinder could make your door vulnerable to burglary and should be repaired immediately. Try lubricating the lock to see if this helps however, if you are unable to fix it yourself it is recommended that a locksmith be called.

Rust and corrosion are the most common causes of cylinder lock problems. You can stop this from happening by regularly applying a protective coating of paint to the surface of the lock. Check that the weather strip is in good condition. If not, this can cause water to seep into and weaken the cylinder with time.

Another issue that is common is when the cylinder becomes misaligned with the keyhole on the door. This could be due to a number of factors, including a loose bolt or a misaligned handle keyway. To fix the issue you'll need to take out the screws that hold the cylinder. Then you can gently adjust it. Be careful not to tighten the screws too much as this could damage the components.

Use a graphite lubricant to ensure your cylinder runs correctly. It is available in hardware stores and can be applied directly on the cylinder. The lubricant makes the key move smoothly, and will prevent any future lock issues.

If the cylinder is severely damaged, you might need to replace it. This is a simple task you can tackle at home. The first step is removing the faceplate. After that it's time to disassemble the lock's and cylinder. After taking the cylinder off its mount, be aware of any set screws that hold it in the position. They are crucial to note for reassembly later on.

Last but not least, make use of a screwdriver with a fine tip to reach the narrower areas of the lock. You will also want to keep a few plastic ziplock bags on hand to keep the pieces you take out to be able to refer back later.

Loose Knobs or Handles

Over time, door handles or knobs can get loose. This can cause a huge issue for employees as well as customers. The good part is that this issue is usually easy to fix and doesn't require a specialist locksmith service.

In general, loose doorknobs could be the result of the same factors that cause locks to move and pull away from the doors: age and wear loose screws, mismatched components. It is also possible that the building or property has settled slightly, which can impact how tightly a door handle rests on the lock.

It is possible to fix knobs or handles that are loose but you must have the proper tools. Also, be careful not to over tighten the screw. This could cause damage to the doorknob or handle. It's also a good thing to have a second hand to assist you in tightening and twisting the doorknob.

It is important to find the screw that is loose. It is usually located under an attractive cover that protects the lockset mounting ring. It is necessary to press a button or lever with an awl or the tip of the screwdriver's small flat blade to take off the cover and expose the lockset mounting ring. The nuts can be tightened by turning it anticlockwise.

Some newer doorknobs are designed with a different method of fixing. They use a device known as detent, and are fastened to the door using hidden screws. This type of fastener may be slightly more complicated however it is easily fixed using the same methods previously.

It is recommended to put washers on the screw after it has been tightened, it will stop the screw from loosening to the point of becoming loose in the future. This is particularly crucial for doorknobs made of wood that can get a stripped screw hole from repeated use. Washers are available at any hardware shop and are an easy and quick way to solve a daily problem. Pick a washer that is compatible with the screw on your doorknob.

Poorly cut key

Keys that are not cut properly are the most common reason why a key isn't turning inside your lock. It could be due to a poor copy made by a locksmith, or because the original key has deteriorated over time. It is crucial to only choose a reliable locksmith if you require keys copied or your locks rekeyed.

A locksmith should always look over the key to determine the appropriate cutting depth and ensure that the cuts are evenly spaced across the key. A good locksmith will inspect the lock and pinpoint the problem. They will then provide a solution, such as replacing pins or adjusting the lock cylinder.

Bring the key that isn't able to turn to a locksmith so they can test it on their duplicator. This will ensure that the new key is cut correctly and that it is a good fit for your lock.

If the key is unable to fully fit into the lock it could be due to dirt or other debris that have built up in the lock. Lubricating the lock using graphite or silicone-based lubricant will help unblock tumblers which are blocked or stuck.

Another common problem is that keys were not precisely cut when it was first made. This can happen when someone attempts to make an inexpensive duplicate of a key. It is essential to trust a professional locksmith with the tools and training necessary to create high-quality copies.

If you've lost a key in the lock and you want to retrieve it, you can use a pair of needle-nosedpliers or tweezers to remove it. Be careful not to push the end of the pliers tweezers too far, because this could make the problem worse and it is much easier for professionals to remove the broken part without causing further damage to the lock mechanism. It is recommended to bring the key that broke when you go to the locksmith to utilize their duplicator to make the replacement for you.

Sagging Locks

A sagging lock could be the reason of your inability to lock your door. This could cause the latch or bolt to jam in the door frame and could make closing the door more difficult. This can cause drafts and create a larger gap between the frame and the door. Both are susceptible to damage in time.

You can easily repair locks that are sliding. They can be fixed by tightening the screws that hold the hinges. If that doesn't work you, try to lubricate the lock. You can try using graphite powder, or a silicone based lubricant. Choose a lubricant which won't cause damage to the lock over the course of time.

Another issue that can hinder the ability of a door to properly shut and open is a misaligned locking system. This can be caused by a door not being installed correctly, or by the weather changing, which can cause the doors and frames to move. If not addressed this issue can make your home or business vulnerable to burglars.

First, locks repair 'll need to verify that the frame and door are on the same plane. If they're not, you'll have to adjust the hinges on the door to ensure that they're aligned at the right height.

The next step is to inspect the mortise and strike plate. You can move the strike plate if it's sliding with a hammer, or chisel. Once you've repositioned it, check it to make sure that it's aligned with the latch.

Call a locksmith if you have issues with your lock. If you own a Yale lock mortice lock or uPVC lock, locksmiths can help solve the issue and ensure that your door is secure.





Be aware that only certain types of damage to locks can be repaired. Do not attempt to bend a damaged bolt back to its original position, as this will weaken it and could potentially cause damage to the cylinder. It's best to call in an expert if you're having serious problems. They can examine the damage, and let you know what options are available.